All itineraries and custom trips offered by Active Downunder include international and domestic airfares within New Zealand on Air New Zealand. Air New Zealand offers more direct flights to the South Pacific than any other airline. Flights operate daily from Los Angeles to Auckland and daily from San Francisco to Auckland. United Mileage Plus, US Airways Dividend Miles and Air Canadas Aeroplan members earn and redeem mileage on selected flights. For long haul flights, Air New Zealand offers three classes of service: Business Premier, Pacific Premium Economy and Pacific Economy. Visit our Air New Zealand page for detailed information.
Airports: New Zealands key international airports are at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Some flights from Australia also land at Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown and Dunedin. Learn more about traveling to New Zealand on Air New Zealand.
Travel and Flight Time: Flight time from Los Angeles to Auckland is approx 12 hrs 45mins - this is a non-stop overnight flight. You will cross the international dateline and lose one day when you travel to New Zealand. You will gain a day when you return home. For example, if you depart on May 1st you will arrive in New Zealand on May 3rd, however, on the return, the day you leave New Zealand is the day you will arrive in the USA.
Entry Regulations: Do I need a passport or Visa to visit New Zealand? All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least six months past the date you intend to leave New Zealand. Visas are not required for those traveling on a USA passport who are staying less than three months. If you are traveling for longer or traveling on a non-USA passport, it is best to check your requirements on the New Zealand Immigration Service website. For longer stays a Visitors Visa may be required. For detailed information, visit: www.immigration.govt.nz and www.nzembassy.com
Are vaccinations required to visit New Zealand? No. We are virtually disease free and would like to stay that way so you will encounter strict border controls on bringing animal, plant, and food products into the country. Please help us keep our country pure and natural. After all, that is probably why you are visiting us in the first place. For detailed information, visit: www.customs.govt.nz
Agriculture: Because of the importance of farming and horticulture to the New Zealand economy, certain animal products, fruit, plant material or foodstuffs that could contain plant or animal pests and diseases may not be allowed into the country. As heavy fines may be imposed on people caught with these prohibited materials, it is suggested visitors place any such items, particularly fruit, in bins provided, before approaching the immigration area. For detailed information, visit: www.maf.govt.nz. You will find details of restricted items on the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry website.
Customs Allowance: Detailed information on customs allowances can be found at www.customs.govt.nz.
Duty Free Goods: Visitors to New Zealand may purchase duty-free goods, which are not subject to local taxes, from airport duty free shops on arrival and departure. Duty-free stores in downtown Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch will deliver purchases to aircraft departure lounges. Apart from your own personal effects, and as long as you are over 17 years of age, you are allowed the following duty-free concessions:
- 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars, or a mixture of all three weighing no more than 250 grams; - 4.5 litres of wine or beer (six 750ml bottles) and one 1125ml bottle of spirits, liqueur or other beverages; - Goods up to a total of NZ$700 are free of duty and tax, but goods in excess of this may attract both duty and tax.
Departure Tax: A departure tax of NZ$25 is collected from all adult international passengers upon departure for Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. This can be paid by cash or credit card. Some regional airports also have a small fee payable on domestic flights.
