Preparing for your trip
| Package: | Discover Ultimate New Zealand |
and refer to it as you prepare for your trip!
Printed Mar 21, 2026. Please visit /before-you-go/?tourId=2004 for the latest updates.
Checklist
| Item | Due | |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Ensure you have a current passport valid for at least six months after your return date. | ASAP |
| ☐ | Passport Pages. Ensure you have enough empty pages in your passport as per the entry requirements at your destination. | ASAP |
| ☐ | Complete your registration. You'll receive a link to the registration form after you complete your booking. | Within 5 days of booking |
| ☐ | Request any additions or changes you may still want to make to your trip. (Fees and/or additional charges may apply.) | 75 days prior to travel |
| ☐ | Make your final payment if any balance is due. | See your invoice |
| ☐ | Obtain any necessary travel visas and review any requirements for entry. | See below |
| ☐ | Print your itinerary and other final documents which we will send you via email by 14 days prior to travel. | Prior to travel |
| ☐ | Print your policy documents if you purchased travel insurance, and carry them with you. | Prior to travel |
| ☐ | Enroll in The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) if you're a U.S. citizen or national, so the State Dept. can locate and assist you in case of an emergency. | Prior to travel |
In addition, if you booked flights with your package:
| Item | Due | |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Book connecting flights to your departure city, if necessary. (Please confirm your international flight schedule first!) | After receiving your e-tickets |
| ☐ | Make advance seat reservations for your international flight, if you have a preference. | After receiving your e-tickets |
| ☐ | Confirm your flight times and any special meal requests with the airline, and print and carry a copy of your e-ticket. | 72 hours prior to travel |
| ☐ | Check in for your flights online and download/print your boarding passes (if available). | 24 hours prior to travel |
| ☐ | Arrive at the airport, ready for the trip of a lifetime! | 3½ hours prior to departure |
Documents & Entry Requirements
Entry requirements are provided for your convenience. However, unless otherwise stated, it is your responsibility to determine the requirements that apply to you and your trip and to comply with them, including obtaining any necessary visas or other travel documents by the required deadlines and carrying them with you.
The New Zealand Travel Authority (NZeTA) is an entry permit required for tourists, transit travelers, and individuals from visa-waiver countries visiting New Zealand.
New Zealand Entry Requirements
Advice from Friendly Planet
All information provided below pertains to U.S. passport holders only. Non-U.S. Citizens should check with the appropriate foreign consular representative.
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): US passport holders must obtain an ETA before beginning their journey to New Zealand.
- To apply directly, please visit the Official Government Website
- If you would like to use a professional service to assist with applying for your ETA, we have partnered with GenVisa. Please click here to use their service: GenVisa New Zealand Kit
We suggest you verify this information with the relevant embassy or consulate or (if you're a U.S. passport holder) with the U.S. State Dept.
Fiji Entry Requirements
Advice from Friendly Planet
All information provided below pertains to U.S. passport holders only. Non-U.S. Citizens should check with the appropriate foreign consular representative.
You don't need a visa for Fiji if you have a United States passport.
We suggest you verify this information with the relevant embassy or consulate or (if you're a U.S. passport holder) with the U.S. State Dept.
General Requirements & Guidelines
- In general, you must have a passport to travel abroad, which should be valid for at least six months after your return date. Passports expiring before then should be renewed as soon as possible. Passports contain at least 2 blank pages for each country visited. If your passport does not have this many pages, obtain a new passport as soon as possible.
- if your passport and visa are not in order, airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding, countries may deny entry, and your trip may be disrupted. Travel insurance may not cover such losses.
- Any changes in names or passport information should be reported to us immediately. Airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding if the name on your passport does not match your tickets.
- Minors (age 17 or younger) departing and/or returning to the U.S. without parents or with only one parent may be required by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to present a notarized parental consent letter and/or unabridged birth certificate ( more information ). Many other countries have similar entry requirements, especially for minors traveling with a parent/guardian with a different surname; check with the consulates of all countries you'll be visiting to learn more.
Final Documents
Your final travel documents will be sent to you via email by 14 days prior to departure. These will include your daily itinerary, hotel and emergency contact information, and other relevant information. Please print your documents and take them with you. If you're departing in less than a week and haven't received your documents, let us know immediately!
Travel Insurance Documents
If you purchased travel insurance, please print and carry your policy documents, including contact information for emergency travel assistance and instructions on how to make a claim. If you purchased the travel protection plan we offer, we recommend you print the full policy.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
We encourage all U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows you to receive important updates about safety and security issues in your destination, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy, as well as family & friends, to contact you in case of an emergency. To enroll or get more information, please visit the STEP website or any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Flights, Transfers & Arrival
Questions about your flights before you depart? Read the information below first. If you still have questions, contact our air specialists at 800-555-5765 ext. 2 or air@friendlyplanet.com.
Tour Only Option
Find out what to do in case of arrival complications.
Flights & Tickets
If you selected flights with your package, we generally book your flights and issue tickets after your final payment due date.
If you requested flights from another city, our air specialists will research the best options and send you a tentative flight schedule and quote for your approval within 5 business days of your booking (or approximately 330 days prior to travel, if you booked further out than that).
Once we have issued your tickets, we will send you an "e-ticket receipt" which contains all of your flight information, including times, carriers, an airline booking reference number, and an e-ticket number. If you have not received this, or have questions about the flights we booked for you, please contact our air department. You will not receive paper tickets. We recommend you print and carry a copy of your flight details, including the airline booking reference number and e-ticket number, as some airports require this to enter the terminal. You do not need to reconfirm your flights with the airline prior to your departure, as we will handle this for you.
Toll-free numbers for airline assistance
- United Airlines (UA): 800-864-8331
- Fiji Airways (FJ): 800-277-4446
- Air New Zealand (NZ): 800-262-1234
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Flight Schedule
If you selected flights with your package, you will receive your flight schedule by email once we issue your tickets.
If you requested flights from another city, our air specialists will research the best options and send you a tentative flight schedule for your approval, and a confirmed schedule once we issue your tickets.
Airlines may change schedules at any time, even after flights have been confirmed, and we are not responsible for such changes. Please check for updates to your flight schedule prior to booking any connecting flights and again 72 hours prior to departure.
Connecting Flights
If you need to fly from (and/or return to) a different U.S. or Canadian city, we suggest you request those flights from us. If feasible, we will try to book all your flights together with a single carrier or a partner network on a single ticket. This ensures that your luggage will be transferred between flights for you, and more importantly, that if there are any schedule changes, flight cancellations, or delays that affect your trip, the airline(s) will adjust your flights to ensure you have sufficient time to make your connections and/or make alternate arrangements to get you to your destination. Besides offering the most peace of mind, this often yields lower fares than purchasing separate connecting flights.
If you plan to purchase connecting flights to your departure city, we strongly suggest waiting until after your final payment due date and after you receive the e-tickets for your international flights, to reduce the chances that your departure might be cancelled or rescheduled or that your international flight times might change. Before purchasing connecting flights, verify the times for your international flights. Leave at least 3½ hours connecting time between flights, and if you are traveling within a few weeks of Daylight Savings Time changes (in March and November, when flight schedules may change even more dramatically), allow 5–5½ hours between flights. Nobody likes waiting around the airport, but missing your flight is far worse.
Airport Transfers
Scheduled group airport arrival and departure transfers are included with this package. When you exit customs, please look for our representative holding a Friendly Planet sign, who will escort you to your transfer vehicle and assist with your luggage.
If you purchased this package without flights and you submitted your flight itinerary no later than 30 days before your departure date, airport transfers will be provided. If you did not submit your flight itinerary, you’ll need to arrange your own ground transportation to the package’s start and end points. Note that there is no discount for any unused included transfers. Please send us your independent flight itinerary no later than 30 days prior to your departure date from the U.S. so that we can arrange your arrival and departure transfers accordingly.
Arrival Complications
We make every effort to ensure our tours run smoothly and trouble-free. We do not expect any problems, and nor should you. But when things do not go as planned, here is what to do:
- You miss your flights, or your flights are cancelled: Please call us immediately. If it is outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox, with a phone number at which to reach you, and we will get right back to you.
- Your flights are delayed and you are worried about missing your included transfers: Please contact us to let us know about the delay, and we will notify our partners in destination. If you are arriving on one of our group flights, or booked your own flights and supplied us with the details, our partners will be tracking your arrival and will plan accordingly.
- Your package includes transfers, but you cannot find our representative at your destination: Do not panic; they may have been unexpectedly delayed. Wait up to 30 minutes. Then contact our local partners in destination, listed on the emergency contact page of your final documents. If you cannot reach them, call us. If it is outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox. If all else fails, make your own way to the starting hotel (or cruise port), and we will refund you the cost of your transfer.
Packing & Luggage
Baggage allowance: In general, our tours & packages allow per person: one checked bag, not to exceed 44 pounds; one personal item such as a purse or camera bag; and one carry-on bag, which should fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment. If your trip includes domestic flights within your destination and/or travel by motor coach, your carry-on should also fit should also fit under your seat or in the overhead bins on those flights or coaches.
Learn more about Baggage Allowances on your international flights. Note that our baggage allowances may be less than those for your international flights. If you exceed the baggage limits, you may be subject to excess baggage charges levied by the airlines and/or by Friendly Planet.
Regardless of the limits—we recommend a smaller size and weight for both your checked and carry-on bags. It's so much easier and faster for you to get around when you have fewer, lighter bags. For your carry-on, consider a soft-sided bag such as a duffel rather than a hard clamshell-type case, which may not fit as easily into overhead compartments or under your seat, especially on buses. For your protection, we suggest your checked luggage have a TSA-approved lock.
Luggage tags: For your safety, we are no longer mailing Friendly Planet luggage tags to you. We encourage you to use your own. Fill in the luggage tags with your name and contact information and attach to each bag, including carry-ons and camera cases, so that your luggage can be identified should it get misplaced during your trip.
What to pack: Check out our list of top 10 must-haves for international travel, as well as what not to pack. Pack smart: put your travel documents, medications, one change of clothing, and other essentials in your carry-on, in case your checked baggage is misplaced. And pack light, for your own comfort and convenience. For clothing, we suggest packing a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.
What not to pack: U.S. law forbids you to carry hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your checked or carry-on baggage or on your person, including explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids & solids, loaded firearms, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Common examples include paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, mace/tear gas and oxygen bottles. Restricted materials may vary by airline and destination. Some items, in quantities of no more than 70 ounces total, may be carried within baggage, including medicinal or toilet articles such as hairspray, perfume and certain medicines that are necessary during your journey. Please check with the airline and/or visit the FAA website prior to travel if you have any questions.
While on Tour
What to Expect
This is a Value Vacation tour operated by our carefully selected partner, Grand Pacific Tours. To ensure guaranteed departures, the group size may be slightly larger than our Small Group Tours and will be shared with no more than 20 other passengers seated in a comfortable, Business Class coach.
Remember that you're a guest in someone else's homeland, and that you're traveling to experience their country and culture. Be sensitive to local customs and manners, as many things may be done differently than what you're used to. And while we have made every effort to secure modern and comfortable accommodations and transportation, please note that the standards in other countries may be different from those you are accustomed to at home. Overall, you will find a polite, positive, patient, and open-minded approach generally yields the best travel experience.
Please keep in mind that you'll be traveling with a group. Sharing your explorations with like-minded folks can often be a source of joy, and some of our travelers become lifelong friends. But traveling with strangers can also sometimes be challenging, especially in a foreign country. We ask that you be patient and respectful with your fellow travelers, including their needs and preferences. Also remember that you have responsibilities to the group—please be prompt for group activities so you don't keep everyone else waiting. Lastly, please defer to your tour leader, guide or manager. They are there for your safety and wellbeing, and to ensure the journey goes smoothly for everyone. If you have a problem with one of our tour guides or managers, please let us know, either while you're on tour or after you return, and we'll make sure your concerns are addressed.
Accommodations
Rest easy knowing we’ve done the homework for you. Our hotels are carefully selected by our experts for their location, comfort, and style, so you can simply unpack and enjoy. Each stay meets Friendly Planet’s high standards for quality, convenience, and value.
Eating & Drinking
The meals included with your package are listed in the itinerary.
Indulge in various mouthwatering meals made with fresh, local ingredients that change with the seasons. New Zealand’s culinary scene is shaped by British influences and the Māori culture, where the word “kai” means food, especially traditional Māori dishes. Savor iconic staples like kūmara (sweet potato), Rewena Pararoa (Māori bread), and Manuka honey. You’ll also feast on delicious seafood, including salmon, crayfish (kōura), Bluff oysters, and pāua (abalone), as well as classic favorites like lamb, kiwifruit, and the famous pavlova dessert.
Please see above for special meal requests.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand however if the service or experience you encountered was exceptional and you wish to reward someone for a job well done a small gratuity would be welcomed. 10% is more than sufficient to show your appreciation.
Special Needs & Requests
Please see above for special meal requests and seat requests. If you have any other special requests, including wheelchair or electric cart assistance, please mention your request when you book with an agent, or in the special requests section when you book online. We will do our best to accommodate them.
Country FAQs
New Zealand Fast Facts
| Overview | Capital: Wellington |
| Health Precautions & Vaccinations | The sun is the biggest health concern in New Zealand, so be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen. Don't forget the bug repellent! |
| Weather | Remember that New Zealand's seasons are opposite those in regions north of the equator. July is the coldest month and January is the warmest. The climate in New Zealand is quite mild with extremes only in the high mountains. Temperatures range from 60 F in the northern regions of North Island, and 50 degrees F near the bottom of the South Island. Take a sweater and umbrella no matter when you visit. September and October, flowers and trees are in bloom, and pose a beautiful site for any traveler. |
| Money & Credit Cards | Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad. |
| Shopping | Shop in local markets and stop for off-the-beaten-path artist studios for wonderful surprises. Also shop for paua-shell jewelry, Maori items such as carvings and music, rugs, sweaters, fleece jackets, greenstone jewelry and ornaments, jams, and wine. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | 230 volts. Plug I. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Did you know? |
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Fiji Fast Facts
| Overview | Capital: Suva |
| Weather | Fiji enjoys a tropical maritime climate, making it a year-round destination. Temperatures average between 77°F and 86°F, with a wetter season from November to April and a drier season from May to October. The warm waters and sunny skies make every day perfect for outdoor adventures. |
| What to wear | Pack light, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen to stay cool in the tropical heat. Swimsuits, hats, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen are must-haves for beach days. Comfortable shoes or sandals are great for exploring islands, while lightweight rain gear is handy during the wet season. For cultural visits, like a village tour, modest attire is appreciated. |
| Money & Credit Cards | The Fijian dollar (FJD) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in urban areas, though cash is recommended for smaller vendors and island markets. ATMs are available in main towns and resorts, so you can withdraw local currency as needed. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad. |
| Shopping | Fiji’s markets and boutiques are a treasure trove of locally crafted souvenirs. Look for handwoven mats, tapa cloth, wooden carvings, and iconic Fijian pearls. Don’t miss Nadi Market or Suva Municipal Market for fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts. Bargaining is generally not customary, but prices are fair and affordable. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | Fiji uses Type I power outlets, and the standard voltage is 240V with a frequency of 50Hz. U.S. travelers will need a power adapter and possibly a voltage converter. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Did you know? |
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Fine Print
Terms & Conditions: Please review our terms & conditions for this package.
Cancellations: If something comes up and you need to cancel your trip, please let us know as soon as possible. All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellation fees vary by package; please see the cancellation fees for this package.