08 Days - Best of New Zealand

2024 USD Dates & Prices

Departure Dates	Adult from	Child 2-11 years from
Nov 30	$2995	$2495
Dec  14	$2995	$2495
Jan (2026) - 18, 24	$2995	$2495
Feb (2026) - 01, 15	$2995	$2495
Mar (2026) - 01	$2995	$2495

Price per person based on 2/3 adults sharing a room

Child 2 - 11 years must share a room with 2 adults

Infants 0 - 23 months price is from $410 for internal domestic flight and a seat in coach only

Max occupancy per room is 3 person (including infants)

Single supplement will be an additional $765

 

Early bird Offer
Book 12 weeks in advance and  get $170 OFF per adult and child
Book 08 weeks in advance and  get $105 OFF per adult and child

 

Country Details

Country	Capital	Currency	Visa Required	Time Zone	Electricity	Country Code
New Zealand	Wellington	NZD	Yes	UTC + 13	230V, 50Hz	+64

 

Currency

In New Zealand, the currency you will require is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).

 

It is recommended to exchange your spending money before you travel, as exchanging currency while on tour can be inconvenient. Although major cities and tourist areas may have ATMs and accept credit/debit cards, some rural or remote areas may not.

 

Please note that smaller establishments in New Zealand may not accept all international cards, and it’s always advisable to carry a small amount of cash for incidental expenses.

 

USD, GBP, or other foreign currencies, as well as travellers’ cheques, are not widely accepted at most locations in New Zealand. Ensure you plan accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.

 

Additional Excursions

We design our itineraries so that all the necessary excursions and places of interest are included to give the passenger the best possible holiday at an affordable price. However, often, the tour representative or local ground operator will offer passengers additional excursions that are designed to enhance the holiday experience and are not included in the tour cost.

 

Food

Breakfast will be provided at the hotels. The breakfast is usually in a separate dining area of the hotel and is usually a continental breakfast, which will consist of tea, coffee, bread, cereals, fruit and yoghurt.

 

Passengers can choose from vegetarian, or non-vegetarian (Jain or Halal will not always be available) meals. The meals are pre-set buffet, and a choice of menu is not available. Meals will be provided with tap water only.

 

Dinners are usually provided within the hotel or restaurant in a separate dining facility. You should always consult your tour representative if you are not sure of what ingredients a dish contains.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click on the link below to get Country specific details

 

For a full list of the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click here

 

UK Residents	USA Residents
New Zealand	New Zealand

Hotels

Not all hotels in this tour will have air-conditioning so you should carry a small portable fan with you especially during the summer months.

 

Please also note that not all hotels provide a kettle so if hot water is required for warming milk etc. in the hotel then it is advisable to carry a bottle warmer/kettle as well as a thermos flask. Passengers may also want to carry a small travel iron and hairdryer etc., as many hotel rooms may not have these facilities.

 

Some hotels will provide two single beds put together as a Double occupancy room, as this sort of configuration allows the hotel to use a room for multi-use, we do contract with such hotels, and you should be prepared for such eventualities.

 

If you use services such as the phone or mini-bar or pay TV whilst in your room, you will have to pay the hotel directly when you check out; these services are not included in your tour cost.

 

The maximum occupancy per room on this tour is 3 person(s) excluding infants.

Other Advisories

General

Once in New Zealand, you must carry your passport with you at all times.

 

High Altitude

You should only make trips to high altitudes if you feel healthy. The following recommendations apply:

 

Advanced age is no barrier to high altitude. For blood pressure patients who are well controlled with medication, the altitude is not a concern. Asthmatics can travel to high altitudes without any problems. High-altitude air is less polluted with particles that can cause an asthma attack. Epileptics who are well controlled with medication should be able to negotiate the altitude.

 

Pregnant women: There may be a certain risk for pregnancy even without pre-existing diseases over 2500-3000 metres. Caution is therefore advised if in doubt, please consult your doctor in advance.

 

Infants: Short-term stays at the mountain tops are unproblematic. Infants and young children are often unable to equalise pressure during descent and are therefore increasingly at risk of ear irritation. Regular swallowing (drinking, sucking on a bottle) during the descent can prevent the occurrence of irritation.

Because children can chill faster than adults, always pay attention to sufficient protection from the cold at high altitude. Sunglasses and a good sunscreen are necessary on the glaciers!

 

High altitude visits not recommended for:

Lung and heart patients who are already short of breath while at rest or when climbing stairs are advised not to stay at high altitude. Patients with angina pectoris or severely impaired performance with heart enlargement and heart failure should not visit high altitude. Coronary artery disease (angina pectoris) and heart enlargement with medical therapy should not visit high altitude. Patients with a pronounced risk profile for cardiovascular disease (smoker + high blood pressure + diabetes + high blood fats + overweight + occasional chest pain) should consult the doctor before visiting high altitude.

 

Do not stay at high altitude after having striated muscles or a stroke.

