Our adventure to the Land of the Long White Cloud is a collaboration with Mondumo Tours. Your ace tour manager Colin Mairs will introduce you to the real New Zealand:. Explore Auckland,  knock on doors in Hobbiton (Lord of the Rings fans!), immerse yourself in Maori culture and marvel at the geothermal wonders in Rotorua, sample New Zealand wines, be awed by the beauty of Fiordland and Milford Sound, walk on a glacier, take a stunning train ride across the Southern Alps, and much much more. Join us for an unforgettable fortnight adventure that promises to ignite your travel imagination.

• Auckland: Explore the progressive and upbeat city
• Hobbiton: Lord of the Rings fans, channel your inner Hobbit
• Rotorua: Enjoy the geothermal wonders
• Milford Sound: Drink in the spectacular natural beauty
• Queenstown: Choose your adrenaline rush in the adventure capital of New Zealand
• South Island wonders: Franz Josef glacier, enjoy a scenic train ride, and explore the Moeraki Beach boulders

Visa Requirements: Participants must obtain Visitor Visas themselves for all countries at their own expense.  The acquisition of visitor visas to any country is the sole responsibility of the traveler. Imprint is unable to assist with the acquisition of visas or help with issues you might encounter during the process. Any information below is provided as a courtesy only.

To visit New Zealand, you'll need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) or a visitor visa. We recommend the NZeTA. You will also be required to acquire an IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) for NZ$100 (US$60)

Q: How do I obtain a NZeTA for New Zealand?

A: You need the NZeTA before arrival. Apply online via the New Zealand immigration website: New Zealand

Q: How do I obtain the IVL?

A: Register and pay when acquiring your NZeTA.

Q: What information will I need to complete the online visa process?

A: A digital passport size headshot, a credit card, passport, email address.

Q: How much will the NZeTA cost?

A: NZ$17 or NZ$24 (US$10 or $14; depending on whether or not you use their app).

Q: How much is the IVL?

A: NZ$100 (US$60)

Q: How long will the process take?

A: Usually 72 hours.

Registration and Deposit

Q: What should I expect after registering and paying the deposit for the tour?

A: You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to the tour. This email will include a link to a 'Manage Booking' page where you can view and edit all your trip details. Also included is your deposit receipt, payment schedule, and information for purchasing travel insurance. Imprint Tours STRONGLY recommends purchasing trip insurance.

Q: Is my deposit refundable?

A: Your deposit is refundable for 30 days, after which it is non-refundable for any reason.

Flight Information

Q: Are flights included?

A: International Flights to/from the tour are NOT included. Internal tour flights (Rotorua > Christchurch) are included.

Q: What airport do I use to join/depart the tour?

A: The tour starts in Auckland (AKL) on March 31 (late afternoon) and ends in Christchurch (CHC) on April 13 (after breakfast).

Q: Should I arrive early for the tour?

A: When you arrive is entirely up to you. Most Imprint travelers arrive 1 day early.

Q: Can I skip breakfast on the final day and depart early that morning?

A: Yes, you are not obliged to partake of the final breakfast, nor will you miss any tour activities.

Q: Does Imprint provide or arrange airport transfers?

A: No, airport transfers are the traveler's responsibility to arrange. Basic information will be included in the 8-Week Letter.

Q: Does Imprint provide advice about airlines, routing, or booking?

A: No, Imprint does not provide these services.

Q: When should I book my flight?

A: Avoid booking flights before July 31 unless you confirm the tour status.

Q: Do I need to check the tour status after July 31?

A: No, if you have not received a cancellation notice from Imprint by July 31, you may assume the tour is a go.

Tour start/end

Q: What time will the tour start on March 31?

A: 16:00 (4:00PM)

Q: What time will the tour end on April 13?

A: After breakfast

Q: Can I skip breakfast on the final day and depart early that morning?

A: Yes, you are not obliged to partake of the final breakfast, nor will you miss any tour activities.

Payment: Early Pay Discount (EPD) and Full Price

Q: How do I take advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD)?

