Preparing for Your Flight to New Zealand

Preparing for Your Flight to New Zealand

Booked your flights to New Zealand? Whether you’re crossing the Tasman or coming from further afield. We’ve compiled an all you need to know handy checklist to make sure your journey runs smoothly.

Before You Fly

• Check your passport validity - It must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you are departing from New Zealand. 
• Apply for an NZeTA - Most visitors (including those from visa waiver countries like the USA, UK, and most of Europe) must have a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before boarding. You can discover more on the ETA New Zealand Visa and Costs here.
• Transit Visas – If you are travelling on transit through another country, check your visa requirements. Even in transit, some countries require you to hold a visa.
• Review travel insurance - Ensure your cover includes medical emergencies, cancellations, and adventure activities (especially if you’re planning on skiing, hiking, or jet boating).
• Double-check entry requirements - Make sure you’re up-to-date on customs rules and what you can (and can’t) bring into the country - New Zealand’s unique and diverse landscapes and wildlife mean there are very strict rules on biosecurity.

Packing Essentials

• Layers, not bulk - New Zealand weather changes quickly and can be unpredictable; pack for “four seasons in one day.”
• Power adapter - New Zealand uses Type I plugs (the same as Australia).
• Reusable water bottle - Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere (even from certain rivers & lakes).
• Travel pillow, eye mask & noise-cancelling headphones - A must for those long-haul flights.
• Essential medications - Keep these in your carry-on with a copy of prescriptions.
• Light rain jacket - Even in summer, a quick shower can sneak up on you.

At the Airport

• Check in early – Airports can be almost as unpredictable as the New Zealand weather, check in online early when you can and ensure you are at the airport 2-3 hours before your international flight.
• Download airline apps – Most airlines all offer digital boarding passes, baggage tracking, and entertainment guides. Airline apps are a great way to stay connected to your airline with travel updates and boarding calls.
• Charge your devices - Bring a fully charged power bank - and remember, carry it in your cabin luggage. You cannot store your power banks in your checked luggage! Most airlines will allow power banks of up to 100Wh in cabin luggage.
• Stay hydrated - Air cabin humidity is low; drink plenty of water during the flight.

During the Flight

• Move often - Walk the aisles or do light stretches every few hours.
• Sleep strategically - Adjust your watch to New Zealand time once onboard to help reduce jetlag.
• Snack smart - Bring a few healthy options for the in-between meal times. But make sure you leave any food on the plane due to New Zealand’s strict biosecurity laws; most food cannot be brought into the country. 
• Entertainment & comfort - Most flights have great in-flight entertainment and some offer onboard Wi-fi, but downloading a few podcasts or playlists never hurts. 

On Arrival in New Zealand

• Biosecurity declaration - Be honest and declare any food, outdoor gear, or animal products. The fines for non-declaration can be steep.
• SIM card or eSIM - Grab one on arrival at a New Zealand airport to stay connected right away, or there is a range of eSIMs downloadable, so you are good to go from the moment you land.
• Currency - New Zealand uses the NZD; cards are widely accepted, but it’s handy to have a little cash on hand. 
• Airport transfer ready - If you’ve booked with Touring New Zealand, your transfer will be waiting - no stress, no queues, just straight into your adventure.