ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION

IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?

At Hosted Holidays, we want every guest to have a safe, relaxed, and rewarding travel experience. To help ensure this, we kindly ask that you confirm at the time of booking that you are physically fit and able to take part in activities in the itinerary.

A summer escape to Queenstown offers a wonderful balance of alpine scenery, gourmet food and wine, scenic cruising and light adventure. February is one of the best times to visit New Zealand’s South Island, with long daylight hours and generally mild, settled weather. This itinerary blends relaxed touring (vineyards, scenic drives, lake cruises) with a few more active experiences such as a jet boat ride and gondola ascent.

If you enjoy spectacular landscapes, fresh regional cuisine, and immersive yet comfortable touring, this journey will suit you well. It is ideal for travellers seeking a mix of soft adventure and indulgence, without strenuous hiking or high-altitude trekking.

FITNESS LEVEL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This tour is suitable for travellers with moderate mobility and average fitness.

Activities include:

• Walking through vineyards at Gibbston Valley Wines and during wine tastings (mostly flat terrain).
• Boarding and disembarking boats for the Milford Sound cruise (may involve steps and short ramps).
• Riding the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak (brief standing periods and short walks at the summit).
• A jet boat experience on the Dart River in Mount Aspiring National Park (requires stepping into/out of the boat and comfort with speed and motion).
• Walking between wharf and homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm (generally easy terrain).

Participants should be able to:

• Walk unassisted for 30–60 minutes at a time.
• Manage hotel stairs if lifts are busy.
• Board coaches and boats independently.
• Be aware there is a full-day scenic coach journey to Milford Sound (approximately 12 hours return with stops).

Our experienced tour leaders are trained to accommodate a range of abilities within the group. However, if they believe that a particular activity may present a safety risk to you or others—or may impact the overall enjoyment of the group—they are authorised, in line with our Booking Conditions, to advise you to skip that activity. These decisions are never made lightly, and your wellbeing is always our priority.

Please note that if you are asked to sit out part of the tour, refunds are not provided, and any additional expenses incurred will be your responsibility.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all Hosted Holidays. It’s important that you protect yourself in case of natural disasters, lost or delayed baggage and unforeseen medical expenses. We strongly recommend that the policy covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation and loss of luggage and personal effects.  Make sure you keep any receipts for anything you may wish to claim for on your return – i.e. medical receipts etc. Please make sure you bring a copy of your policy with you on tour. We recommend that you take out travel insurance at the time of paying your deposit.

LOCAL CUSTOMS & ETIQUITTE

New Zealanders are known for their friendly and relaxed nature. A simple smile and polite greeting go a long way. Queuing is expected and respected. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for exceptional service. Casual dress is common, though smart-casual attire is appropriate for fine dining experiences.

PASSPORTS, VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Passports

All information provided is based on Australian Passport holders only – please advise your travel consultant as soon as possible if you are travelling on a different passport.

• Australian passport holders do not require a visa to visit New Zealand.
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in New Zealand.
• Ensure you have at least one blank page for stamping.

FOOD & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

Queenstown and Central Otago are renowned for premium produce and cool-climate wines. Expect:

• World-class Pinot Noir and white varietals.
• Fresh seafood (salmon, green-lipped mussels).
• Grass-fed lamb and beef.
• Artisan cheeses and seasonal produce.

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please inform your travel advisor well in advance so we can do our best to accommodate your needs throughout the trip.

MEDICAL & HEALTH INFORMATION

New Zealand has a high standard of healthcare. No specific vaccinations are required for Australian travellers.

Recommendations:

• Travel insurance is essential.
• Bring personal medications in original packaging.
• Sun protection is important — UV levels are high even in mild temperatures.
• Motion sensitivity travellers should consider precautions for jet boating and scenic drives.

 PACKING SUGGESTIONS

Queenstown’s summer weather is generally mild and pleasant; however, alpine conditions can change quickly. Layering is key.

