New Zealand

• November 2010
  • Trip Report
• January 2016
  • Species List
  • Trip Report
• January 2018
  • Trip Report
  • Species List
• January 2019
  • Trip Report
  • Species List
• October 2022
  • Species List
• October 2023
  • Species List
  • Trip Report

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

• For New Zealand main tour, make sure your passport will be valid at least three months after the date of your scheduled return to the U.S. Exception: **For New Caledonia pre-tour extension participants, passports must be valid at least SIX months after the date of return to US.
• For New Caledonia pre-tour extension, a visa is not required for stays of this length.
• At the time of writing, all travelers to New Zealand need to complete and submit a New Zealand traveler declaration (NZTD) and receive a Traveller Pass prior to departure.
• U.S. citizens traveling to or transiting through New Zealand under the visa waiver program are required to request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). See "Passport, Visa & Documents" section below.
• Please check current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and consult with your doctor about general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section below for more detailed information.
• Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is strongly recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
• Plan your flight reservations arriving into Auckland International Airport (AKL). Departing from Dunedin International Airport (DUD). Send a copy of your itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office please. 
• Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Main tour Arrival into Auckland International Airport (AKL)

Please note: If you are delayed in travel, please refer to your emergency contact list, and contact our New Zealand operator with a backup call to our office. Both numbers are found on the contact list provided.

Your arrival airport is Auckland International Airport (AKL). Please arrive by the morning of the first day of your tour in time for a group lunch. 

We recommend coming in a day or two early to adjust to the time change and be well rested for the start of the tour.

Please send us your flight ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE information, and /or a request for an additional night at the Grand Millennium Auckland or the name and phone of the hotel you will use the night prior. Once we have everyone’s flight details, we will let you know if anyone else is on your flight.

Plan to taxi to the hotel - this is easy to do from the airport. Our arrivals are too scattered to arrange for a group transfer and as this is an English-speaking modern country, there are no issues with using taxis.

Please check the Travel Details tab of this tour for additional information and updates.

Departures from Dunedin International Airport (DUD)

Please plan flights out of Dunedin at your leisure after 3 PM, allowing time for your international connection. Alternatively, Dunedin is delightful and many choose to stay on there, making return flights accordingly. If you need to stay an extra night in Auckland, we can help you book accommodations near the airport for an extra cost. Transfers to the Dunedin International Airport will be provided.

Please check the Travel Details tab of this tour for additional information and updates.

Passports, Visas & Documents

Guidelines and regulations can change. It is always advisable to double-check the country’s documentation requirements 60-90 days ahead of traveling. 

Information for U.S. citizens traveling to New Zealand can be found at: 

• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/NewZealand.html.

Information for pre-tour extension participants to New Caledonia, can be found at:

• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/NewCaledonia.html.

If you are from another country, please contact the New Zealand embassy website for guidelines.

Passport

• For New Zealand main tour, you must have a passport that is in good condition and is valid for at least three (3) months AFTER your scheduled return to the U.S. Exception: If you are joining the pre-tour extension to New Caledonia, you must have a passport that is in good condition and is valid for at least SIX (6) months AFTER your scheduled return to the U.S. Make sure your passport's expiration date meets or exceeds the qualifications above that apply to your initial destination!!
• You should have at least one blank page per stamp. The blank pages need to say “Visas” at the top. Pages marked “Amendments and Endorsements” will not be accepted. 

New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

• U.S. citizens traveling to or transiting through New Zealand under the visa waiver program are required to have an NZeTA.
• It can take up to 72 hours to process an NZeTA so apply well in advance of your trip. The NZeTA is valid for multiple visits for up to two years.
• Information about : NZeTA | Immigration New Zealand
• NZeTA application - request an NZeTA | Immigration New Zealand
• If your NZeTA application is denied, you will need to apply for a visa. Visit the Embassy of New Zealand website for the most current visa information.

Traveler Declaration (NZTD)

• Travelers to New Zealand by air will be required to complete and submit* a New Zealand traveler declaration (NZTD) and receive a Traveler Pass prior to departure.
• The NZTD collects and assesses a person’s travel-related information, such as passport details, contact details in New Zealand (if staying in multiple locations, use the first address you will be at in New Zealand), travel history from the last 30 days, flight details, information about what you are bringing into New Zealand, including checked-in luggage and carry-on bags, immigration status including your visa or NZeTA, if you need one.
• The NZeTD is an online system. Once you start your digital declaration, you will get an email with a reference number. You can use this to make any changes up until you reach passport control in New Zealand. 
• Once you have submitted your declaration, you will receive an email that includes information on what you need to know to enter New Zealand, based on what you have told them.
• You will need to resubmit your declaration if you make any changes to it. You do not need to print anything out.?Your New Zealand Traveller Declaration will automatically be checked when your passport is scanned at the eGate or by a border officer. 
• Go to https://www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz/ for more information or to start filling in your digital declaration.

