Air? Once again, we flew Air New Zealand using miles for two (2) free First Class tickets. (Now, that is how you can really lower your travel costs!) Arriving in Auckland meant a fast connection to Christchurch (where the tour started) on Quantas. Every airline flies to New Zealand. It just depends what country you leave from. United, Delta, American are a few of the American carriers that leave from the U.S.

Visas? If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa. Other countries – check the New Zealand Government website to see what the status is.

Travel Insurance? Definitely buy Cancellation, Emergency Evacuation and Medical Protection insurance. We never leave home without it. ( We usually purchase Travel insurance through Travel Guard – Travel insurance starts at $30 and depends on the tour cost.)

Health? I always check the Centers for Disease Control updates to see what they suggest. New Zealand is a pretty safe and clean country. Bring your personal “drugs of choice.” It wouldn’t be necessary to boil water, filter or use iodine tablets. Other than that, no food worries..

Equipment? Hiking poles, gaiters, set of thermal underwear, hiking boots, backpack, waterproof jacket and pants and the usual stuff for an active vacation. It would be hot in the beach area, Queenstown, Christchurch – December to April is New Zealand’s summer. However, there were the glaciers and “Siberia Experience” to deal with. That meant a different set of clothing. The Milford Track people would supply a rain jacket and big rucksack for carrying everything while on the track.

One way that Active New Zealand keeps their costs down is by the guides cooking (catering) many of the meals. As long as I didn’t have to cook, it was fine with us.

On to Frodo-land…