Suggested Packing List:

• Lightweight clothing for daytime (t-shirts, breathable fabrics)
• Warm layer (fleece or light jumper)
• Waterproof jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Smart-casual outfit for dinners
• Sun hat, sunglasses & high-SPF sunscreen
• Swimsuit (hotel facilities)
• Small daypack
• Refillable water bottle
• Power adaptor (see Connectivity section)
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications (enough for the entire trip + extra in case of delays)
• Copy of prescriptions (in case refills are needed)

Over-the-counter medications:

• Pain relievers (paracetamol/ibuprofen)
• Anti-nausea tablets (for ferry to Malta)
• Anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration salts
• Antihistamines (for allergies or insect bites)
• Motion sickness tablets (for ferry ride or coach travel)

• Copies of passport, insurance & key documents

CLIMATE & SEASONAL INFORMATION

• Queenstown: 10-22°C | Occasional showers, pleasant but cooler evenings
• Milford Sound: 8-20°C | Weather can change rapidly, can be rainy

MONEY MATTERS

The currency used in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), with an exchange rate of approximately1.17 NZD to 1 AUD, though it's best to check the rate closer to your departure. Be sure to carry small denominations of cash for tipping and minor expenses.

ATMs & Credit Card
ATMs are widely available in Queenstown. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants. Contactless payments are common.

Spending Money During Your Trip:
Spending habits vary by traveller, but you should allow enough cash for souvenirs, drinks, snacks, optional excursions, laundry, or personal expenses during your free time and any extra meals.

Gratuities:
Gratuities for included activities and meals are already covered in your Hosted Holiday, however, tips for optional tours or personal services are at your discretion and always appreciated. (5-10% at your discretion)

CONNECTIVITY & COMMUNICATION

Free Wi-Fi is widely available at Crowne Plaza Queenstown, cafes and restaurants. Mobile coverage is excellent in Queenstown but may be limited in remote areas such as Milford Sound and Mount Aspiring National Park.

Power & Adaptors:

• New Zealand uses Type I plugs (same as Australia).
• Voltage: 230V (compatible with Australian devices).
• No adaptor required for Australian appliances.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Your economy ticket includes 23kg of checked baggage per passenger, plus on piece of cabin baggage up to 7kg.

SAFETY

New Zealand is considered one of the safest travel destinations in the world, and Queenstown is a welcoming and secure place for visitors. As with any destination, it’s important to take sensible precautions such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings, particularly in busy areas. Follow all safety briefings and instructions during activities like jet boating and scenic cruises, and be mindful that alpine weather conditions can change quickly, especially in areas such as Milford Sound and Mount Aspiring National Park.

Your Host will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. You should use your own judgment when choosing activities or excursions, which do not form part of the trip you have booked with Hosted Holidays. We can offer assistance in choosing how to spend your free time, but neither Hosted Holidays, nor any of its representatives can provide any guarantee about the safety or suitability of any activities or excursions, nor about the operators who organise these.

Swimming and other water-based activities are always undertaken at your own risk.

Please also note that your Host has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

FUN FACTS

• Queenstown is known as the “Adventure Capital of the World.”
• Central Otago produces some of the world’s southernmost wines.
• Milford Sound is technically a fiord, not a sound.
• Several scenes from The Lord of the Rings were filmed near Glenorchy.

HELPFUL TRAVEL TIPS

• Pack layers — mornings and evenings can be cool even in summer.
• Carry sunscreen daily — UV levels are strong.
• Keep a small day bag for scenic touring days.
• Try a famous Fergburger if you have free time in Queenstown!

OPTIONAL TOURS

To be advised.

Note: All information provided is intended as a general guide only and is correct at the time of preparation. Conditions, timings, prices, and inclusions may change without notice due to factors such as weather, operational requirements, or local regulations. Hosted Holidays makes every effort to ensure accuracy but accepts no responsibility for variations beyond our control. We recommend checking closer to departure for the most up-to-date details, and please be aware that all optional activities are subject to availability and minimum participant numbers.