What to Expect
- Physical requirements
This trip is only for physically fit and healthy travelers and is not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. You must be able to walk 2-3 miles unassisted over the course of each day, exploring on foot and standing for up to an hour at a time. You must also be comfortable participating in 4-6 hours of daily physical activities and sightseeing. We reserve the right for our Trip Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home if their limitations are impacting the group's experience.
- Climate & terrain
New Zealand’s climate is mostly temperate. December-February are the warmest months, with temperatures in the 70s. May-September are the coolest months, with temperatures between 50-60. We’ll travel over city streets on foot, with occasional uphill walks along uneven glacial and rocky mountain terrain.
- Pacing
6 locations in 16 days with 1 one-night stay. Early mornings. There are 3 overland drives lasting 5-8 hours and many long days of coach travel with several stops for on-foot exploration. We’ll take a 2-hour walk through Auckland.
- Transportation
We travel by air-conditioned minibus. We’ll also board boats to cruise Milford Sound.
- Accommodations
We stay in hotels and resorts that have been carefully selected for comfort, location, and a uniquely New Zealand experience.
- Group size & leadership
16 maximum with 1 Trip Leader.
Visa Information
U.S. citizens will need a visa (or visas) for this trip. In addition, there may be other entry requirements that also need to be met. For your convenience, we’ve included a quick reference list, organized by country:
- New Zealand: No visa required.
- Australia (optional extension): Visa required.
Travelers who are booked on this adventure will be sent a complete Visa Packet— with instructions, applications, and a list of visa fees—approximately 100 days prior to their departure. (Because many countries limit the validity of their visa from the date it is issued, or have a specific time window for when you can apply, we do not recommend applying too early.)
If you are not a U.S. citizen, do not travel with a U.S. passport, or will be traveling independently before/after this trip, then your entry requirements may be different. Please check with the appropriate embassy or a visa servicing company. To contact our recommended visa servicing company, PVS International, call toll-free at 1-800-556-9990.
Vaccinations Information
For a detailed and up-to-date list of vaccinations that are recommended for this trip, please visit the CDC’s “Traveler’s Health” website.