As a precaution for lost or misplaced documents you carry on your person during travel, we highly recommend you keep hard and digital backup copies on your phone (either photo or PDF scan), as well as a hard copy left with your emergency contact at home. The recommended important documents to copy include, but are not limited to; your passport ID page, travel visa, the front and back of your credit card(s), the airline barcode on your luggage. This will greatly expedite getting new ones if necessary – we hope everyone will always keep travel documents close so that losing them will not be an issue.

General Health & Inoculations Information – Be Prepared!

Health requirements for entry to any country can change. It is always advisable to double-check the country’s health requirements and recommendations 60-90 days ahead of traveling. A helpful website for planning is the CDC's website for New Zealand (Also, CDC's website for New Caledonia for pre-tour extension participants) or by phone (800) CDC-INFO or (800) 232-4636.

We will share your health information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important as we want to be best prepared in case of medical emergency.

Vaccinations: Bring copies of your current vaccination records with you. There are no required vaccinations to enter New Zealand (or New Caledonia pre-tour extension), however, the CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date with routine as well as basic travel vaccinations before traveling to any destination. Please consult with your doctor for recommendations at least 4-6 weeks before departing on your trip.  He or she may recommend preventative immunizations like DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis), which is recommended every 10 years. 

Prescriptions: It is a good idea to pack any meds you take regularly in your carry-on luggage.  Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you use, a copy of the prescription and a list of generic names of your medicines as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs while abroad. You’ll want to keep medications in their original, labeled containers. 

Allergies: To be prepared for environmental triggers to allergies or breathing difficulties, please bring your allergy and/or asthma medication(s).  If you have severe allergies talk to your doctor about carrying an EPI pen and notify your guides. It is also recommended to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies, chronic medical problems and Medic Alerts so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health.

Common Ailments: We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for prevention or treatment of common ailments (such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, cough, congestion, head or body aches, insect bites and sunburn); as well as ointments, moisturizer, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, band-aids, moleskin for blisters, cotton swabs, nail clippers, and tweezers, etc.

Altitude illness: According to the CDC's website, day trips to high-elevation destinations less than 8000 ft. with an evening return to a lower elevation are much less stressful on the body, depending on the time provided for your body to adjust. However, overnights at high altitudes may have more adverse affects on your body and you should be informed about altitude illness and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) (see https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/environmental-hazards-risks/high-elevation-travel-and-altitude-illness). The most general symptoms are headache and occasionally fatigue and dizziness. You’ll want to take it easy, particularly at first. The likelihood of these symptoms can be reduced by resting, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, taking aspirin and optimize acclimatization by adjusting itineraries to avoid going “too high too fast." If you have worries about the altitude, ask your physician about medications (such as Diamox) that may be right for you. 

New Zealand is a modern nation with excellent sanitation; travel poses few health concerns. Water is safe to drink. Bring a first aid kit and medications for common ailments. The internal parasite Giardia does occur in New Zealand, so do not be tempted to drink from wilderness streams.

Weather & Climate

Spring in New Zealand falls between September and November and weather is highly variable. Overall, temperatures are moderate but can be a bit cool in the evenings, even cold in the south. Daytime temperatures are most commonly in the 50s and 60s °F and rain is likely. It will be chilly and moist on the water, and mountain temperatures can be cold and windy. Visit https://www.climatestotravel.com for an overview.

Annoyances & Hazards

Mosquitoes can be found in New Zealand, as well as biting sand flies in mountain and coastal environments. There are no snakes or dangerous animals, making outdoor activities safe for visitors. Bring insect repellent, and consider lightweight, long-sleeved clothing. The sun can be strong, so plan to protect yourself against it.

Food & Drinks

We stop at convenience stores for our rest stops while traveling, and lodges have potable water to fill up your water bottle. Beer and wine are readily available for purchase at hotels, and we can stop to purchase liquor if needed. We can also stop for snacks and supplies; your guide shops for picnic lunches en route. Sometimes it’s just fun to see what markets carry!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Dress is very informal and laundry services are available for a fee at our lodges. While some people will change for dinner, it is usually just to a drier or cleaner version of what they wore during the day. 

