What is the best way to get to the South Island?

Fly into Auckland (Qantas, United Airlines, American Airlines and Air New Zealand offer flights that connect from Los Angeles to Auckland), and then transfer to Christchurch via connecting flights on Qantas or Air New Zealand. Once you arrive in Auckland, go through customs and claim your luggage, even if you checked them all the way through to Christchurch. After going through customs with your bags, go to domestic departures. You have two options to get from the International terminal to the Domestic terminal. A free bus runs between the terminals from 6:00am to 10:30pm. This bus departs from directly in front of the terminals. It stops at both the Air New Zealand and Qantas Domestic terminals. There is also a walkway between the International and Domestic terminals. From Queenstown, flights return to Auckland and then the United States.

What will the weather be like?

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere; therefore, all seasons are the opposite of those in North America, Europe, and other Northern Hemisphere locations. The South Island has a temperate climate. From January through March, average high temperatures in the South Island range in the low to mid 70s. From April through May and September through December, the highs are in the mid 60s, and from June through August highs are in the upper 50s.

What is the local currency and how do I exchange dollars?

New Zealand's currency is the New Zealand dollar (denoted as NZ$). The rates float in relation to the US dollar. The current exchange rate is about NZ$ 2.00 to the dollar. There are 6 coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, $1 and $2. There are 5 notes: 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 NZ$. The easiest way to obtain foreign currency, prior to departure, is to visit International Currency Express, Inc. online at www.foreignmoney.com, or call toll free (888) 278-6628; outside the US call (310) 278-6628. You may pay by check or credit card, and you will receive the currency that you purchase by UPS Second Day Air. Once in-country, US dollars and travelers checks can be exchanged at banks and some hotels (with various commission charges for exchange). Banks are generally open weekdays 9.00 am to 4.00 pm. In addition, major towns have ATM cash machines that will allow you to receive NZ$. Some hotels and restaurants will also accept credit cards, such as VISA and MasterCard, with fewer accepting American Express and others. In some smaller towns and villages, credit cards are not accepted at all.

Do I need a passport and visa?

US citizens need only a valid passport to enter New Zealand. Visas are not required. Passport applications and renewal forms can be picked up at any of the 13 US Passport Agency offices and at many post offices and courthouses. It generally takes about four weeks for your application to be processed. The Department of State Office of Passport Services has an information line (202-647-0518). For passport information online, go to www.travel.state.gov