Pre-departure information - NEW ZEALAND - Topdeck Travel
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
NEW ZEALAND
Pre-departure
trips for 18 to 30 somethings
information
Hi, thanks for choosing to holiday with Insurance Health & vaccinations
Topdeck! We really appreciate your
decision to travel with us, and rest It is strongly recommended for all If you suffer from any kind of medical
Interactive assured that the entire Topdeck team passengers to take out comprehensive condition you must advise Topdeck at the
document will be pulling out all the stops to make travel insurance before the trip departs time of booking, or at least six weeks prior to
within. your trip an unforgettable one. covering cancellation, medical expenses the departure of your trip. No vaccinations
including repatriation, loss or damage are currently compulsory for entry into New
There are links
It’s time to get excited! Get ready for to baggage and personal belongings, Zealand. Please reconfirm this before you
to explore,
a fantastic holiday! money and public liability. World Nomads leave as conditions could change.
so get clicking!
provide travel insurance, for people from
From all the crew at Topdeck Travel over 140 countries, which is designed
If you require regular medication, you
must have an ample supply of medication
for adventurous travellers with cover for
before your trip departs, as it can be
overseas medical, evacuation, baggage
difficult to obtain in some countries. You
and a range of adventure sports and
must be able to administer your own
activities. For more information go to
medication, as Topdeck Road Crew will
www.topdeck.travel/travel-insurance
not be able to administer it, and there are
You must bring a copy of your travel no guarantees that there will be anyone
insurance policy with you on the trip. with first aid training on board.
About this document Your Trip Leader will make a record of
your travel insurance details at the start of
Awesome, so you’ve booked your Topdeck
your trip, e.g. the name of the insurance
trip. We’ve prepared the following
company, the 24 hour emergency
pre-departure information which we
telephone number, and your policy number.
hope you’ll find useful when it comes to
These will be sent to our operations team
preparing for your trip.
to ensure that if you lose your policy
This document has everything you need details, they can be easily retrieved.
to know before your trip departs including
where to meet, what to bring and what
you can expect on your trip of a lifetime! Topdeck Top Tip: A good book or tablet is
You may even want to print out pages to always a great thing to have - but why not look
check off the lists or bring with you when for a novel which is based somewhere your trip
you travel. We hope you’re getting excited! visits? It adds an interesting perspective when
you explore these destinations.
Remember though, some points should be
taken as a guide only - after all, everyone’s
different! For example daily spending
money and clothing lists can vary greatly
from one person to the next, so please
bear this in mind. However, we’re sure
you’ll find the information in general to be
very useful.
Email: info@topdeck.travelNEW ZEALAND
Pre-departure
trips for 18 to 30 somethings
information
Baggage The following clothing list is suggested, Electricity & voltage
Max Weight = 20kg/44lbs based on our experience:
We recommend soft bags, suitcases or The voltage throughout New Zealand is
frameless backpacks, plus a small day 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes 220-240v, if the voltage in your home
pack or carry bag. No external framed 1 pair of smart casual shoes country is the same or similar to the voltage
bags please, as they damage other bags in the country you will be travelling to, then
1 pair thongs/jandals/flip-flops
on the coach. you won’t need a voltage transformer. Many
2 pairs jeans/trousers modern electrical devices are built to be
Please limit your luggage to a maximum
able to handle a range of different volts,
of 20kg. Maximum allowable size for all 2 pairs shorts/skirts
height 70cm usually from 110 to 240v. It is recommended
backpacks must not exceed 70cm x 50cm
4 shirts/t-shirts that you check the voltage of your
x 25cm. Please note that due to space
appliance before plugging it in, as the
and weight restrictions on our coaches, 2 sweaters/jumpers
appliance may be damaged if the incoming
passengers with too much luggage on
Smart casual evening wear voltage is higher than the appliance is
departure morning may be told that
manufactured for.
they cannot take their entire luggage 1 rainproof jacket
with them. Luggage storage facilities are 1 warm jacket Once you have established the voltage
usually available at the departure point, of your appliance all you will need is an
if they are not available you will have to Underwear and socks! adapter to ensure your plug will fit the New
make your own arrangements to have it depth 25cm width 45cm Zealand sockets. New Zealand utilises a
General things to pack:
stored or shipped home. Any luggage left three pronged flat pinned plug, which is
behind will be at your own risk and you Swimming costume also used in Australia and Fiji.
will be required to pay any cost that is
Towel
incurred.