Please, pack light. We are serious about this – we move around a lot; you just do not need much to cope with tropical life! Please do not bring anything more than you must. Lay out your hopeful things to take and then do a serious paring down please! 

Laundry services are generally available, but easiest if we have several days in one location. There is a full, complimentary laundry facility with washers and dryers at the Wilderness Lodge at Arthur's Pass, conveniently half-way through our itinerary.

TRAVEL TIP: Imagine NOT getting your suitcase. Wear your most important shoes for the field and have one change of clothing in your carry-on (including a change of underwear)! And please, do not pack any essential medications, or your vital optics, in your checked luggage!

Spending Money

It is always wise to inform your bank about your travel plans to prevent potential card blocks or suspicions of fraud when making overseas card payments.

Pre-tour extension to New Caledonia: The local currency is the Franc Pacifique, or Franc CFP (FCFP or XPF), pegged to the Euro. Other currencies, such as the dollar or pound, are subject to international exchange rates. Unlike the Euro zone, which uses both Euros and Euro cents, New Caledonia exclusively uses the Franc. Retailers widely accept VISA, Mastercard and AMEX credit cards (AMEX cash withdrawals are not available), however it is wise to carry some cash when visiting rural areas. Travelers checks are no longer accepted by banks in the territory.

New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar. For the current exchange rate, please refer to online converter tool like www.xe.com, or your bank. You will be able to change money after your arrival. Travelex, at airports, is a cost-effective source. It is advisable to take some of the money in smaller bills for local shopping. We advise you carry a mix of different types of payments, such as the cash, an ATM card, and a credit card. Make sure you know your ATM PIN number. You should also inform your bank and your credit card companies that you will be traveling outside the country to avoid a freeze on your account – many banks do this as a security measure when unexpected purchases are made. If you want to withdraw cash while in New Zealand, debit cards are more cost-effective than credit cards which can charge high fees. If you plan to exchange cash in country, bring large U.S. bill ($50 or $100) in good condition that will give you the better rate when exchanging to local currency.

People often ask how much spending money to bring. Part of the answer depends on how much you want to shop. Tempting souvenirs are endless, and most shops take VISA and MasterCard or American Express. You may also want to bring cash for drinks with dinner (if available) or smaller local purchases.

Also, a number of meals are on your own – you pay for these yourself (these meals are marked on your itinerary). In most cases you can choose from a variety of restaurants.

Gratuities

For pre-tour extension to New Caledonia: Tipping is not a common practice in the region. Prices typically include service tax (TSS), usually set at 5%, with few exceptions. Your local guides may provide you with more detailed information.

Gratuities are not customary in New Zealand but occasionally may be appropriate. Tipping throughout the tour is at your discretion. Some general gratuity guidelines follow.

• At larger (mostly city) hotels, tip maids and bar service as you would at home.
• At eco-lodges, there is typically a staff tip box in a public area; the going rate per person is $6-$10 a day, which is shared among staff for maid service, and general staff service at the lodges. Gratuities for group meals are already included.
• Your Naturalist Journeys host will take care of smaller tips such field trip services by boat drivers, night drive outings, single activities. Your additional tip is encouraged for birding tour guides and drivers who are with you for several days or the full trip; $10-$15 per day per guest is standard for guide service, and half that for a driver. If you have more than one local guide at a location, they will share the daily amount.

We encourage tipping for the local teams hosting you; anything extra for your Naturalist Journeys host is at your discretion.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Your guide is well connected and can help if any urgent communication need arises. However, it is highly recommended that you travel with a cell phone, if only as a precaution for the unfortunate occurrence of a medical emergency during an outing and needing swift accessibility to critical personal or medical contacts. 

Please check with your wireless provider to see if your phone and service will work in your destination country. Options include activating international roaming, purchasing a local SIM card at the airport (newer phones may not accept SIM cards), or simply turning off cellular service and relying on Wi-Fi to make calls and access the internet.

If your phone can connect to Wi-Fi, you may be able to make voice and video calls free of charge. Please contact your cell phone provider for further details. Another option if you have access to Wi-Fi, is to use smartphone apps like Skype, WhatsApp, or Viber to send text messages, and make voice calls, or video calls. Many smartphones, tablets, or laptops come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download for free. If bringing a laptop or tablet, get a good dustcover to protect it at all times.