A: To receive the $300 EPD, you must register for the EPD price and pay in full by the designated date. The payment system already reflects this discount. You will receive a notice of final payment due one week prior. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding EPD as cancellation incurs a penalty.

Q: If I’ve chosen to take advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD), and subsequently cancel, what penalties will I incur?

A: If you’ve opted for the EPD and paid in full, but then cancel, your deposit plus $400 of the EPD price is non-refundable. If no deposit has been paid, $1000 of the EPD price is non-refundable.

Q: Can I pay with a Credit Card?

A: Yes, you can opt to pay via Credit Card. However, you must pay the Credit Card fees, which are non-refundable in the case of cancellation.

Q: Can I avoid the Credit Card fees?

A: Yes, you can pay via ACH transfer without fees.

Q: If I am registering for the optional extension, why do I need to designate EPD or Full Price when the extension price is the same for both?

A: Designating EPD or Full Price on the optional  extension allows us to sync up payments for your entire trip in order to invoice you accurately.

Q: Can I choose to delay final payment until Nov 31, 2025?

A: Yes, you must register for a Full Price package, then pay your balance due by Nov 31. You will receive a notice of final payment due one week prior.

Q: Is there any penalty for cancellation of a non-EPD registration?

A: No, there is no penalty for cancellation until Nov 31. However, your deposit is forfeit if the 30 days has elapsed (see above).

Q: What if I have to cancel after Nov 31?

A: After Nov 31, 2025 all payments are final and non-refundable for any reason. 

Pre-Departure Information

Q: What should I do to prepare for the tour?

A: About 8 weeks before departure, you'll receive a detailed email with a packing list, sightseeing suggestions, and other important information. Meanwhile, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date and has two clean pages for visa stamps.

Pre- and Post-Tour Hotels

Q: Since Imprint is unable to assist with pre- and post-tour hotel bookings, how do I book non-tour hotel nights? 

A: For pre-tour nights, book the M Social Hotel. For post-tour nights, we will be using Fable Hotel. Please inquire after Jan 1, 2026. Bookings are under Mondumo Tours and Imprint Tours, standard rooms. Final hotel bookings with roster names will be made about 60 days prior to the tour start.

Q: If I want to book pre-tour nights in the M Social Hotel, can Imprint assist in making sure I stay in the same room when the tour begins?

A: No, Imprint is unable to assist with this. You must deal directly with the hotel to make any special arrangements.

Q: What if the first and/or last tour hotels are fully booked for the pre- and/or post-tour nights I am interested in?

A: You must make your own alternative arrangements. We suggest using your favorite hotel booking engine to choose an accommodation with the location, price, and standard of your choice.

Tour Hotels

Q: If I need a complete list of tour hotels, where do I find that?

A: On the New Zealand Tour ITINERARY page on the Imprint website.

Important Reminders

Q: Are there any critical things I need to keep in mind?

A:

• Print and keep the confirmation letter for reference.

• Add reid@imprinttours.com to your email address book.

• Download & activate Whatsapp for essential on-tour communications.

• Check your bank’s policy on international ATM withdrawal or Credit Card fees.

Health and Safety

Q: What health precautions should I take?

A: Visit the CDC website or your local travel medicine clinic for suggested inoculations for New Zealand. We cannot advise on inoculations due to liability concerns.

This tour involves moderate to demanding physical activity, including walking tours, climbing steps, and excursions to natural sites with uneven terrain. Participants should be in good health and capable of handling such activities.

Tour Member Expectations

Q: What mindset should I have for the tour?

A: Be flexible, independent, and personally responsible. Expect challenges and surprises, especially in less-developed areas. Positive, flexible attitudes contribute to a better group experience.

Travel Insurance

Q: Why is travel insurance important?

A: Travel insurance protects your investment against unforeseen events like flight delays, baggage loss, or sudden illness. We recommend Trawick.