Toiletries
Suggested clothing list Hat & Sunscreen Topdeck Top Tip: If you’re a light sleeper or
As a general rule, pack light! People Basic medical kit fancy catching some shut-eye on the coach,
Topdeck Top Tip: If you have more than invariably bring more than they need, and a pair of foam earplugs won’t cost much but
one credit card, separate them. Perhaps (including plasters, aspirin etc.) they may become your new best friend.
you will have to transport it around before
store one in your wallet and the other in Washing powder
your luggage. That way if you lose it you’ll and after the trip, as well as in and out of
still have access to cash. the accommodation during the trip! Insect repellent
Remember also that during your trip you Conversion plug
are bound to find items that you may wish
to buy, so leave room in your luggage Optional:
for additional purchases. A full coach of Sewing kit
passengers with heavy bags may render
it overweight, which will result in severe Pillow case
disruption to our schedules and potentially Torch
affect our itinerary, so please pack so
that your baggage will be less than the Travel pillow
maximum allowable weight by the end of
the trip, not just at the start!
Email: info@topdeck.travelNEW ZEALAND
Pre-departure
trips for 18 to 30 somethings
information
Visas & passports We also have a visa chart on our website Accommodation
listing the visas required by some
Please make sure your passport is valid for nationalities travelling on our trips. To check The ‘What’s Included’ section for each
at least 6 months after the last day of your go to our website www.topdeck.travel/visas trip in our brochure details what type
trip. Some countries will refuse entry if there of accommodation is used for our Log in, Hook Up
Remember that some visas can take up overnight stops.
is not at least 6 months validity on your There’s no need to wait until your trip starts
passport after your departure date from their to six weeks to obtain, so do not leave it to get involved! Did you know you can link up
Your trip will stay at a variety of multi- with Topdeck on a variety of social media? Meet
country. Depending on your nationality, you until the last minute. Also bear in mind
share accommodations, which may travel buddies, get questions answered and
may require a visa to enter New Zealand. It that the validity of the visa often runs from
include hotels, hostels, motels, cabins, share your experiences with others!
is your responsibility to obtain this prior to the date of issue rather than date of entry
overnight boat and even a traditional
the departure of the trip. Consult your travel into the country. Please check with the Facebook
Maori Marae! The number of people in
agent or your national Government website appropriate embassies prior to departure as Facebook.com/TopdeckTravel
a room varies depending on the type of
to determine which visas you will require. requirements do change periodically. Become a fan on Facebook and you can put a
accommodation. To keep costs down
accommodation is based on a 4-share shout out to other travellers on your trip, get
travel advice and share photos, videos and tips
same sex basis. from your past adventures.
If you are travelling with a friend and
Twitter
require twin or double accommodation,
Twitter.com/TopdeckTravel
this is available at a small extra charge.
Follow @TopdeckTravel for a direct link
to our helpful staff and tweet about your
#TopdeckTravel adventures for all to see!
Topdeck Top Tip: Why not hide away a Forum
$50 note somewhere? It might be useful Forum.topdeck.travel
in the case of a lost wallet or other The Topdeck forum is a place for travellers past
emergencies. and present to exchange stories, find friends and
get advice.
Blogs
Meals Some included evening meals will be prepared Topdecknews.com
by our Topdeck Road Crew and some by There’s no better way to find out about the
Your included meals are detailed in the local restaurants and accommodation places. Topdeck experience than from our team of
‘What’s Included’ section on the trip pages If you have special dietary requirements e.g. passionate travellers. Head to our blogs page
in our brochure and on your detailed Trip vegetarian or wheat intolerance, we will make and get inspired for your next trip.
Itinerary. every endeavour to cater to your specific
YouTube
needs as long as you advise your travel agent
Breakfasts are included every day (except YouTube.com/TopdeckTravel
or Topdeck trip consultant when you book.
on the first morning). A typical breakfast
Please be aware that in some areas, the Our Topdeck YouTube channel has videos to
may consist of cereals with milk or yoghurt, whet your appetite, including our latest TV
restaurants we use for included meals may
bread and a range of spreads, with fruit juice, commercial and fantastic clips submitted by our
not be able to cater for every single dietary passengers.
tea or coffee to drink. It is rare to get a hot
requirement, but we will always try our best to
breakfast, though on some occasions there
arrange it. However, we cannot cater for tastes
may be some hot food available as well.
or dislikes, as most of our included evening
meals feature a set menu.
