Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Transport
Getting There & Away
Flights, tours and rail tickets can be booked online at
lonelyplanet.com/bookings
.
Entering the Country
Disembarkation in New Zealand is generally a straightforward affair, with only the usual cus-
toms declarations to endure and the uncool scramble at the luggage carousel. Recent global
instability has resulted in increased security in NZ airports, in both domestic and international
terminals, and you may find customs procedures more time-consuming. One procedure has
the Orwellian title Advance Passenger Screening, a system whereby documents that used to
be checked after you touched down in NZ (passport, visa etc) are now checked before you
board your flight − make sure all your documentation is in order so that your check-in is
stress-free.
There are no restrictions when it comes to foreign citizens entering NZ. If you have a cur-
rent passport and visa (or don't require one), you should be fine.
CAMPING STOVES & AIRLINES
You cannot take stove fuel, in any form, on an aeroplane. In the past, trampers have
also run into problems flying with white-spirit stoves, even when the fuel tanks and
bottles are empty. However, most airlines will allow you to check in camping stoves and
fuel containers provided the fuel tanks and/or containers have been completely
drained of all liquid and action has been taken to nullify the danger. This may involve
taking the following steps:
A
Completely drain all fuel from the fuel tank and bottle, and then leave it uncapped for
at least six hours to allow any residual fuel to evaporate, or add cooking oil to the fuel
bottle (to elevate the flash point of any residual liquid) and then empty it.
A
Securely fasten the cap of the fuel bottle and wrap the stove in an absorbent materi-
al, such as paper towel. Place it in a plastic bag, close it with an elastic band or twine,
and pack it in checked-in baggage.
A
At check-in, declare that you are carrying these restricted items; you may have to
sign a declaration form to confirm that you have cleaned and drained your equipment.
Requirements and restrictions do vary between airlines and airports; check with your
airlinebeforetravelling.
