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Thank you for booking our 2025 Highlights of New Zealand Land Tour – Your adventure will be here before you know it!
Approximately 30 days before the trip, your personalized travel documents will be sent out via email confirming all of your trip inclusions and airport transfer details. Below you will find additional information to help you prepare for the adventure that lies ahead.
All documentation required for this itinerary is the sole responsibility of the guest. Brand g Vacations will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for any passenger, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip, related to improper or absent travel documentation. It is suggested that copies of important documents, including your passport and visas, be kept in a separate place, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Passport: A passport that is valid for at least six (6) months after your return date is strongly recommended for this program. Please also ensure you have blank pages available in your passport.
Visas: Citizens of the United States and Canada (as well as many other countries) traveling to New Zealand under the visa waiver program are required to have an NZeTA. In addition to applying for the NZeTA, you must also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). This is a simple process, which you can complete through a mobile app.
While there is still plenty of time to apply before the trip, we suggest doing so before the end of the month. Beginning on October 1st, the IVL will increase from NZ$35 (approximately $22) to NZ$100 (approximately $62). While this fee is relatively nominal, we thought you’d appreciate the opportunity to save a bit of money by applying early. Once issued, the electronic authorization is valid for two years, more than covering the timeframe for our trip.
It can take up to 72 hours to process an NZeTA, so you should apply well in advance of your trip. If your home country is not a visa waiver country, you should consult your nearest New Zealand consulate or embassy to apply for a visa.
Here is the link to the information and application page for NZeTA:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/nzeta
If you are transiting through Australia, be sure to check what required visas, transit or other, are required based on your flight plans.
Vaccinations: No other vaccinations are required for entering New Zealand but it is recommended that you discuss available vaccinations and any other health concerns you may have with your personal physician or a travel medicine specialist.
The consulates of the countries to be visited will also provide information on vaccination requirements and/or suggestions. You may also consult the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for their current recommendations. Their website is www.cdc.gov in the US.
Physical Limitations: This is an active trip, and there is much to see and do. Many included excursions require an extensive amount of walking over uneven terrain, and many sites have numerous steps that may be steep and narrow. Guests with physical limitations will find access to many sites difficult or impossible to navigate. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that you be in good physical condition. If you have questions or doubts about your ability to participate, please call us at 952-405-9309 to discuss.
Medical: Medical facilities are not always easily accessible during the more rural portions of the trip. Any medical expenses incurred during the trip are the guest’s own responsibility, and neither Brand g nor the local ground operator is responsible for cost or quality of medical care received. Guests should bring their medications with them. A travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses as well as medical evacuation while traveling internationally is highly recommended.
Dietary Preferences: Please advise us of any special dietary restrictions at least 45 days prior (December 20th, 2024) to your departure. This information will be provided to the proper personnel, and where possible within local conditions and limitations, every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. It is the guest’s responsibility to provide us with as much detail as possible concerning any medically related dietary concerns. Not all dietary requests can be accommodated, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.
While there are no restrictions on the number of bags each guest may bring it is highly recommended that each guest bring only one checked bag. Additionally, all airlines impose restrictions on both size and weight, and many airlines restrict the number of bags per person. Each guest must check with their selected air carrier for limitations prior to departure, as luggage restrictions are subject to change. Guests who exceed an airline’s luggage restrictions may be asked by the airline to pay the airline’s overweight/oversized luggage fees.
An airline’s limitations on the weight and size of checked and carry-on baggage are usually found on their website or may be obtained by calling the airline directly. Please remember that international (over the water) and domestic (intra continental) restrictions may not be the same.
Your luggage and all personal belongings are solely your responsibility throughout the trip. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.
Please place luggage tags on the outside of all of your bags, including carry on and hand luggage, and include a copy of your contact information during the trip on the inside of your checked bags. Valuables and medication should only be packed in your carry-on bags (unless required to be placed in checked bags by your airline).
Luggage Allowances for Included Flights:
Carry-on bag Weight: Economy carry-on can weigh up to 7kg (15lb).
Carry-on bag: Carry-on size is calculated by measuring a bag’s length, width, and height (including any wheels and packed away handles), then adding the three measurements together. The total can be up to 118cm (46.5 inches).
Checked Luggage Weight: Each checked-in bag can weigh up to 23kg (50lb) before they incur fees.
Checked Luggage Dimensions: The size of a bag is calculated by measuring its length, width, and height, and adding them together. The total can be up to 158cm (62 inches) for each checked-in bag. If your bag is bigger than this, you can often pay an oversize charge at the airport and check it in if there’s space on the aircraft.
Please be sure to contact your airline prior to departure and verify there have been no changes to the flight number or schedule. If you have an airport transfer confirmed with Brand g, please advise of any schedule change affecting your airport pick up time.