Email: info@topdeck.travelNEW ZEALAND
Pre-departure
trips for 18 to 30 somethings
information
New Zealand Currency Tipping Optional activities
The currency unit in New Zealand is the Tipping is not customary in New Zealand On all trips we have arranged extra
New Zealand dollar (NZD or $), divided into and at Topdeck our road crew don’t expect a activities that we think will enhance your
100 cents. It is generally always possible to thing. Spend your money on yourself. travel experience, but you have a choice
exchange money in to local currency after as to whether or not you will participate.
arriving in the country, and the easiest way is These are called Optional Excursions and
to make a withdrawal from a local ATM. are not included in the cost of your trip.
They are usually organised on a group
Departing on a trip from participation basis and should be taken
Auckland into consideration when budgeting your
spending money. See the section called
Spending money Our Auckland departure point is:
Optional Excursions on your trip itinerary
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are Mercure Hotel Auckland to help you assess any extra personal
available all over New Zealand and are 8 Customs Street Joining a Trip in Cities expenses you may incur.
the safest and easiest way to access cash. East Auckland other than Auckland None of the optional excursions on your
Travellers’ cheques are also accepted in Tel: +64 93778920
For trips starting in cities other than trip are operated by Topdeck, and nor
New Zealand and are an alternative to Dep Time: 11:30am do they form part of your contract with
Auckland (for example Wellington,
using ATMs. Topdeck for your trip. Topdeck arranges
Christchurch, Queenstown etc.), please see
optional excursions as an Agent of the
Most well-known credit cards are accepted Directions the check-in details on your Trip Itinerary.
local supplier. Should you participate in
in New Zealand. We recommend that This should contain a meeting time and
you bring yours along in case you see From Auckland Airport: Auckland place (usually the reception area of the any optional excursions your contract will
something special, which you haven’t International Airport is approx. 21km accommodation) where you can meet be with the local supplier of the excursion,
budgeted for. Credit cards can be used to southwest of the city centre. The cheapest your Topdeck Trip Leader for a welcome and their conditions will apply. We have
pay for most optional excursions. way to reach the city centre is using the meeting and find out further information selected all of these operators based on
Airbus Express which departs every 10 on your trip. Please ensure you bring your recommendations from past passengers
Based on past experience, we recommend minutes between 7am and 7pm and less passport and travel insurance details to and Topdeck Road Crew.
at least $75-$80 per day to cover your regularly outside of these hours. The journey this meeting.
normal expenses including sightseeing, time is approx. 1 hour, ask the driver to drop
small souvenir shopping and non-included you at the stop nearest to the hostel. Taxis
meals. If you wish to purchase expensive are also widely available although this is a
souvenirs, you will need to budget for more expensive alternative.
more, or use your credit cards for these Get in touch with
The Auckland pick up location is just near MEET!
purchases. Remember, this is a guideline
figure and can vary greatly between the city centre. 'Topdeck Meet'
individuals according to your overall Download ‘Topdeck Meet’, our free iPhone app and
meet other Topdeck travellers before you go! Topdeck
personal budget and spending habits! Meet is super-easy to use: just choose your Topdeck
trip and travel month from the list and connect
instantly with your new trip buddies. First to sign up?
Get the ball rolling and create the first entry to start
your Topdeck adventure with your new friends.
Topdeck Top Tip: For up to date exchange Topdeck Meet is currently available for iPhones,
rates on all foreign currencies, iPads, iPod Touch (requires iOS 4.3 or later ) and on
Android phones.
visit www.xe.com
Email: info@topdeck.travelNEW ZEALAND
Pre-departure
trips for 18 to 30 somethings
information
Missed your departure or Festivals and Short Break
welcome meeting? Packages
If you arrive at the departure point Did you know Topdeck also run a great
late and miss the coach on departure range of festival and short break packages
morning, please check with reception all year round? These include:
and look on the hotel noticeboard to see
if your Topdeck Trip Leader has left any • Oktoberfest
information for you. • St. Patrick’s Day
• Pamplona – Running of the Bulls
In all cases of missed departure, you can • La Tomatina
always ring our Brisbane office on: • Las Fallas
Tel: +61 7 3041 8100 or 0800 522 366 • Anzac Day
(within New Zealand) • Edinburgh Fringe Festival
• Venice Carnival
Our staff can advise you what to do next • Christmas and New Years Trips
and also provide you with the phone • Ski packages and MORE
number of your Topdeck Trip Leader.
