Diamantina

NZ has moved up the date. Beginning on May 2nd, vaccinated travelers from visa waiver countries can visit the country.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...rom-next-month

Melnq8

Yippee!

Diamantina

C'mon down, Melnq8! Our South Island awaits you!

Melnq8

Perhaps next year Diamantina. This year is pretty booked with trips to Europe. Good to know it's a viable option again though.

northie

open for Aussies in April. hooray

camelotdb

I have been waiting for this. Our plan is approximately a 4 week visit. I should have been planning so all I need to do is make reservations. I will soon get busy on that and will need your expert advice. I have been watching your weather but what is your opinion on the best time to travel weather wise. I was thinking the month of February. Your thoughts please and thank you.

Diamantina

Have a wonderful time, Melnq8. I'm extremely envious. Until now, we who are fully vaccinated in NZ haven't been able to plan European vacations without having to worry about MIQ (managed isolation and quarantine) upon return (expensive and hard to book). But, now, we are finally free to leave and return without spending time in MIQ.

Camelotdb, if you prefer warm and dry weather, February is about as good as it gets, though arrive on Feb. 7 or later to avoid school holidays and Waitangi Day, which falls on Monday, Feb. 6. Please be aware that NZ has highly unpredictable weather so you can encounter a rainstorm any time of the year, so bring a wind- and waterproof jacket just in case. Alternatively, you can pick something up when you get here at Kathmandu, Macpac, Bivouac or Torpedo7. Items on sale are not too unreasonable.