Trip cancellation insurance helps protect you and the investment you made in your trip when you travel. It provides pre-departure benefits in case you must cancel your trip before you have the chance to take it, and post-departure benefits such as travel delay, trip interruption, and emergency medical expenses to protect you while you are traveling.  

In case you haven't read our Terms and Conditions carefully, we would like to repeat the importance of purchasing travel protection.

For more than 25 years, Trawick International has been a trusted provider of international insurance, administration, and assistance services.  Trawick International provides personalized service and trusted guidance.  With 24/7 customer support and worldwide protection, you’ll have everything you need for everywhere you’ll go.

We understand your plans can change quickly and unforeseen events could impact your travel plans. We feel it's important to consider purchasing a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment.

Comprehensive Travel Protection and Travel Medical Insurance Plans may provide coverage for:

• Trip Cancellation

• Trip Interruption 

• Trip Delay 

• Missed Connection

• Baggage Benefits

• Baggage and Personal Effects 

• Baggage Delay 

• Emergency Accident and Sickness

• Medical Expense 

• Dental Expenses 

• Emergency Evacuation 

• Repatriation of Remains  

• Accidental Death & Dismemberment 

*Please make sure to read your specific plan document as coverage may vary depending on state and policy purchased. 

For policy questions please call Trawick International’s 24/7 customer service team at 888-301-9289.

Worldwide Travel Assistance is available 24 hours a/ day, 7 days a week. Trawick International offers immediate online policy confirmation of coverage, personalized ID cards and plan documents. Our Global Response Center (GRC) is staffed by a diverse team of bilingual and multilingual professionals.  Trawick Internationals Assistance Provider OnCall International can arrange access to over 180 written and spoken languages to ensure we can deliver clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive emergency response and assistance to travelers anywhere in the world, at any time.

Please Note: Full coverage terms and details, including exclusions and limitations, are contained in the insurance policy. Product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. Plan sold by Trawick International. Insurance is provided by either Technology Insurance Company or Wesco Insurance Company, an AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. company and non-insurance services by Trawick International. Limitations and exclusions apply. Trip cancelation plans are only valid for residents of the United States.

Day 1 – Welcome to New Zealand       Meeting; Orientation Walk; Dinner
We’ll have our “Welcome to New Zealand” meeting in the late afternoon in our hotel in Auckland. After the meeting we’ll head out for an orientation walk of the neighborhood and then get to know each other better over dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 2 – Auckland Tour; Auckland Museum
After breakfast we’ll discover Auckland on a walking tour. Then a guided tour of the Auckland Museum to learn more about NZ’s history and Maori culture. The afternoon is free for your own explorations in the City of Sails.

Day 3 - Waiheke
Today we'll board the passenger ferry for a 40-minute scenic ferry ride to Waiheke Island. Upon arrival we meet our private bus and driver and visit Waiheke Whisky distillery and a local winery. We'll indulge in tastings at both, and lunch together. In the afternoon we'll visit a local sculpture park and learn about the local arts scene.

M Social Hotel (3 Nights)  https://www.msocial.com/en/auckland/m-social-hotel-auckland/?utm_source=+local-directories&utm_medium=+organic&utm_campaign=+travelclick-localconnect 

Day 4 – Hobbiton
Lord of the Rings fans prepare to yell “I’m going on an adventure!” This morning we visit Hobbiton, film set for Peter Jackson’s epic fantasy movies.  Whether you can quote the movies word-for-word, or you don't even know what a Hobbit is, everyone comes away enjoying this insight into the fantasy land of Middle Earth. We’ll enjoy lunch and then its on to Rotorua.

Day 5 – Wai O Tapu; Te Puia; Hangi
New Zealand's first people, the Māori, have a strong presence in the geothermal town of Rotorua. We have special connections for a more intimate and genuine experiences mot enjoyed by most other tours. Visit Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, Te Puia and an exclusive family homestead where we enjoy lunch with a local Māori family. We'll conclude our Māori immersion day with a Hangi - their traditional dinner and performance.