Make sure if you do NOT want to use your cell phone that you turn off your cellular data. You could incur huge charges if you are not on Wi-Fi. Putting your phone in airplane mode if you mainly use it for photos will save the battery as well. 

Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers, unless it appears to be an emergency. This disrupts other guests, plan on cell phone call use on your own time.

Electricity

For those joining the pre-tour extension to New Caledonia, the standard voltage is 220 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. Power plugs and sockets (outlets) of Type F are used. For more information, see https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/new-caledonia/.

The standard in New Zealand is 230 Volts at 50 Hertz. The power plugs and sockets are of Type I. For more information, see https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/new-zealand/.

If you travel with a device that does not accept either of these voltages and frequencies (220V/50Hz or 230V/50Hz), you will need a voltage converter. Depending on how much you plan to travel in the future, it may be worthwhile to get a combination voltage converter and plug adapter. More information can be found at www.power-plugs-sockets.com

Time

New Zealand is on New Zealand Standard Time (GMT+12), with daylight savings time. Time in Auckland is 16 hours ahead of New York City. Check www.timeanddate.com before leaving home for your conversion.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone at our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Naturalist Journeys International Trips: Guide Role

Naturalist Journeys supports ecotourism and the development of excellent local guides. Once we know our international partners and guides well, we can send out small groups working directly with these trusted partners, adding a Naturalist Journeys guide to assist the local expert when we have a group of 6-7 or more. This helps us keep your costs down while retaining tour quality. The local guide is your main guide. You can expect your Naturalist Journeys guide to be well-researched and often they are experienced in the destination, but their role is not to be primary, it is to help to organize logistics, help you find birds, mammals, and interesting other species in the field, keep reports, help facilitate group interactions, and to keep the trip within Naturalist Journeys' style. Local guides live in the countries we travel to, know the destinations intimately, and are often the strongest force for conservation in their countries. They open many doors for us to have a rich experience.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

As a courtesy to each other, we ask that all travelers please rotate seating. On international trips we may all be in one small bus, on some trips we are in vans, particularly the roomy Sprinter Vans when available. Some areas require us to be in smaller 4-wheel drive or safari vehicles. Rotation allows you to sit with different drivers and alternate front and back seating.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives’ permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Travel Insurance

You are traveling in remote areas. Naturalist Journeys strongly recommends you have full medical and evacuation insurance from a company such as Allianz, for all international travel. If you do not have medical coverage or evacuation coverage on your existing travel insurance policy or for some reason elected not to take that out, we advise getting an evacuation plan with Global Rescue, World Nomads, Medjet, Allianz (they can do evacuation only) or a similar company. These plans are typically $300-$400 for a year for multiple destinations. This coverage may be a part of a larger Travel Insurance policy but can also be purchased on its own.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

Please pack light!

Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

Luggage: Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage.  Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle.  It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds.  If lighter, all the better!

Carry-On: Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. 

Weather & General Guidelines

Spring temperatures will range from highs of 65°F and lows of 40°F and you will encounter rain. Temperatures may vary considerably throughout the areas you will be visiting (inland versus coast and for day and night excursions). In general, moderate rainfall occurs all months of the year, along with lengthy times of sunny weather. Weather is milder on the North Island compared to the South Island.

North Island: The northern region and its eastern coast is typically sunnier and drier than the southern half of New Zealand, but there can still be plenty of rain. Temperatures will gradually become cooler the closer you get to the second major island.

South Island: The South Island has been known for its variable weather swings. The locals would say you could experience all four seasons in one day. It’s common to start the day as sunny, then encounter rain, which can then strengthen into snow, then end in stunning sunshine.

Clothing & Gear

Please be prepared for all types of weather. Bring a waterproof, insulated jacket with a hood, gloves, sweater, and waterproof shoes. Since very warm weather is similarly promising, your outerwear should be big enough to wear over other layers.

Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. We are on the water and in the mountains where temperatures and winds can fluctuate drastically; a waterproof, wind-resistant layer is smart. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun and vegetation. But if you like to wear shorts, by all means bring them. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are easy to launder. Closed toe shoes and hiking boots are ideal for our field time.

Note on clothing colors and insect repellent: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors, though camouflage clothing is not recommended. It is possible to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent such as the Craghoppers Insect Shield collection. Another approach is to purchase Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure.

