Trip Report New Zealand Part 8 Practical Advice Amp Why Use A Signature Destination Specialist Travel Tips
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Trip Report: New Zealand - Part 8. Practical Advice & Why use a Vincent Vacations Destination Specialist
08/27/2022 Posted by Vincent Vacations
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Here is some information to help you plan your next New Zealand itinerary, questions I have received since I returned, and why I used Southern Crossings NZ (SIG Destination Specialist) to plan my trip:- Plan ahead. Demand for travel to New Zealand is very strong. For travel in peak season (December to March), book at least 6-9 months ahead, and a year out for holiday travel. For travel the rest of the year, the more advance notice the better, I would recommend at least 6 months out. Keep in mind that the most sought-after lodges (Blanket Bay, Kauri Cliffs, Huka Lodge, etc.) have very limited capacity and tend to sell out months ahead.
- New Electronic Travel Authority. Speaking of planning ahead - starting 01OCT19, all US citizens (and 60 other countries) will need to secure an electronic travel authority (NZ-ETA) prior to arriving in New Zealand. This includes cruise passengers. ETAs require up to 72 hours to process, and are good for multiple visits for 2 years.
- Why I chose Southern Crossings NZ (SIG DS) to plan my trip. There are several Vincent Vacations preferred partner options to choose from when planning your next itinerary to NZ. I chose Southern Crossings for the following reasons:
- Experience. Southern Crossings is the leading bespoke travel specialist in NZ with over 33 years serving advisors in the US.
- Expertise. SC has in-depth knowledge of the regions, lodges, attractions, restaurants, resources throughout NZ. SC has a keen eye for details, offers impartial advice, and creates personalized itineraries for couples, singles, families, specialty groups, honeymooners, and ultraluxury clients.
- Quality and Reliability. SC works with the best guides and drivers. SC vets every professional they work with to ensure clients receive the best & most reliable service. Every guide and driver I had on my trip was top notch. I never worried if the driver/guide would show up on time.
- Contacts and Resources. SC has an extensive web of relationships in NZ to secure preferential access to lodges and hotels, curators and specialists at cultural institutions, priority reservations at many restaurants, visits to unique venues throughout the country, and more.
- Creativity. SC works with the advisor to create unforgettable itineraries that exceed expectations. Let SC work its magic to create special experiences throughout the trip. SC also has the knowledge during itinerary planning to suggest alternatives, change sequencing of lodge stays, etc.
- Service. SC’s team of professionals stays on top of every itinerary and ensures clients are well looked after from start to finish in NZ. If things change unexpectedly, SC will step in to offer alternatives or assist finding a solution in real time.
- Special experiences in NZ. This is one of SC’s strongest suits, from heli-adventures to suit every passion (heli-hiking/fishing/picnics/mountain biking, etc.), to chartering a luxury cruiser to sail around Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, to arranging a bespoke luxury expedition cruise in remote corners of Fiordland, visiting Doubtful Sound, and more.
- Peace of mind. I was comfortable knowing that if I needed help or if something went wrong, the SC team in Auckland was just an email/phone call/text away.
- Dress for all kinds of weather. The weather is unpredictable, especially in the South Island, where it can be warm, windy, sunny, rainy and cold, all in one day. In general, weather will be warmest during NZ’s summer (December to early March) and coldest during winter in the Southern Hemisphere (June through August). There is no ‘rainy season’ per se, as rain is evenly distributed, but it’s rainiest in Auckland from May to August, for example. My advice: pack layers to keep you warm and take off easily if it warms up. Bring a rain jacket and waterproof walking/hiking shoes, so you are ready for all terrain. If you are visiting glaciers, bring gloves and a hat.
- Consider traveling during shoulder/off season. New Zealand is busiest from December to early March. This is when most visitors arrive, demand is strongest, and when prices are highest. For example, consider traveling during NZ’s fall (our spring) from Late March to late May – which typically has good weather and fewer crowds. Because of New Zealand’s geography, microclimates and varied terrain, consult your destination specialist or tour operators for advice visiting outside high season. I traveled in Late April and early May and had good weather, aside from 2 rainy days which did not keep me from my plans.
