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EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK
TAUCK EXCLUSIVE — Visit to the All Blacks, the New Zealand national union rugby team
Travel throughout the North and South Islands is aboard three private air charters
TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES
A cruise along the beautiful waters of Marlborough Sounds, home to green-lipped mussels
A jetboat ride on the Dart River
Wine tastings in Blenheim
Visit amazing Waitomo Caves, a magical underground world where thousands of glowworms illuminate ancient limestone caverns
Activity
3
Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.
Pace
3
Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.
Experiences of a lifetime
Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes, cultures, and cuisines of New Zealand on this 13-day journey exploring places off-the-beaten path. Your travels begin with two nights in Christchurch where activities include punting on the River Avon... A three-night stay in Queensland leads to wilderness experiences where the landscape of rugged peaks and glaciers is experienced on a jet-boat trip along the Dart Rive where you'll learn about the area's rich history and Maori legends – and a helicopter brings you back to Queenstown. Take a 4WD safari – or a scenic flight over Milford Sound – or a helicopter gin tour... stay two nights in the heart of New Zealand's winemaking region at Blenheim, where you'll visit a winery and a sheep farm, and cruise the fjord-like sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds... Discover the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, the extraordinary Redwood Nightlights, attend a private Maori dance performance... explore the world of the glowworm at the amazing Waitomo Caves... end your journey in Auckland for three nights at a waterfront luxury hotel, your base for exploring the city... and more.
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Your Journey
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Travel Documents
If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay for entry into New Zealand. A visa is not required.
In order to enter New Zealand, you must apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority.) Information for New Zealand's ETA can be found at https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz. Please Note: You must obtain your ETA(s) at least 60 days (but not more than 90 days) in advance of your arrival in each country.
Please Note: A separate ETA is required for both Australia and New Zealand, if your Tauck journey includes both destinations.
An ETA to New Zealand may be obtained with a smart phone. Please be sure to first remove your phone case and have your phone's Bluetooth connection turned on. Note: You may also use website-based forms to apply for a New Zealand ETA, but this is not recommended as the application procedure is more involved and processing times are not guaranteed.
REQUIRED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS – NEW ZEALAND: Citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and other countries will require both a passport and an Electronic Travel Authority, or eTA, in order in enter New Zealand. The eTA is an electronic visa waiver, and it is valid for two years.
In New Zealand. For a list of countries and to apply — please visit https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz.
To install the ETA app (for New Zealand): On your smart phone, search the Google Play Store (android) or the App Store (iPhone) for the Australian ETA app. Install the app. Once the app is installed, open it and follow the app's instructions. Using your phone, the app will scan and capture an image of your face and images from your passport, and connect with an electronic chip in your passport using NFC (Near-Field Communication) technology. Most smart phones are NFC-equipped, but if yours is not, you should be able to download an NFC reader from the Google Play or the App Store for a nominal fee. Please Note: There is a per-person fee of $6 U.S. ($9 NZD) to apply for your New Zealand ETA, as well as an additional per-person fee of $62 U.S. ($100 NZD) for New Zealand's International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.
If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy or consulate of Australia to determine what travel documentation is required.
We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.
If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy or consulate of New Zealand to determine what travel documentation is required.
We strongly recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.
TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.
How to Book a Tour
See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.
At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:
* Required Fields
Deposits & Final Payment
Deposits:
Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.
The deposit amount is $600 per person
Final Payments:
Final Payment is due to Tauck 60 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.
Travel Protection Plan
Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:
Tauck's Guest Protection
Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:
Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:
Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.
*Extreme Circumstances: In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.
Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.
The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $659 per person
This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.
This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.
The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.
To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL.
If You Have To Cancel
If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit
Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.
If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit
Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.
Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person
Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:
60 days or more before departure = $600 per person
59-8 days before departure = $1250 per person
7-1 days before departure = $2000 per person
Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.
In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.
Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.
Travel Terms and Conditions
Click here to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.
Air Information and Luggage Restrictions
AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.
TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.
AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.
Specific Luggage Restrictions for this Tour
Due to strictly enforced weight restrictions, checked luggage weight must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm). Luggage exceeding the allowable weight is subject to excess luggage charges which can result in a considerable additional expense. Guests are permitted to only 1 piece of checked luggage. Hand luggage may not weigh more than 15 lbs (6.8 kg), and the maximum dimensions are 20 x 15 x 10" (50.8 x 38.1 x 25.4cm) (including all wheels, handles, etc). If these dimensions are exceeded, the carry-on may be checked at the gate. Airport regulations require that passengers handle their own luggage through customs.
Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.
Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.
Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.
Health, Safety and Mobility
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
f you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
VACCINATIONS
If you are a resident of the U.S. traveling internationally, no vaccinations are currently required for entry into New Zealand; however, an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required when entering Australia if you arrive from an infected area within 5 days. For complete vaccination information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.
If you are a resident of another country traveling internationally, please contact an embassy or consulate of New Zealand to determine what vaccinations may be required for your travel.
MOBILITY
You should be in good health and able to walk moderate to significant distances over varied terrain. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. Pack sturdy, comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in in order to appreciate fully the challenging terrain of the beaches, rainforests and outback.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES: This Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Tauck journey. Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters.
Guests should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues. The responsibility of the Tauck Director is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS
The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.
SMOKING
To protect people from the health effects of second-hand smoke, smoking in all hospitality venues, including bars, restaurants, cafés, and casinos, is prohibited in New Zealand. If you smoke, please remember to smoke outside.
Airline Disinsection
Please check with your carrier or refer to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) guidance letter that requires airlines and travel agents to disclose to consumers countries that require the use of insecticides by airlines. Please click here for more information.
Reading List
We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!
You can view the reading list here.
Weather
The seasons in New Zealand are opposite of those in the northern hemisphere. During the months of October through May, temperatures typically average 60-75 ºF (16-24 ºC) in New Zealand. During the months of June through September, temperatures average 50 ºF (10 ºC) in New Zealand.
To determine current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.
What To Pack
If you are traveling in August or early September, it is towards the end of Australia and New Zealand's winter season. During this time period, you will experience vast temperature changes and may even encounter snow throughout parts of New Zealand. Please pack additional clothing for layering in colder climates, hats, gloves and heavier jackets.
As you prepare for travel "Down Under", select a wardrobe that is adaptable. Many days are spent outside or in transit. Therefore, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Occasionally cool weather will require warmer "layered" clothing.
For the welcome and farewell dinners, you may wish to dress more formally. On all other nights resort wear is suggested.
Laundry service, including self-service facilities in some hotels, is available on this tour. Additionally, all the hotel rooms are outfitted with hair dryers. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request.
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription, or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
We recommend you pack the following items for your journey:
Please refer to the Necessary Gear website at www.necessarygear.com as one option available to you for renting and purchasing apparel, PPEs, and other items appropriate for your journey.
The Tauck Experience
Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin
Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.
Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin
Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.