New Zealand boasts a mild and varied climate that changes with the seasons and regions. Located in the southern hemisphere, the country experiences opposite seasons to those in Europe. Here, summer falls between December and February, autumn from March to May, winter from June to August, and spring from September to November.

The coastal areas generally enjoy mild temperatures throughout the year, while the interior of the South Island and upland regions can be considerably colder in winter – often with snowfall. The North Island is generally warmer than the South Island, and the far north enjoys a subtropical climate during the summer months.

Rain can fall all year round, but the amount of rainfall varies significantly across the country. The West Coast of the South Island ranks among the wettest regions in New Zealand, whereas the eastern coastlines are typically drier and enjoy more sunshine.

The weather can change rapidly, particularly in mountainous areas, so it’s wise to be prepared for sun, wind, and rain regardless of the season. In fact, it’s often said that in New Zealand you can experience all four seasons in a single day.

You can find average temperatures and rainfall for selected New Zealand cities here:

North Island (Auckland – Rotorua – Wellington):

South Island (Christchurch – Nelson/Abel Tasman NP – Queenstown – Franz Josef – Dunedin):

As a UK citizen, you’ll need a valid passport and an NZeTA travel authorisation to enter New Zealand.
The expiry date of your passport must be at least three months after the date you plan to leave the country.

If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from New Zealand, make sure to check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries require that your passport is valid for at least six months after your stay—even if you’re only in transit and not passing through immigration.

Please note: It is your own responsibility to check whether you need a visa for any transit airports along your journey.

NZeTA:

UK citizens do not require a visa to enter New Zealand for stays of up to six months, as the UK is included on the list of visa-waiver countries. However, you must obtain an approved electronic travel authorisation – the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

The easiest, quickest, and most affordable way to apply is by downloading their mobile app: NZeTA. Alternatively, you can apply online via this link.

You’ll need the following information and documents ready when you start your application:

• Passport (the passport you’ll be using to travel to New Zealand. Please remember to check its validity)
• Credit card (for payment of the NZeTA, which costs 17 NZD if applying via the app, or 23 NZD if applying on the website. You’ll also need to pay an IVL fee of 100 NZD. For more information, see ‘travel documents’ on this page).
• Passport photo. If applying via mobile phone, you can simply use your phone’s camera to take a photo.

The NZeTA is valid for two years for stays in New Zealand of up to six months at a time for UK citizens. Processing takes around 72 hours, but we recommend starting your application well in advance of your departure. Your approved NZeTA will be sent to you by email, and you must bring it with you to New Zealand.

Read more about the application process and important information regarding valid photos here.

Find out more about the requirements for having your NZeTA application approved, and see the list of countries whose citizens are visa-exempt and can apply for an NZeTA here.

Visa regulations can change at short notice, so we recommend that you stay updated on the New Zealand government’s immigration website.

If you are not a British national, or if you are unsure about the entry requirements for New Zealand, it is important that you contact the New Zealand High Commission in London: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/europe/united-kingdom/new-zealand-high-commission
Please remember that it is your own responsibility to check these regulations.

You’ll find useful information on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s website.

Prior to your departure, you can download our App here to find your travel documents and your contact details for TourCompass and our local partners in New Zealand.

Please ensure that you read your travel documents carefully and arrive at the specified meeting points at the arranged times.

We also recommend downloading the WhatsApp app to your smartphone and adding the phone numbers of our local partner. This way, you can send messages and make calls to them for free while connected to Wi-Fi.

Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL):

New Zealand has a compulsory fee for visitors known as the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, or IVL, which is charged when you apply and pay for your NZeTA travel authorisation.

The fee is currently 100 NZD per person. This levy helps finance nature conservation and infrastructure projects in New Zealand.

You may be required to present proof of payment for this levy upon arrival in New Zealand.

New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD):

All travellers are required to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), which includes details about your journey, customs, entry, and biosecurity. The form must be completed digitally, either online at https://app.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz/#/ or via the NZTD mobile app.

You can fill in the form up to 24 hours before you begin your journey to New Zealand.