- Take at least one helicopter flight. Yes, helicopter flights are expensive, but –more affordable when you share with 4-9 other passengers, depending on the size of the aircraft. I recommend helicopters because the experience is amazing and exhilarating; you get to see breathtaking vistas you would miss otherwise; it can save you a great deal of time; you reach locations that you could not get to on your own; and the helicopter flight will be one of your most vivid memories of your trip to NZ. To add to the thrill & convenience, many luxury lodges have helipads on property. FYI: If you have the budget, you can charter a helicopter for just one or two passengers or a family, and create half or full day custom-tailored experiences.
- Stay 2-3 nights when staying at Lodges. I met many travelers along my journey who were staying only 1 night at some of the luxury lodges. I think this is a mistake (not to mention exhausting), because you really need one day just to see the property and get the lay of the land, especially when staying at the larger estates like Blanket Bay, Treetops, Kauri Cliffs, etc.
- Be flexible. Because of the weather, be ready to change plans on short notice. Perhaps your morning helicopter to Milford Sound will be moved to the afternoon due to weather conditions. Go with the flow, and work with your preferred travel partner to create alternatives/a ‘backup plans’, just in case.
- Fly Air New Zealand. Not only does Air NZ have great service, you truly feel you are in New Zealand the minute you board, from the hilarious in-flight safety video, to the great service from the crews. Air New Zealand flies nonstop from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Houston and Chicago to Auckland and beyond. In addition, you have more choices on Air NZ, besides a quality economy class product:
- In Business Class, enjoy Lie-flat seats, memory foam mattress and full-sized pillows, as well as aisle access from every seat.

- In Premium Economy, a dedicated cabin with roomy leather seats that have 41” of legroom, as well as a leg rest and foot support.

- In Economy Class, you can upgrade to Sky Couch®, a row of three economy class seats that turn into a couch that measures about 5 feet X 30 inches. This configuration is perfect for an adult traveling solo, an adult with one or two children, or two adults who want to stretch out and ensure they will have 3 seats across. There is surcharge for Sky Couch. Note: Book way ahead, as this is very popular
. - How much are Round Trip airfares? To give you an idea of what an air ticket might cost, I did a search for a round trip Los Angeles-Auckland on Air NZ, departing LAX on 01DEC19 and returning from AKL on 10DEC. Round trip fares: In Business - $6,358, In Premium Economy $3,212,and in Economy $1,235 Plus the optional Sky Couch supplement. Fares as of today 8/28/19.
- Time Zone Difference. New Zealand is GMT + 12. This means NZ is 17 hours ahead of New York/20 hours ahead of California most of the year. (One hour less/more depending on the time of year, as both NZ and US observe daylight savings time)
- Domestic flights. There is no security at the airports for domestic flights. (What a concept!). Drop your bags at least 30 minutes prior to departure, and just go to the gate. Period.
- Electricity. NZ has 230/240V with 3-pin outlets. My advice is to bring one or two adaptors, especially now that we travel with so many gizmos (phones, tablets, laptops, cameras) which all need to be charged.
- Become a New Zealand Specialist. This is THE best way to learn more about NZ. When you become a NZ specialist, you will receive consumer inquiries from Tourism NZ and you will also qualify for the ‘Explore Plus’ independent travel program, which enables you to travel at reduced rates and many other benefits. Visit www.tourismnewzealand.com or email Hadyn Fitzpatrick at Tourism NZ at hadyn.fitzpatrick@tnz.govt.nz and he will help you.
- Make the Tiaki Promise & Ask your clients to make the Tiaki promise. New Zealand is precious. Travel responsibly. visit www.tiakinewzealand.com
FYI: Vincent Vacations' preferred partners can help you create your next NZ itinerary:
Destination Specialists:
Southern Crossings - New Zealand and
Abercrombie & Kent - Australia and New Zealand
FIT / Independent Travel:
Abercrombie & Kent; Classic Vacations; Delta Vacations; Journese; Ker & Downey: Monograms: Swain Destinations; Tahiti Legends; TCS World Travel - Luxury Custom Travel; Travel2; Travelbound/BedsOnline
Guided Group Travel:
Abercrombie & Kent; Backroads: Butterfield & Robinson: Contiki; G Adventures: Globus/Cosmos: Luxury Gold: Tauck: TCS World Travel - Private Jets; Trafalgar
Tourism New Zealand
Consumer Website
Trade Website
Air New Zealand:
Consumer
Trade
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