Familiarize yourself with current airport security procedures and arrive at the airport at least two and a half (2.5) hours prior to your scheduled departure. During peak travel times, you may want to arrive three (3) hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Entry documents will be required at all border crossings, so please carry proper identification with you all times, and never place it in checked luggage.
When arriving by airplane, it is not unusual for a border guard to ask you questions such as “where are you from,” “where are you going,” “how long will you be there,” or “what is the purpose of your trip.” Always answer honestly and politely.
If you are bringing laptops, cameras, or other electrical equipment with you on your trip, you may be required to register these items with the local customs authority in order to ensure you are not charged duty on these items when you return home.
Most items you purchase internationally can be brought back into the US and Canada. We do recommend, however, that you check with both your home country’s customs office for current restrictions, as well as with the embassies of the countries you are visiting for any restrictions on items that may be unlawful to take outside their borders.
When you return to your home country, you should be prepared to declare everything you purchased or acquired while traveling. Many countries will ask you to complete a customs form, which will require descriptions and values of the items. These forms are easier to complete if you keep your sales receipts easily accessible. Most countries have set customs duty exemptions for both quantity and value of certain items. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with these allowances and limits prior to your travel.
Please be advised that most hotels do not allow check-in earlier than 3:00pm. If you arrive at the hotel before 3:00pm, there may be a wait until the room becomes available. Check-out at most host hotel properties is 12:00pm. If your arrival or departure schedule does not coincide with these times, you may ask the hotel(s) to store your baggage while you explore independently. Please note that every effort is made to ensure that your hotel room is available and ready for occupancy upon your arrival, however a short wait for your room to become available may be unavoidable. Depending on your arrival or departure times, you may wish to purchase an early check-in, late check-out, or additional hotel night in order to guarantee availability of your room. Feel free to contact Brand g Vacations or your travel agent to book additional services.
Guests who provided their independently arranged flight details to Brand g Vacations no later than 45 days prior (December 20th, 2024) to departure, will automatically have airport arrival and departure transfers arranged. Flight arrangements must also be made in accordance with Brand g vacations flight recommendations. Guests are responsible for checking with the airlines and providing their most up-to-date flight details. Please contact your travel agent or Brand g Vacations if you have any questions about your flight arrangements.
Arrival transfers are provided from the the Auckland Airport (AKL) in Auckland to the Park Hyatt Auckland. The transfer from airport to the hotel takes about 30 – 40 minutes. Please consult the travel documents, which will be emailed to you approximately 30 days prior to the trip start date for instructions on where to meet your transfer at the airport.
Departure Transfers are provided from The QT Hotel in Queenstown to the Queenstown International Airport (ZQN) in time for your Independently arranged flight. No further transfers will be provided. A departure confirmation will be provided to you during the trip advising you of the meeting time and place for your transfer.
Travel Delays: If you experience a travel delay while still in your home country, after working with your air carrier to revise your flight schedule, please contact Brand g’s Minneapolis-based Operations Office at 952-405-9309 to advise us of your revised arrival date and time. If the line is busy or you are calling outside of general business hours, please leave a message.
If you have already departed your home country, please contact our local staff at the numbers provided below in the Important Contact Information section. Please note, this section may not be added until we email your personalized travel documents to you about 30 days prior to the trip start date.
If you purchased travel insurance that covers flight delay and cancellation expenses, you will also want to contact your travel insurance company to start a claim for expenses incurred during your delay. If the delay is serious enough that you will miss the starting point of your cruise, any additional hotel, and/or flight arrangements necessary to meet your group will be at your expense.
Baggage Delays: Baggage delays unfortunately occur from time to time, especially during peak travel periods. If you discover any bag did not make it to your destination, do not leave the airport baggage area without completing a Lost Baggage Report with your air carrier. This report is essential to the tracking of your claim. If you have an airport transfer scheduled, and are traveling with a companion, we recommend that one person exit the baggage claim area and locate the representative to inform him or her of the situation. This will allow the representative to ensure that the transfer is properly provided. Give the air carrier a copy of your travel itinerary, along with the hotel and ship contact information. Report your lost baggage to your Brand g Vacations host and provide them with a copy of your Lost Baggage Report. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and/or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.
A Brand g Vacations Tour Leader will be with you during your travel program to handle all the details, leaving you to relax and enjoy your vacation.
The ability to stay in touch with friends and family is an important part of travel, and many guests choose to bring cell phones on the trip. International roaming charges can be expensive, and it is advisable to contact your local carrier to determine the charges and plans available for each country you are visiting, then select the best available plan for your expected usage. In some countries, SIM cards are available for purchase that can be used in an unlocked phone (call your carrier to determine if your phone is, or can be, unlocked), providing a local number that can be used both locally and internationally, usually at a significantly lower rate.
Making international calls from the hotels is possible, but costly. Connection fees are usually applied, in addition to other call charges.
While cell phone service is typically available in the larger cities of New Zealand may be limited, and at times may not be available at all. Should you choose to bring your cell phone on your vacation, please refrain from conducting conversations during the guides’ excursion commentary.
All hotels used in New Zealand provide complimentary Internet access.
The official currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Currency exchanges at the airports are able to exchange a wide variety of currencies, including US dollars, British pound sterling, Euros, and Australian dollars. Or, you may wish to withdraw local currency from a bank ATM machine. It is advisable to keep a few small notes on hand, as it is sometimes difficult to get change.
In the country’s main tourist destinations, such as Auckland, Christchurch, and Queensland, as well as in other cities, you can pay for your purchases in cash, or with debit or credit cards.
Credit cards can be used in all department stores and in some smaller stores also. The most widely accepted cards are Visa and MasterCard first and foremost, but also American Express and Diners Club.
Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies to let them know that you will be leaving the country to avoid any problems using your debit/ATM and credit card(s) overseas.
Optional Gratuities for the included components of this program have been pre-paid. You are welcome to provide additional tips at your discretion.
Smoking is allowed only in designated areas throughout the program. All hotel rooms are non-smoking.
We ask everyone to refrain from smoking while on excursions.
In New Zealand the power plugs and sockets are of type I. The standard voltage is 220V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Your tour program includes comprehensive excursions led by a local English-speaking guide; these excursions have been designed to provide you with the best possible experience. Your Brand g Vacations host will provide details on each day’s excursion(s) and timing. Should guests be concerned about any aspect of an excursion, please inform your local guide or Brand g Vacations host.
Customs in New Zealand may differ from those of your home country. Our itinerary takes us into areas where locals are simply living their daily lives. Should you wish to take a photo of locals, please request their permission first (simply pointing to your camera and allowing them to nod is sufficient). Guides will inform you when entering places where photos are not allowed.
Many of the places we visit on the itinerary are not handicapped accessible. Many excursions involve walking over uneven ground. Additionally, some excursions are walking tours only. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition.
At its sole discretion, Brand g reserves the right to refuse participation, or to require a passenger to end his or her trip if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition may affect his or her own health, safety, and enjoyment, or that of other passengers.
In the countries in which we operate, pickpockets are not uncommon, and caution is encouraged. Brand g cannot be held liable for loss of money, jewelry, or other valuable items from a hotel, or while on an excursion. A travel insurance policy will typically cover most incidents of loss or theft.
Weather forecasts are widely available on the Internet, and some of the favorites for large, international cities are www.weather.com and www.cnn.com/weather.
Average High/Low (F)
Queenstown 66/45
Christchurch 68/50
Auckland 76/59
WHAT TO BRING
Travel Essentials: The following items are essential for any destination: sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, hat, rain jacket and umbrella. It is recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medications (generic equivalents are usually easier to obtain), copies of credit card information, and copies of your passport information pages and visas.
Clothing: Comfortable, sporty, casual clothing is appropriate throughout the trip. We suggest natural and/or moisture-wicking fabrics in light colors which may be layered, such as a mix of lightweight shirts, everyday khakis, slacks, skirts/dresses, and walking shorts, along with a lightweight jacket or pullover for early mornings, late evenings, and air-conditioned spaces. It is also recommended to bring a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella.
Shorts, or lightweight pants, good walking shoes, and sun hats during the day are highly recommended.
Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not needed at any time during this program. However, we do recommend a few dressier outfits for dinners and evenings out.
Footwear: You will engage in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain. We recommend comfortable walking shoes, with good ankle support.
Laundry: Laundry service is available for an extra fee at the hotels. Instructions and fees are listed in your Guest Service Directory book or within the closet in your hotel room. Self-service laundry facilities are not available in the hotels.
Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand! Upon arrival, you’ll settle into the luxurious Park Hyatt Auckland before visiting the Auckland Museum for a Maori cultural experience. End the day with a welcome reception and social at The Boathouse.
Enjoy a gourmet food and wine tour of Waiheke Island, exploring scenic vineyards and indulging in local flavors. End the day with a spectacular dinner at Auckland’s Skytower.
Journey to Rotorua via the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set for a guided tour and themed lunch. Check into your Rotorua hotel and enjoy dinner at BARREL & Co. Bar & Grill.
Experience a cultural tour of Rotorua, including a visit to a Maori village and a home-hosted dinner. End the day relaxing at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa.
Fly to Wellington and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Weta Workshop, home to iconic movie magic. End the day with a French-inspired dinner at Hippopotamus.
Explore Wellington on a full-day walking tour, including a ride on the funicular railway and a private tour of Te Papa Museum’s Maori highlights.
Take a scenic ferry ride from Wellington to Picton, followed by a coastal train journey to Christchurch. Enjoy dinner at Hotel Montreal.