Packing List:

• Long pants, 2 – 3 pairs (comfortable and loose fitting is best)
• Thicker pair of pants for cold nights
• Lightweight long underwear/ or fleece tights that can layer with rain pants
• Shorts or zip-off/convertible pants (optional)
• Lightweight long-sleeved shirts – 2 or 3
• T-shirts or equivalent, 3 - 4 (remember you may buy some souvenir tees along the way!)
• Personal underclothing and pajamas
• Socks (easy to hand wash and dry)
• Raincoat or poncho (great if this doubles as a windbreaker)
• Rain pants (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
• Comfortable evening clothes (clean field clothes are appropriate, but feel free to go dressier if you wish)
• Bathing suit (optional)
• Broad-brimmed hat
• Bandana
• Comfortable walking shoes (tennis shoes, etc.)
• Lightweight hiking boots (preferably waterproof with good ankle support and non-slip soles)
• Comfortable light shoes for evenings, travel days (Crocs work well or sandals)
• Warm jacket: fleece fabric is ideal, but a sweatshirt or sweater will do
• Wind/waterproof gloves – for night spotting
• Warm scarf
• Warm windproof hat – for night spotting
• Field vest (optional): a great source is Big Pockets

Equipment & Miscellaneous

• E-ticket verification
• Passport, visa (if required), travel insurance info, money & credit cards.
• A secure pouch to carry the items above on your person at all times (such as a secure, under-clothing document pouch)
• As a backup: copies of all the above (phone and/or paper) packed in a separate location than on your person, plus a set given to your emergency contact at home as a backup. For passport, copy of the  ID and entry stamp pages.
• Small daypack to carry gear while hiking
• Cell phone and charger
• Binoculars
• Camera and charger/extra batteries, memory cards/film, lens cleaning supplies and instruction manual (optional)
• Spotting scope and tripod (optional – guide will have them)
• Tablet/laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos, USB stick, USB cord and charger (optional)
• Power plug adapter & electrical transformer (New Zealand uses a unique three-pronged plug on a 250v system)
• Small flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
• Alarm clock (or use your cell phone)
• Sunscreen/lip balm with high SPF
• Sunglasses with neck strap
• Insect repellent with DEET
• Toilet articles
• Water bottle (or you can use one of ours and refill during the journey –  we do try to save on plastics!)
• Walking sticks if you use them regularly, collapsible poles work well
• Umbrella (optional)
• Notebook and pen or journal (optional)
• Field guides (optional)
• Earplugs (if hotel noise or roommates snoring may bother you; optional)
• Rechargeable power bank (optional)
• Hand-washing laundry kit: large zip-lock bag and/or sink stopper that stopper that fits all sizes, cold water  detergent, short piece of clothesline
• Washcloth (optional – not always provided in hotels)

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing, and your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Aid Items

• Heath insurance and vaccination records (kept in personal pouch with other travel documents)
• Personal prescription medications (and copy of vital prescriptions)
• Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van drives, the ferry ride, etc.
• Personal first aid kit and over the counter medications for general ailments (Imodium or Lomotil, packed in their original packaging
• Antihistamine cream or tablets, eye drops, etc.)
• Copy of eyeglass prescription, medical prescriptions, and any medical alerts
• Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
• Band-aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
• Small bottle of hand sanitizer

There are many titles of interest for New Zealand. The following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started.

Top Picks

A Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

Merlin App – New Zealand Pack. A phone-based birding app from Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. Before departing the U.S., download the app for free, then from within the app, download the “pack” for New Zealand.

New Zealand – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

The Hand Guide to the Birds of New Zealand

Birds of New Zealand and the Outlying Islands

Collins Field Guide to New Zealand Wildlife

Field Guide to the Wildlife of New Zealand

Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Trees

A Photographic Guide to Wildflowers of New Zealand

The Field Guide to New Zealand Geology 

Birds of New Zealand app in the Apple App Store. An interactive version of the newly released Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide

Natural History

New Zealand: A Natural History

Moa: The Life and Death of New Zealand’s Legendary Bird

History & Culture

Lonely Planet New Zealand by Lonely Planet

A Concise History of New Zealand

A Traveller’s History of New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands

Come On Shore and We Will Kill and Eat You All

Straying from the Flock; Travels in New Zealand

Making Peoples: A History of the New Zealanders, from Polynesian Settlement to the End of the Nineteenth Century

The Bone People: A Novel

There is a good selection of books available for sale at visitors’ centers, and your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