Make sure you have the following in-hand when starting your application:

• Your passport
• Flight details
• Contact information
• Immigration status (NZeTA)
• Details of any items you’re bringing into the country

Once you have completed the form, you will receive an email with a reference number, which you should use if you need to amend any information. There’s no need to print anything out. Your form is automatically linked to your passport number.

You can find out more about the form here.

If you’re unsure about any part of the process, you can watch a video guide to completing the form here.

We recommend that you contact your GP or an authorised private vaccination clinic for information about vaccinations. You can also read more about the rules regarding travel vaccinations here.

Please pay attention to the regulations regarding yellow fever – especially if your journey involves entering via a country where yellow fever exists. Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry. Always carry your vaccination certificate in your hand luggage when you travel.

Please make sure to read our general booking conditions thoroughly, as they form part of the contractual agreement for tours purchased with TourCompass. Tours purchased from us are covered by the ‘Package Travel Regulations’.

Click here to read our booking conditions.

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay, you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels, and other services) is listed on it.
Please see our booking conditions for further information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate, click here.

We always recommend that you have comprehensive travel insurance as part of your preparations for your dream tour. In addition, it is also a very good idea to take out cancellation insurance.

Click here to visit our insurance page, where you can read more about our recommendations.

Currency:
The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar. You can find the current exchange rate for New Zealand dollars here.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout New Zealand. You can also withdraw cash from banks and ATMs across the country.

Prices:
Get an idea of the general price level in the country here.

Tipping:
Tipping is not customary in New Zealand – not even in restaurants or bars. If you’ve had a great experience with a guide, or have received exceptional service in a restaurant, leaving a small tip is appreciated, but it is entirely voluntary.

At the vast majority of our destinations, we are able to accommodate food allergies, as well as dietary allergens or preferences. However, it is important that you inform us of any such requirements when booking your tour.

Telephone & Wi-Fi:

Using data and roaming abroad can be expensive if it isn’t already included in your mobile plan. We recommend contacting your mobile provider to check which services are part of your plan, and the charges for different destinations.

If your mobile plan does not already include international data and roaming, we advise making use of the free Wi-Fi available at your hotel or in restaurants. This way, you can make calls and send messages back home free of charge using services such as Facetime, Messenger, and WhatsApp.

If you’d like to stay online throughout your tour, you can purchase a local SIM card upon arrival in New Zealand, which you simply swap for the SIM card in your own phone. This gives you a New Zealand phone number and data connection during your tour. If you run out of data along the way, it’s easy to top up.

It’s also now possible to buy an eSIM for most phones. With an eSIM, you can keep your own SIM card in your phone whilst enjoying mobile data throughout your tour. Simply order the eSIM before you depart and activate it when you arrive in New Zealand.

Find out more about how to stay connected when travelling in our blog here.

Electricity:

In New Zealand, the electricity supply is 230–240 volts AC at a frequency of 50 Hz. Power sockets are Type I – a flat three-pin plug with two angled pins and a vertical earth pin. Remember to bring a suitable adapter.

Always make sure you keep any important or essential items in your hand luggage. This includes, for example, your passport, visa, vaccination card, credit cards, money, insurance documents, travel documents, laptop, mobile phone, and, if relevant, health information or any essential medication.

Visitors are not permitted to bring plants, seeds, fruit, and other plant products into the UK from their travels outside the UK, unless they are accompanied by a plant health (phytosanitary) certificate. These rules also apply to smaller quantities of plants and plant products.

You can read more about these regulations here.

Please note that our tours are generally not suitable for individuals with reduced mobility. However, feel free to contact us for information regarding options in relation to your specific needs.

With most airlines, flight tickets are electronic (e-tickets).

It is important that you check your name for any spelling errors, as your name on the booking must match your passport exactly. If you need to make any corrections, please contact us as soon as possible. Please be aware that the airline may charge a fee for name changes.

The airline will assign you a seat on the plane at check-in. If you have specific preferences, you can reserve a seat via the airline’s website or app. Please note that most airlines charge for seat reservations.

The timeframe for when airlines open seat reservations can vary, but as a general rule, you can book your seats from the time of booking up until 48 hours before departure.

