Please PACK LIGHT!!!!
We’ll be moving around throughout the tour and there are luggage restrictions for our included domestic flights (see below, only applies for those doing BOTH North and South Islands). Please do your best to keep your luggage to 1 medium sized suitcase & 1 smaller carry on size. An additional backpack/camera bag is also OK.
CHECKED BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE (1 checked bag)
The maximum weight for CHECKED BAG: 20 kg (44 lbs)
Weather in New Zealand
Weather in New Zealand is crazy (for lack of a better term). As we road trip our way throughout the South and North Islands the weather can and will likely change drastically from day to day. We will be there during the beginning of their fall so overall we should have good weather. Instead of listing the 10 different micro climates we will likely encounter, please check out the below links for an overview of the weather in the North and South Islands:
- http://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/about-new-zealand/weather-and-climate.html
- http://www.newzealand.com/us/feature/new-zealand-climate-and-weather/
Plug Adapters
Laptops, tablets / iPads, smartphones / iPhones, e-readers, digital cameras and other small electronics that run on batteries generally have chargers that are already compatible with 100-240 volts, and therefore usually only require a simple plug adapter. See link below for images and more details:
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD) (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g255104-s601/New-Zealand:Banks.And.Money.html) 1 USD = .69 NZD
*There is no need to exchange money before the trip. Plenty of banks, ATMs, and money changers can be found in each major city we’ll be visiting. We recommend exchanging a small amount of cash on arrival at the airport to hold you over for the first day although this is not necessary if you arrive in the morning because there will be all day to exchange money nearby the hotel.
How much $$$ to bring: New Zealand is not cheap unfortunately, however, the exchange rate is very much in our favor right now! Lunches will generally range from 15.00-20.00 USD and Dinners from 25.00-40.00 USD. Please bring enough cash to suit your personal spending habits and have a debit/credit card as back up. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and establishments in each area we’ll be visiting. Be sure to bring enough extra cash for tipping as well (see below)
Tipping
We recommend 5.00-10.00 USD per day for our guides and 2-3.00 per day for our drivers. There will be many ½ & 1 day guides leading us on specific tours only, and we recommend tipping these guides 5.00-10.00 USD total. Tipping for luggage porters (1.00 USD per bag) and maid service (2-3.00 USD per day).
* Tipping for everything else is NOT necessary. That being said, taxi drivers, wait staff at high end establishments, or porters will not say no to a tip. But anything more than 5% to 10% would be considered extraordinary
Recommended Packing List
Clothing: LAYERS is the name of the game here!
- Sturdy, comfortable, and supportive waterproof hiking shoes (Sneakers OK if good traction and are comfortable for you)
- T-shirts
- Sun hat with brim
- Winter hat that covers your ears
- Winter Gloves
- pants
- shorts
- Long-sleeved synthetic tops
- Short-sleeved synthetic t-shirts
- Medium-weight fleece jacket
- Water and windproof parka jacket/rain jacket (with hood)
- Synthetic hiking socks
- Bathing suit
- Sunglasses
- Casual city clothes
- Casual shoes/ sneakers
- Sandals
Toiletries:
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Moisturizer
- Sunblock (SPF 15 or higher)
- High factor sunblock lip balm
Personal Items:
- PASSPORT
- Travel Insurance cards/confirmation (if you purchased)
- Large & small ziplock bags to protect cameras and other technology in rain
- Camera, lenses, extra batteries, extra memory cards and related gear (tripod optional but great to have for the amazing landscapes!)
- Heavy-duty one litre capacity water bottle and/or water bladder
- Small flashlight/headlamp
- Earplugs- Especially if sharing room!!
- Your medicine (labeled)
- Bonine/Motion Sickness Wrist Bands (for car sickness during long drives)
- Plastic bags for wet clothing
- Multi-tool knife (Must put in CHECKED BAGGAGE if you bring)
- Money Belt
- Insect repellent
- After bite
- Personal Contacts Address list (e-mail & emergency contact info)
- Travel towel
- Headlamp/flashlight
- Large & small ziplock bags to protect cameras and other technology
- Anti-bacterial hand lotion
- Small daypack
- First aid kit including:
- Prescription medicines
- Anti-diarrheal
- Mosquito repellent
- Antibiotic cream
- Ace bandage
- Pain reliever
- Lip balm
- Band-aids
