Our accommodations offer free Wi-Fi, and we recommend using Wi-Fi supported apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime or Skype as an alternative to making calls from your mobile phone. For US travelers, many phone providers have temporary international travel plans. Check with your provider for options.

January & February are summertime in New Zealand, and it’s a great time to visit. Expect daily average highs near 74F and lows around 59F. With New Zealand’s subtropical climate, you can expect generally warm temperatures and humidity throughout your stay. In a typical year, expect fewer than 2 inches of rain in the month of January.

In New Zealand, the power plugs and sockets are type I (three flat, angled pins) with a standard voltage of 230 volts, which is different from North America (120v). For guests traveling from the US, you will need both a power-plug adapter as well as a voltage converter before plugging in appliances and electrical devices.

While there are no vaccines or health requirements to enter New Zealand, we always recommended speaking with your doctor to make any personal health decisions prior to travel. We carry a medical kit on all of our journeys but also recommend that you carry a personal first aid kit and any personal medication.

If you are on prescription medication, you should ask your doctor for a letter detailing your condition and prescribed drugs. This prevents possible issues at customs and helps the local doctor if you need to buy medication while traveling. If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, we recommend you bring an extra pair and a copy of the prescription in case of emergency.

New Zealand can be humid in January, so consider wearing breathable fabrics such as cotton; layering is the best option for the daily temperature changes and types of activities on our trip. We also suggest bringing a light rain jacket just in case.

We’ll spend plenty of time on foot and bikes during this experience, so make sure to bring sturdy walking shoes and a pair of your favorite sandal-like shoes. We will travel by private bus and plane between destinations, so you might want to pack along a pair of headphones for the ride.

Casual attire is perfectly acceptable for New Zealand. If you want to make reservations at an upscale restaurant, you may want to bring a more formal option such as a dress or slacks.

Additionally, a bag that closes completely such as a backpack prevents personal items from falling out when they are being stored in the bus storage compartments, and is a better option than an open purse.

There are a few additional items that we recommend you to bring:

• Hat (to protect yourself from the sun)

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Sandals or flip-flops

• Sturdy walking shoes

• Bathing suit

• Phone charger

• Headphones

• Travel pillow

• Ear plugs

The local currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD), worth roughly NZD$1.76 to 1 US dollar. There are numerous ATMs in New Zealand to access your bank back home. Many restaurants and shops accept credit cards; however you will want some notes when traveling outside of the main cities.

We curate your Modern Adventure to ensure all experiences are immersive and included in your trip price. We recommend bringing enough money with you for a few meals on your own, as well as any wine, souvenirs or local arts and crafts you might like to bring back with you.

Most gratuities and tips are included in our trip cost. Tipping isn't customary in New Zealand, unless service truly exceeds expectation. Tipping also isn't required for cab or bus rides and many hotel services.

Please note, however, that tipping our local and Modern Adventure guides is at your discretion; to show your appreciation for good service, we recommend tipping each guide US$75 to US$150 per guest.

You are allowed to bring 2 bottles of wine in your carry-on, duty free. If you have more than 2 bottles in your carry on, you may be asked by US Customs to pay a 3% duty (keep your purchase receipts).

You can also ship wine, by air courier, directly from many of the wineries we visit. The cost varies, but in general expect to pay approximately NZ$200 to ship a 9-bottle case, NZ$225 for a 15-bottle case, including all taxes and import duties.

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand. US citizens are eligible for a visa waiver and therefore do not need a visa for tourists stays of three months or less. Under the visa waiver program, US citizens will be required to have a NZeTA, which can be applied for prior to travel and is valid for multiple visits for up to two years. For full requirements and information visit the New Zealand Embassy: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/north-america/united-states-of-america/new-zealand-embassy-washington/.

Not a US citizen? Please check with New Zealand's embassy or consulate for information and requirements.