Travel to Akaroa for a luxury catamaran cruise, exploring sea caves and spotting wildlife. Visit Little River Art Gallery before returning to Christchurch.
Travel to Lake Tekapo, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, and enjoy stargazing at Mount John Observatory.
Visit Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, followed by a short alpine walk and a boat cruise on the Tasman Glacier Lake.
Journey to Queenstown, stopping at Carrick Winery and historic Arrowtown along the way. Enjoy leisure time upon arrival.
Embark on a full-day tour of Milford Sound, featuring a scenic cruise and a return flight to Queenstown (weather permitting).
Enjoy a leisure day in Queenstown or participate in optional tours. Celebrate with a farewell dinner in the evening.
Depart Queenstown and head to the airport. Optional connection to the Australia trip available.
Dates of stay: February 3 – 5, 2025
With a prime waterfront location overlooking Waitemata Harbor, the Park Hyatt Auckland provides one of Auckland’s most sophisticated and luxurious places to stay and dine. Designed to reflect a welcoming Maori wharenui (house), the hotel offers a tranquil haven with Maori accents throughout the guestrooms, including custom-designed tukutuku panels and rugs made from New Zealand wool. The hotel also boasts multiple dining options, including the signature restaurant Onemata, The Pantry for more casual dining, The Living Room for all-day dining, and Captain’s Bar for cocktails and bar snacks. Guests can enjoy the day spa, a 25-meter infinity pool, and a full fitness center.
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Dates of stay: February 5 – 7, 2025
Located in the heart of downtown Rotorua, the Pullman Rotorua Hotel offers easy access to some of the region’s best attractions, including Te Puia, the Polynesian Spa, and Te Ruapeka Bay. The hotel features spacious and stylish rooms with stunning views across the city. Guests can enjoy a fine dining restaurant that serves excellent local cuisine and wines, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable stay.
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Dates of stay: February 7 – 9, 2025
Quintessentially Wellington, QT Wellington captures the essence of New Zealand’s creative capital with its unique blend of cool sophistication and eccentric creativity. Located harborside, the hotel features one of the country’s most eccentric art collections, infusing the entire space with a vibrant cultural vibe. With luxury accommodations, stunning eateries, and a perfect mix of high-tech modern amenities and art, QT Wellington offers a truly memorable stay.
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Dates of stay: February 9 – 11, 2025
Nestled in the heart of Christchurch, just steps away from Hagley Park, Hotel Montreal offers the largest rooms in the city, adorned with local and New Zealand-made touches throughout. This boutique luxury hotel is a true original, providing a unique and relaxing escape with all the comforts and features expected of five-star accommodation. Hotel Montreal’s serviced apartments offer a home away from home, perfect for both short and extended stays.
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Dates of stay: February 11 – 13, 2025
Peppers Bluewater Resort is situated on the stunning shores of Lake Tekapo, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding Southern Alps. The resort provides a tranquil and luxurious retreat in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful locations. With its close proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Mount Cook (Aoraki) National Park, Peppers Bluewater Resort is the perfect base for exploring the alpine wonders of the region.
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Dates of stay: February 13 – 16, 2025
Nestled along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, QT Hotel Queenstown offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the lake and the Southern Alps. This lakeside resort combines modern luxury with the signature QT style, creating an experience that is both sophisticated and quirky. Whether you’re indulging in the culinary delights at the Bazaar Marketplace or unwinding with a cocktail at Reds Bar, QT Queenstown provides the perfect setting for a memorable stay in one of New Zealand’s most picturesque destinations.
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Important Contact Information
Please take a copy of this with you and provide a copy to your family members or friends in case they need to reach you in the event of an emergency.
New Zealand time zone is GMT+13 hours, so when it is noon on Thursday in New York it Friday 6:00 AM. International telephone calls can be placed by dialing the International Access Code (+64), the country code and then the phone number. If your inbound flights are delayed for any reason, please contact our local representatives immediately. Should you need to utilize these numbers, please specify that you are traveling with Brand g Vacations.
| Dates of Stay | Hotel Name & Phone Number | Address |
| February 3rd – 5th, 2025 | Park Hyatt Auckland +64 9-366 1234 |
99 Halsey St, Auckland 1010, New Zealand |
| February 5th – 7th, 2025 | Pullman Rotorua Hotel +64 7-343 7979 |
1135 Arawa St, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand |
| February 7th – 9th, 2025 | QT Wellington +64 4-802 8900 |
90 Cable St, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand |
| February 9th – 11th, 2025 | Hotel Montreal +64 3-943 8547 |
351 Montreal St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand |
| February 11th – 13th, 2025 | Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo +64 3-680 7000 |
State Highway 8, Lake Tekapo 7945, New Zealand |
| February 13th – 16th, 2025 | QT Hotel Queenstown +64 3-450 3450 |
30 Brunswick St, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand |
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