Regent of Rotorua (2 nights)  https://regentrotorua.co.nz/ 

Day 6 – Flight; Oamaru; Blue Penguins
A morning flight takes us from Rotorua to Christchurch on the South Island (flight included). Then we’ll drive south across the Canterbury Plains, crossing New Zealand’s longest bridge over a braided river to the Victorian heritage town of Oamaru. This evening after dinner we’ll visit Blue Penguins, the world’s smallest, in their natural environment. We'll observe as they return from their day’s fishing and learn about conservation efforts from the colony guides.

Poshtel (1 night)  https://poshtelnz.com/ 

Day 7 – Moeraki Boulders; Wine Tasting
Today is a another beautiful day for scenery as we head west to picturesque Queenstown. Our first stop is at Moeraki where large mysterious boulders line the beach. We then head inland to the heart of the Central Otago Wine Region. Enjoy some friendly hospitality and a gourmet kiwi lunch at Ophir. Otago is the world’s most southerly wine region and we’ll discover what makes this the ideal place for Pinot Noir at a local winery. In the early evening we arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.

Day 8 – Queenstown 
Milford Sound
The amazing scenery continues today as we make a day trip to Milford Sound. Stunning views greet us at every bend, all the way to the climax of the Sound itself. We’ll take various stops for photographs and short hikes along the way. At Milford we enjoy a 2-hour nature cruise with commentary from a local guide. We cruise the full length of the fjord, admiring waterfalls, rainforest, towering peaks, and wildlife. We’ll return to Queenstown in time for dinner and perhaps a beautiful sunset.

Day 9 – Queenstown 
Free Day
Today is a vacation from our vacation. You have the full day at leisure in Queenstown. There are plenty of options available, including cruising on an old steamboat on Lake Wakatipu, mountain biking, luge riding, or jet boating.

Ramada Queenstown Central (3 Nights)  https://ramadaqueenstowncentral.co.nz/ 

Day 10 – Lake Wanka
Leaving Queenstown, we make a short drive to the Wanaka. We’ll stop at Lake Wanaka for a visit with a local artist and then skirt the western side of Lake Hawea, climbing gradually up and over Haast Pass. There will be stops for short walks along the way, and we’ll arrive in Franz Josef township in the early evening, where we’ll dine together.

Day 11 - FJ Glacier; Lake Matheson
This morning we'll make a short drive to the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. Hike on a couple of short trails and see the glacier in the far distance (weather permitting). Later in the afternoon we have a longer guided nature walk around beautiful Lake Matheson to learn more about New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna.

Scenic Hotel (2 Nights)  https://www.scenichotelgroup.co.nz/franz-josef/scenic-hotel-franz-josef-glacier/?utm_source=Google+My+Business&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Scenic+Hotel+Franz+Josef+Glacier+GMB 

Day 12 – Hokitika and Transalpine scenic train
Travelling up the west coast this morning we’ll arrive in the town of Hokitika, famous as a center for greenstone (jade) carving. We learn about the importance of greenstone to the Maori and its cultural significance today. We’ll meet master carvers who will have pre-shaped stones that we get to polish and take home as our taonga (treasure) from the whenua (land) of Aotearoa (New Zealand). In the afternoon we wave goodbye to our bus and board the train to Christchurch. One of the world’s great train rides, we travel in comfort through chiseled alpine mountains while crossing deep gorges and ice-fed rivers, arriving in the evening.

Day 13 – Quake City; Dinner
This morning we start with a short walk to Quake City. This unique multi-sensory attraction informs, engages, and educates visitors about the region’s earthquakes. Your afternoon is free. Christchurch is known as the ‘Garden City’ due to its many parks and gardens. Tonight we’ll share memories of our tour and toast new friends at our final dinner together.

Day 14 – Tour Over After Breakfast  
Imprint will assist with airport transfers.

Fable Hotel (2 Nights)  https://www.fablehotelsandresorts.com/hotels/fable-christchurch?utm_source=googlebusinessprofile&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google+Business+Profile OR
Muse Art Hotel  https://themusehotel.co.nz/