Travel

Flight

Auckland Airport

For those of whom are not New Zealand citizens, prior to the trip you must obtain a NZeTA visa. The original airport of your departure will request to see confirmation of this visa having been approved prior to allowing you to board your flight. Visas can be applied for and obtained here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/ Major airlines between USA and NZ are: United Airlines American Airlines Hawaiian Air (should you want to pit-stop in Hawaii on the way) Delta Airlines Air New Zealand Lufthansa Air Canada Quantas Safe to say, you have options! We typically fly from Denver to San Francisco and direct from San Francisco to Auckland. New Zealand has multiple smaller airports, however the best to commute into the country is via Auckland. Be prepared that this will be BY FAR the strictest customs experience you have ever come across as New Zealand is incredibly conscious of any pests and pathogens entering their sensitive ecosystem. If you have any food with you on your flight in, leave it behind on the plane. If you have any hiking/walking shoes, either bring them as NEW or (and we are not kidding here) clean them with a toothbrush as so there is zero dirt, dust, or anything stuck in the soles. These WILL need to be claimed on the check-in form, and you WILL be asked to show them. If they are not clean to their liking, they will make you scrub them in front of them - just ask Caleb about his unfortunate experience. Once in the country, if you choose to fly to another regional location (Queenstown on the south island we would highly recommend) you will not need to even enter security so while the original entrance may be strict, once you are in country, you are golden!

Travel Note

Accommodation Recommendations - Auckland City or Waiheke Island

We're thrilled to celebrate with you! Since January is peak season, we recommend booking accommodations early. If you wish to ferry back to Auckland City after the ceremony, we recommend any of the following hotels within walking distance of the ferry terminal: Auckland City Hotels (Near Ferry Terminal) Hilton Auckland – Waterfront hotel with stunning harbor views. Intercontinental Auckland – Elegant and centrally located. The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour – Comfortable stay with great marina views. Park Hyatt Auckland – Luxury waterfront hotel with top-tier amenities. M Social Auckland – Trendy, modern hotel on the waterfront. QT Auckland – Stylish and artsy boutique hotel. Airbnb – Many great options for a more personal stay. Cordis Auckland – A little further uptown but great for families. There are plenty of other hotels at various price points. Booking.com may help find the best fit! If you do not wish to take a late-night ferry back, we highly recommend staying on Waiheke ( WE RECOMMEND A WAIHEKE STAY IF POSSIBLE). Here are some great options: Luxury & Boutique Stays Delamore Lodge – Five-star boutique lodge with ocean views. The Boatshed – Stylish boutique hotel near Oneroa Beach. Mid-Range Accommodations Waiheke Waterfront Lodge – Charming waterfront stay. Onetangi Beach Apartments – Spacious, self-contained units by the beach. Palm Beach Bungalows – Cozy retreat near Palm Beach. Budget & Group Options Waiheke Island Resort – Comfortable and well-equipped. Hekerua Lodge Backpackers – Budget-friendly and social. Website with homes for rent: Airbnb & Holiday Homes Bachcare Waiheke Holiday Homes Waiheke Island Resort Booking Tips Book early – January is peak season. Stay near Oneroa, Onetangi, or Palm Beach – Close to restaurants, beaches, and Mudbrick Winery. Plan transport – Use taxis, rental cars (there is a car ferry to the island), or shuttles; public transport is limited. We can't wait to celebrate with you! Let us know if you have questions.

Rental Car

Shop rental cars based on rate - look at Freedom Camping Vehicles if campers don't scare you!

If you intend to rent a car, all you need is your drivers license. The big thing to note is that New Zealand is a British Commonwealth, aka they drive on the opposite sides of the road. To say there are many signs stating KEEP LEFT is an understatement. While commuting outside of the city, we recommend having a vehicle as there are no straight roads and minimal highway systems. Mostly two lane country roads (adds to the majestic beauty of the country) that move with the landscape. What may only be a small distance on a map will indeed take much longer than you would expect. If you intend to leave Auckland to explore the North Island without being a part of an official tour (we recommend self-adventuring), you will have a few hour's commute to the next destination town/city. Something unique in New Zealand is called Freedom Camping. If you are open to saving on hotels while moving around the country you can rent a camper/van that gives you the ability to camp in most regions of the country for FREE! This will need to be booked in advance as this is the busy season, but an easy way to explore without having to jump to various hotels/bnbs!

Shuttle

Fullers 360 Ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island

January 6, 2025 4:00 pm - 12:00 am

Ferry routes go between the city and the island throughout the day with a final route back to Auckland at 12:30am. Reception will be complete and transportation will be provided to make the 12:30am ferry back to Auckland for those who may not wish to stay on the island. Uber, while available around New Zealand, is not offered on Waiheke so any needs for transportation outside of what is provided by us will need to be booked separately via a taxi, personal rental car, etc. IF YOU PLAN TO RENT A CAR AND WISH TO TAKE IT TO THE ISLAND PLEASE KNOW THIS IS A DIFFERENT LOCATION FOR THE CAR FERRY!

Travel Note

General Tips for New Zealand Learned Through Visiting

As we have had our annual trip to New Zealand there are a number of tips and lessons learned that we want to share for you. See the link to a document with running tips we have learned along the way!