USA passport, visa, and entry requirement information for US citizens.

• Passport: Your passport should have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip
• Visa Requirement: A visa is not required to enter New Zealand.
• Entry Requirements: You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to getours.com/travel-requirements-restrictions.

New Zealand has a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild temperatures and high rainfall throughout the year. The country experiences four distinct seasons, with summer lasting from December to February and winter from June to August. The North Island tends to be warmer and milder than the South Island. The country is influenced by the prevailing westerly winds, resulting in varied weather patterns and rapid changes in conditions. The diverse geography of New Zealand contributes to a wide range of microclimates, from the subtropical climate in the north to the alpine climate in the Southern Alps.

Luggage on Tour

Traveling with GET entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 30” x 18” x 10” and weight not exceeding 50 lbs due to the limited space on the coach. Carry-on/hand luggage is restricted to one piece per person, not exceeding 12”x11”x6” to fit under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment.

For safety reasons, small rolling suitcases are not permitted inside the coach. As our coaches have large windows, there is minimal space to store them securely overhead or under the seat. The suggested carry-on is a soft-sided bag similar to a backpack, tote bag, etc.

So your driver and the hotel porters can safely lift and transport your suitcase throughout your vacation, we strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.

Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline, and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.

Packing Tips for Your Tour

When packing for a guided tour, it's essential to consider the local climate, cultural norms, and the activities you'll be engaging in. Here's a suggested packing list:

Clothing

• A range of shoes. New Zealand offers a vast array of terrains. To make the most of your trip, it is important to pack shoes that can cater to all your activities, from strolling busy city streets to exploring vineyards, hiking in the mountains to dinner in a posh restaurant, and even enjoying sandy beaches. We suggest comfortable walking shoes, flip flops for beach days, a formal pair for nights out, and good hiking boots if you plan on hiking.
• Lightweight, breathable, all-climate clothing: Pack clothes suitable for the season. Bring a mix of short-sleeved tops, lightweight pants or skirts, and a few long-sleeved options for cooler evenings for the summer months, and long-sleeved and heavier layers for early Spring, Fall, and Winter. It's important to remember that New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere. So, when it’s winter here, it’s summer there. Make sure you pack accordingly.
• Layers: To ensure you're ready for any situation, it's wise to pack adaptable, layered clothing. We advise you bring a light jacket or sweater and a scarf for layering, especially in Spring or Fall. We also suggest packing a portable umbrella or light rain jacket to prepare you for unexpected rain showers.
• Modest attire: Sometimes modest clothing is required. For women especially, we suggest packing a shawl or scarf to cover your shoulders or legs when/if necessary.
• Nice evening wear: You may wish to wear a dressier outfit if you plan on dining in an elegant restaurant, for example. Smart-casual clothes are usually acceptable attire for all included daytime and evening activities throughout your tour.

Accessories

• Sun Protection & Reef-safe Sunscreen: New Zealand is known for its harsh sun, so we always recommend carrying sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing. Make sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen formulated without harmful chemicals known to be damaging to coral reefs and marine life. Traditional sunscreens often contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been found to contribute to coral bleaching and negatively impact marine ecosystems. Reef-safe sunscreens should also be biodegradable and free from chemicals that can harm marine life. Look for sunscreens with certifications such as "Reef Safe," "Coral Safe," or "Ocean-Friendly" to ensure their environmental friendliness.
• Daypack or tote bag: A small backpack or tote bag will be handy for carrying essentials during your explorations.
• Travel adapter, voltage converter, and charger: Ensure you have the appropriate adapters for power outlets and a charger for your electronic devices. (See Electricity, Adapters & Air Conditioning

Miscellaneous Items

• A camera: You’ll see some of the world’s most extraordinary sites in New Zealand. So that you don't miss a single moment, bring a trustworthy camera. You can also use the camera on your phone, but you might want to zoom in or capture moving objects. A camera is your best bet for this.
• A new, blank journal to document your trip. Don't know your travel journal style? Find out here!
• A small travel alarm
• A travel iron if you like your clothes to be pressed
• A washcloth and carry bag
• A travel pillow

Electricity

• American appliances run on 110 volts, while the standard voltage in New Zealand is 230-240 volts at 50 hertz (Hz).
• New Zealand primarily uses Type I power outlets. Type I outlets have three flat pins in a triangular pattern, and the plugs are specific to this region.
• For US travelers, a travel converter or adapter is necessary to use their electrical devices in New Zealand.
• A travel adapter allows you to physically plug your devices into the Type I outlets. However, it does not convert voltage. Most modern electronic devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and cameras, are dual voltage, which means they can support both 110-120V and 230-240V. In such cases, you won't need a voltage converter, but you will still need an adapter to fit the power outlets.
• For devices that are not dual voltage (e.g., some hairdryers, curling irons, and electric shavers), you will also need a voltage converter to adjust the voltage from 230-240V to the voltage supported by your devices (usually 110-120V). It's essential to check the voltage specifications on your electronic devices' labels or in the user manuals before traveling to New Zealand.
• We recommend purchasing an adapter with a voltage converter so you can pack less. Also, pick up any necessary adapters or converters for your electronic devices before departing on your guided tour and bringing them with you.

Hair Dryers in Your Hotel

Hair dryers are common accessories in hotels. Should you want to bring your own, though, you will need to bring an adapter and voltage converter or make sure it is dual voltage by checking the label for INPUT AC 120V - 240V or a switch that can be set to 125V or 250V. Many devices have this feature, so it's worth checking before you travel. If you specifically need a hair dryer during your trip, but can't find one in your hotel room, you can inquire with the hotel staff. Many hotels will be able to provide a hair dryer upon request, either at the front desk or through housekeeping.

Air Conditioning

• Air conditioning is commonly available in New Zealand hotels, restaurants, and public spaces, especially in major cities and tourist areas, but it is worth noting that the settings will differ from what you are used to in the USA.
• However, it's important to note that not all accommodations or historic buildings may have air conditioning, particularly in more traditional or rural settings.

Traveling by coach

Our modern air-conditioned coaches have been selected with your comfort in mind. Your Travel Director will familiarize you with all the onboard features, including a washroom fitted for your comfort. Regular stops are made to stretch your legs, take refreshments, fill up your water bottles, and use the facilities.

Airport transfers

Transfers will depend on the trip you choose and vary among destinations. In general, if you are joining or departing your guided vacation on the first or last day, return transfers between the airport and hotel are included. You’ll find specific information on your itinerary page.

To enable you to personalize your tour experience, you will find a number of Optional Experiences designed to complement the itinerary. These are designed to offer a deeper insight into the culture and character of the areas to be visited and provide some wonderful highlights to your travels. The optional program is designed to let you experience more of what interests you and to get the most from your vacation without replacing or overlapping with anything included in an itinerary.

The majority of Optional Experiences will be offered to you by your Travel Director at the beginning of your trip. Some may be subject to change, depending on the time you are traveling or local circumstances, including weather and days of the week. Your Travel Director will provide further information.

Usually, most Optional Experiences will be priced in the local currency, but please read through the details of individual optional experiences for specific information. Exact payment options will be advised locally by your Travel Director/Local Representative for each Optional Experience, but in many cases, cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are all accepted.

It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses while abroad.

In order to ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip, we strongly suggest that you pack a plentiful supply of any medication you may need while on vacation. Here’s what you need to know about traveling with medications.

Prior to traveling, please notify GET of any disability requiring special assistance or any specific dietary needs that you may have, and we will strive to accommodate these.

When traveling with GET, baggage handling at hotels, service charges, and tips for hotel wait staff (for included meals) will all be taken care of by your Travel Director. There are, however, a few instances where individual tipping is welcome.

Local Specialists

It is customary to show appreciation for the insights, stories, and know-how shared with you by the Local Specialists, and we suggest a gratuity of $1-2 per person per half day.

Your Coach Driver and Travel Director

The trip cost does not include gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. At the end of your trip, you may express appreciation to your Travel Director and Driver for their excellent service and the personal attention you received. Gratuities are given at the discretion of each guest, and a suggested amount per person/per day is listed in your travel documents.

For your convenience and ease, there is an option to pre-pay gratuities for the Travel Director and Driver at the time of booking.

Hotel services

Tipping hotel staff for room service delivery is customary if a charge needs to be added to the bill.