Pick up and Drop off points & Times

Passengers should arrive at the airport where flights are done by Star Tours at the allocated time. If you are doing your own flights, then you will need to meet the tour rep directly at the arrival terminal at the destination.

 

You should always follow the protocol for flights as set out by the airline. You should check the board at the airport for any flight delays, change of gate number or any other useful information provided by the airline.

Visas & Passports

New Zealand

British passport holders can enter New Zealand as a visitor for up to 6 months on arrival without a visa, provided you can satisfy an Immigration Officer that you meet the requirements of the immigration rules. Visitors must have an onward ticket.New Zealand’s immigration rules are strict, particularly regarding employment. Visitors cannot work in New Zealand.

 

All other nationals should check with the relevant embassy.

Weather 

In New Zealand, the weather can vary significantly across different regions and seasons, so it’s essential to be prepared for diverse conditions. While the North Island tends to have a milder climate, the South Island, particularly in alpine regions, can experience colder temperatures and sudden weather changes, even in summer.

Temperature Variations:

North Island: In summer (December to February), temperatures typically range from 20-30°C, while winter (June to August) brings cooler temperatures, usually between 10-15°C.

South Island: Summers can be warm, ranging from 15-25°C, but alpine areas, such as Queenstown or Mount Cook, can experience much cooler weather, especially at higher altitudes. Winter temperatures often drop below 5°C and can fall to freezing in mountainous regions.

 

Preparation Tips:

Layered Clothing: Due to the variable climate, bring layers to adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day. This is especially important if traveling between the North and South Islands.

Rain Gear: New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers common in many regions. A waterproof jacket and an umbrella are recommended.

Footwear: Comfortable, waterproof footwear is essential, especially if you plan to explore outdoor attractions like national parks or alpine trails.

Summer Months: Even during summer, evenings in the South Island can be cool, so it’s advisable to carry a light sweater or jacket.

Winter Months: If visiting in winter, daylight hours are shorter, with darkness setting in as early as 17:00 hrs, particularly in southern regions.

 

By preparing for varying weather conditions, travelers can enjoy New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, whether exploring beaches, forests, or mountains. Always check the local forecast for specific destinations, as conditions can differ significantly within the country.

Wheelchairs

We will accept lightweight manual wheelchair for travel, subject to them being capable of being stowed in the luggage hold of the vehicle. It is also essential that a family member is also on tour to push the wheelchair. Star Tour’s will also request hotels for suitably equipped rooms; however, this is only on a request basis and cannot be guaranteed.

For us to request a wheelchair for you with the airline, this request should be made to us in writing at the time of booking. The allocation of the wheelchair will be at the discretion of the airline/airport.

 

Other Advisories

Baggage and Packing

Due to limited storage space on coaches, checking the baggage allowance for your tour before departure is essential. Ensure your luggage meets the size and weight requirements in your tour documents. Excess baggage may not be permitted.

Pack a small day bag for personal items, medications, snacks, and travel documents to keep with you during the journey, as accessing the main luggage may not be possible until designated stops.

 

Punctuality

Respect timings during stops; there will be scheduled comfort breaks and sightseeing stops throughout the tour. Be sure to return to the coach on time after each stop to avoid delays and respect the entire group's schedule. Coaches operate on a strict timetable to ensure that all scheduled visits and activities are completed on time. Passengers who arrive late at any point may risk missing the coach, as drivers cannot wait beyond the allocated time for each stop.

 

The tour may sometimes involve changes in coaches or representatives, particularly when merging with other groups. Please adhere to the instructed times for these transitions to ensure smooth coordination.

 

Coach Facilities

While most coaches are equipped with WC facilities, they may be limited in availability. Using restroom facilities during scheduled breaks at rest stops is recommended to avoid discomfort.

 

Seating and Safety:

By law, passengers must wear seat belts where fitted. Seats are pre-assigned and given to you on the departure date. Seat requests are not taken under any circumstance.

 

Personal Health and Medication

Bring any necessary medications with you in your day bag. If you are prone to motion sickness, carry appropriate remedies or medications to ensure a comfortable journey.

If your tour includes high-altitude destinations, ensure you are medically fit to travel at such heights. Those with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor beforehand. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and warm clothing, as temperatures can vary significantly at high altitudes.

 

Cultural and Local Etiquette

Be mindful of the local customs and etiquette, especially when visiting religious or historical sites. Dress modestly where required, and be respectful of local customs and traditions.

 

Electronics and Connectivity

Some coaches are equipped with USB charging ports, but this is not guaranteed. Ensure your devices are charged beforehand, and consider bringing a portable charger/power bank.

WiFi is unavailable on the coach, so bring along books, headphones, or downloaded movies and music to enjoy during long journey stretches.

 

Environmental Awareness

Be conscious of the environment during your tour. Carry a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste, fill up at restaurants and hotels, and dispose of trash properly at rest stops.