For further details, dates and prices,
Outside of our office hours the Topdeck
emergency number is +61 4005 27315. Finishing your trip or to book, please visit our website
www.topdeck.travel
Please check with your Travel Agent or
Topdeck Trip Consultant for your trips
finishing time prior to booking flights on
Topdeck Top Tip: If you're planning busy that same day.
days and late nights, maybe grab some
vitamin supplements to keep your immune
system nicely stocked!
Extending Your Trip
Topdeck also offer great trips throughout
the rest of New Zealand, Australia and
Europe. If you wish to extend or travel
further with Topdeck, check out our
website www.topdeck.travel or speak with
your Trip Leader for more details.
Topdeck Top Tip: Try out a few local
phrases in each place. It's great fun
speaking with locals and making an effort
wins friends.
Email: info@topdeck.travelNEW ZEALAND
Pre-departure
trips for 18 to 30 somethings
information
Past Passenger Discount Keep in touch & stay secure For more information visit the previous URL or
phone our dedicated 24/7 Customer Service on:
Topdeck Top Tip: Topdeck can book
accommodation and transfers for you for
Thinking about booking another trip, Claim your free Topdeck global sim card before or after your trip. Contact your travel
Australia: 1800 795 252
festival or short break with us? As a thank before you leave for your trip. agent or friendly Topdeck trip consultant
you for being a loyal Topdeck customer, you UK: 0800 376 2370 for more information or to book.
can claim the following discount on your All our travellers are entitled to claim a free USA: 1-888-513-8804
next trip! Topdeck global SIM card to use while on their Canada: 1888-513-8804
Topdeck trip! Just follow this link to claim yours:
www.topdeck.ekit.com/freesim - use your Topdeck Global sims must be pre-ordered.
Save 5% off “Booking Reference” and purchase a minimum of Final checklist
5%*
the trip price if $20 calling credit.
you’ve travelled Have you packed everything? Here are a
with Topdeck The Topdeck SIM is a “roaming free” SIM card just
OFF
drop it into your mobile and enjoy savings of up to few things to tick off...
or Connections
Adventures 90% on calls while travelling throughout Europe.
your next (Australia & New Passport
Topdeck trip Every SIM card includes the ekit Travel Journal. The (with visas if required!)
Zealand) before. Travel Journal automatically updates your location
to Google maps on a daily basis. This allows you Airline tickets
*Terms & Conditions apply. Please see the website for full details. to keep track of where you’ve been, and with the (where applicable)
option to publish this on facebook and twitter
you can easily show-off your travels to friends and Insurance Policy
family. Not only does this provide a hassle free way (you must bring this with you)
of keeping in contact, but you can text in your own
journal updates or photos for an even more detailed Camera, batteries & chargers
record of your holiday!
• Free Global SIM card and US $5 bonus call credit,
Conversion plug
when you purchase $20 of call credit
Topdeck eKit global phone
• Coverage in 150 countries including all Topdeck
card, SIM card or phone
destinations
• Fast low-cost 1st class shipping to Australia, UK, Sense of excitement!
Europe, USA and Canada
• You can upgrade your SIM card’s calling plan for
even better international rates:
• Passport Plus – International rates from just USD
$0.29 per minute
We trust you have found this
• Passport SIM / Home & Roam SIM – Free to
receive calls in over 60 countries
information useful, and we sincerely
hope that you have a fantastic
To redeem your FREE SIM card and $5 credit before Security holiday with Topdeck! Thanks again
you travel visit:
Use eKit’s travel vault and avoid hassles
for choosing to travel with us.
www.topdeck.ekit.com/freesim along the way. You can securely store all
From all the crew at Topdeck Travel
your important documents online, passport
Then quote your Topdeck “Booking Reference”. number, insurance and visa information and
travellers cheques details. Refer to the eKit
brochure or visit www.topdeck.ekit.com
Email: info@topdeck.travelYou can also read