Please note that the airline has full control over all seating on the aircraft, and therefore always reserves the right to make changes to your seat reservation.
If you do not reserve a seat prior to departure, the airline will allocate one for you at check-in.

At check-in, you’ll need your passport and booking reference, which can be found on your itinerary.

We recommend downloading the airline’s app to your phone. Through the app, you can check in online, typically from 24 to 48 hours before your flight departs. The app also allows you to stay informed about any changes to your flight and other important travel information.

Please note that your flight times may differ from those shown on the itinerary you received when booking your tour. The flight times stated in the airline’s app or on their official website are always the ones that apply.

We suggest arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. For the latest updates, it’s useful to check the airport’s website before your journey.

We work with a variety of airlines for our destinations. For specific rules on hand luggage and checked bags, please refer to the airline’s website or app.

If your itinerary includes domestic flights, please note that the baggage allowance may differ from your international flight. In most cases, it’s possible to purchase extra luggage allowance locally if needed.

If your luggage is delayed, you should report it to airport staff in the baggage claim area upon arrival.

It is essential that you have your luggage receipt with you when completing your PIR (Property Irregularity Report).

Please ensure you do not leave the baggage area at the airport until you have filled in the report.

In the event of delayed luggage, we kindly ask that you contact our local partner to confirm that your guide/driver is waiting for you.

If there are any changes to your flight booking before departure, we will of course get in touch to keep you informed.

If your flight is delayed after you have checked in, the airline is responsible for rebooking your flight. Typically, they will arrange the next available departure and, if necessary, provide meals and accommodation.

Our local partner monitors any changes to arrival times and will, of course, still be there to meet you, even if your flight is delayed.

If a delay or cancellation results in the airline rebooking you onto a different flight number after you have arrived at the airport, please contact us on the TourCompass emergency number.

Immigration:

Upon arrival at your final destination, you will go through immigration. Here, your passport, entry documents, and any necessary visas will be checked. In many places, you will be asked to provide fingerprints and have a photo taken for biometric identification. You may also be asked questions about your travel plans in the country and the address where you will be staying.

Customs:

Once you have passed through immigration and collected your luggage, you will need to clear customs. If you have nothing to declare, proceed through ‘Nothing to declare’. However, if you do have items to declare, it is important that you go through ‘Declare’. It is your own responsibility to check the customs regulations for the country you are travelling to.

When travelling to New Zealand, please note that you are required to complete a compulsory form, the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), which, among other things, contains questions regarding items you may need to declare for customs. New Zealand enforces strict guidelines about what you can and cannot bring into the country. You can find further information about this form in the ‘Travel documents’ section.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a guide/driver holding a TourCompass sign, ready and waiting to welcome you.

If, unexpectedly, you cannot find your guide/driver, please contact our local partner using the emergency number listed in your travel documents.

Standard check-in is usually from 2:00 pm, so you should not expect access to your room before this time. If you wish to check in early, you may book this service when booking your tour, subject to a supplementary charge.

During check-in, the receptionist will usually register your credit card and may reserve an amount on it. This is not an extra charge, but standard practice at hotels to cover any expenses such as those from the minibar or similar. The amount will automatically be released at check-out if you have not made use of these services.

It’s quite common for hotels to take a copy of your passport. In some cases, this is a requirement imposed by the local authorities.

Upon departure, the standard check-out time is around 10:00am. If you’re not continuing your journey until later in the afternoon or evening, you can store your luggage at the hotel until it’s time to leave. Should you prefer a late check-out, this can often be arranged for an additional fee when you book your tour.

In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, blocked roads, or otherwise, it may be necessary to change the order of sightseeing tours and attractions in your itinerary.

In New Zealand, you can choose to travel from one place to another with a sightseeing transfer led by a guide or opt for the freedom of exploring the country by hire car. If you prefer, it’s also possible to combine both forms of transport.

Sightseeing transfer:

Here, you’ll journey between destinations in small, international groups with a local guide. Your guide will not only show you all the must-see sights but also reveal hidden gems and share fascinating stories along the way. We call this the sightseeing transfer – a style of touring with intriguing stops en route, designed so you can make the most of your tour and simply relax and enjoy the many experiences awaiting you.

Driving in New Zealand:

On some of our tours in New Zealand, all or part of your journey is a self-drive tour. New Zealand is a relatively straightforward country for a self-drive adventure, and having your own car gives you fantastic freedom to choose exactly where and when you’d like to stop along the way.

We use AVIS car rental in New Zealand. Here are a few important things to bear in mind when hiring a car in New Zealand:

• The minimum age to rent a car is 21. There is no upper age limit for car hire.
• When you pick up your rental car, you’ll need to show your passport and driving licence in a physical form. If your driving licence is not in English, you must obtain an International Driving Permit and bring it with you, along with your physical licence (temporary licences are not accepted).
• At the start of your car hire, a security deposit of approximately 100 NZD will be required. This amount will be reserved or charged to your credit or debit card*. The card must be in the name of the main driver and you must bring the physical card (not just a digital version on your phone). The security deposit will be refunded when your hire period ends.
  Should you purchase additional services directly from AVIS, payment will also be taken from your debit or credit card. Please note that there may be a surcharge of 2–3% of the transaction amount when using a credit card.
  *If you bring a debit card, it must be either a Visa or MasterCard, and the card must display the name of the hirer.
• Our car hire includes: comprehensive insurance with zero excess (LDW), roadside assistance (for mechanical issues), cover for damage to tyres and wing mirrors, unlimited mileage, and any applicable one-way rental fee.
• A GPS is not included with your car hire. We recommend purchasing a New Zealand SIM card with data upon arrival, so you can use navigation services such as Google Maps during your tour.
  You can also purchase an eSIM for your phone. Find out more in our section about telephony in New Zealand on this page.
  Please note that, unlike in many other countries, there is no mandatory third-party liability insurance included with car hire in New Zealand. This is because the country operates a government-managed insurance scheme known as the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), which covers everyone in New Zealand—tourists included—for personal injuries resulting from accidents, under a no-fault system.
• Optional insurances: You can add on extra roadside assistance locally, which covers things beyond mechanical issues – for example, lost car keys, tyre changes, damaged wing mirrors, and more.
• Any child seats must be ordered at the same time as you book your tour, but payment is only required locally when you collect your car in New Zealand. Read more here. Prices can be found in the hire agreement linked below.
• You can add additional drivers locally when collecting your car. Spouses and partners can be added free of charge as extra drivers. Please see the terms and prices in the rental agreement, which we have linked to below.
• Rental cars may only be driven on official paved roads and gravel roads. Driving on beaches or through streams, dams, rivers, or flooded areas is not permitted.
  On the South Island, driving is not allowed on Skippers Road: a narrow mountain road near Queenstown.
  On the North Island, driving is not allowed on Ninety Mile Beach.
• If you breach the terms of the rental agreement or violate New Zealand law, your insurance cover will be void. You can read the full rental agreement here for 2025/26.
• You can view the different car models here.
• Useful links for your self-drive adventure

• • Traffic and road conditions:
    Stay updated on current road and safety conditions via NZ Transport Agency (NZTA): https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions
    Here you can also find information on the two passes, Haast Pass and Arthur’s Pass: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/west-coast
    You can also find specific information about the route to Milford Sound here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh94-milford-road/sh94-milford-road-status
  • Tourist information – i-SITE:
    All across New Zealand, you’ll find official i-SITE centres, where you can get local inspiration, tips, and guidance for your experiences. Find the nearest centre here: https://www.isite.nz/find-an-isite
  • Nature and national parks:
    On the Department of Conservation’s website, you can find plenty of useful information about national parks, hiking trails, wildlife, and much more: https://www.doc.govt.nz/

We operate a 24-hour emergency hotline, so you can always reach us should any unforeseen events arise during your tour. You’ll also receive contact details for both our main and emergency partners at your destination. In some instances, depending on time zones, it’s often easiest and quickest to contact our local partners directly – for example, if your pick up for a tour or transfer is delayed by more than 15 minutes.

Our guests’ happiness is at the heart of everything we do, so we’d love to hear from you once you return home. Drop us an email at info@tourcompass.co.uk or call us on 01279 704 135.