General

New Zealand – Encyclopedic Overview

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand

New Zealand - A lively and colorful resource

• https://www.newzealand.com/us/

Auckland

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auckland

 New Caledonia (Pre-tour extension)

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Caledonia

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Birding New Zealand

• https://www.birdingnz.co.nz/

Ornithological Society of New Zealand

• https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/osnz

Birds A – Z – New Zealand

• https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/

General Bird List, Including Extinct Birds

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_birds_of_New_Zealand

Endemic Birds

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_endemic_birds_of_New_Zealand

New Zealand Storm-Petrel – Critically Endangered

• https://ebird.org/species/nezstp1

Birds of Prey - Be sure to read the “full story”

• https://teara.govt.nz/en/birds-of-prey

Flightless Birds

• https://teara.govt.nz/en/land-birds-overview/page-3
• https://www.terranature.org/flightlessBirds.htm

Tiritiri Matangi Island

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiritiri_Matangi_Island

Beech Forests of New Zealand

• https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-plants/beech-forest/

Milford Sound Wildlife

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milford_Sound#Wildlife

Native Animal Overview

• https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/

A profile of the endemic Hector’s Dolphin - WWF

• https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/hector-s-dolphin

Nature and Wildlife Overview

• https://www.newzealand.com/us/nature-and-wildlife/

 New Caledonia (Pre-tour extension):

• https://ebird.org/region/NC

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Mount Cook National Park

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aoraki_/_Mount_Cook_National_Park

Miranda Wildlife Sanctuary

• https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/mirandas-migratory-birds/

Pureora Forest Park

• https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/waikato/places/pureora-forest-park/historic-pureora-forest-park/

Department of Conservation: A great, all-encompassing website with plenty of general (but thorough) wildlife information; a great site to pique your curiosity on topics to google further

• https://www.doc.govt.nz/

Kiwis for Kiwi

• https://savethekiwi.nz/

 New Caledonia (Pre-tour extension)

• https://www.conservation.org/blog/pacific-island-enacts-bold-new-ocean-protections
• https://www.conservation.org/projects/new-caledonia

Geology & Geography

A Geologic History

• https://sci.waikato.ac.nz/evolution/geologicalHistory.shtml

Mount Ruapehu

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Ruapehu

Canterbury Plains

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canterbury_Plains#Geology

Geography of Fiordland National Park

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiordland_National_Park#Geographical_features

 New Caledonia (Pre-tour extension):

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geology_of_New_Caledonia

History & Culture

"20 years on, a transformed New Zealand looks back at 'Lord of the Rings'" - L.A. Times Article by Kevin Baxter

• https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-11-28/lord-of-the-rings-return-of-the-king-20th-oscars-new-zealand-film-industry

A concise historical summary, along with additional details

• https://teara.govt.nz/en/history

New Zealand History – Covering a wide variety of topics from culture to politics, and more

• https://nzhistory.govt.nz/

New Caledonia (Pre-tour extension):

• https://www.britannica.com/place/New-Caledonia-French-unique-collectivity-Pacific-Ocean

Helpful Travel Websites

Arrival New Caledonia (Pre-tour extension) Airport info

• See Travel Details

Arrival - Auckland International Airport (AKL)

• https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/

Departure - Dunedin Airport (DUD)

• https://www.dunedinairport.co.nz/

National Passport Information Center

• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

Homeland Security Real ID Act

• https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

• https://www.cbp.gov/travel

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

• https://www.tsa.gov

Foreign Exchange Rates

• https://www.xe.com/

ATM Locator

• https://www.visa.com/atmlocator/
• https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/get-support/find-nearest-atm.html

U.S. Department of State International Travel Information

• New Zealand: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/NewZealand.html
• New Caledonia (Pre-tour extension): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/NewCaledonia.html

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

• New Zealand: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/new-zealand
• New Caledonia (Pre-tour extension):  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/new-caledonia

Canada Travel Advice and Advisories

• New Zealand: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/new-zealand
• New Caledonia (pre-tour extension):  https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/new-caledonia

Travel Health Pro (UK)

• New Zealand: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/162/new-zealand
• New Caledonia (pre-tour extension): https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/161/new-caledonia

   

Electricity and Plugs

• New Zealand: https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/new-zealand/
• New Caledonia (pre-tour extension): https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/new-caledonia/

Date, Time, and Holidays

• https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock
• https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays