NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL ADVICE

Best time to visit

Unsure when to visit New Zealand? Our travel experts at First Class share the best times to go depending on your interests.

When to go>

Where to go

There's so much to see in New Zealand. From the dramatic landscapes of the South Island to the amazing Fiords of the South Island.

See New Zealand's regions>

Request brochure

Be inspired by our range of itineraries in our New Zealand brochure. We can personalise any element of your trip to how you want it. 

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First Class Holidays

Why Choose Us?

Multi award-winning holidays
750 years experience between the team
100,000 satisfied customers
ATOL and ABTA protected

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As one of the most breathtaking countries in the world, New Zealand is a myriad of striking fiordlands, impressive National Parks and intriguing culture. 

Passports & Visas:

  • As of July 2019 you will need an eTA for New Zealand (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), please click here for more information and to access the eTA application form

Language & Culture:

  • English is the first official language of New Zealand with Maori being the Second. 
  • Maori people were the first settlers in New Zealand and their culture is a very important part of day to day life in New Zealand, with the Maori people making up 15% of the overall population. 

Food & Drink in New Zealand 

  • New Zealand cuisine is a distinct Pacific Rim style, this draws on the heritage of the cultures in the region. 
  • A traditional meal is known as a 'Hangi', this is a Maori feast cooked in an earth oven underground. Other specialities include Kumara (native sweet potato), Toheroa (clams) and oysters from Bluff.
  • Tipping in NZ is your choice and hotels and restaurants will not add a service charge to their bill. 

Money and Expenses:

  • Major credit cards are widely accepted.
  • A good and service tax (GST) of 15% is displayed in the price in New Zealand and this is non-refundable.  

Government Travel Advice for New Zealand 

Time Zones
Auckland (GMT +13)
 

Flight Time
From 24+ hours 

Currency
New Zealand Dollar $

Recommended Airlines
Air New Zealand
Cathay Pacific
Singapore Airlines
Emirates 
 

Testimonials

The whole experience was excellent. Everything worked as it should - high quality, no problems and good value.
Mr Lindsay, travelled round the world

Our Awards

We are very proud that our personal, friendly service and attention to detail has led to us becoming an industry leader in providing tailor-made holidays. We have been recognised throughout the years by winning a number of prestigious awards from within and outside of the travel industry. We won the "Best Operator to Canada" award at the 2017 British Annual Canada Travel Awards for a record 15th time.

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