Visitors to New Zealand

Citizens of most Asian countries do require a visa for short-term travel to New Zealand. Citizens of most EU member states, the US, Canada and Australia do in general not require visa for short term travel to New Zealand. Check whether you are from a visa-free country at http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/visit/visitors/

If you are not from a visa-free country, you will need to apply for a visitor visa before you come to New Zealand. This process may take up to 2 months, so make your arrangements early.

Applying for a visa

We encourage you to request an official visa letter in support of your visa application.  This letter confirms your participation in the conference.

You must first register for the conference before your official visa letter can be sent. Please register at http://www.karen.net.nz/apan26-registration/

Process

1. Download the application form for Request for a visa letter (doc, 51KB)
2. Send the completed form to events@paardekooper.co.nz
   
3. You will receive a visa letter from the New Zealand local organiser
4. Include this letter in your visa application

Detailed information on how to apply for a visitor visa is available at http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/visit/visitors/process/

Travel

Getting to Queenstown is easy. Make your own way there or take a tour. You are strongly advised to make your travel arrangements early as services do get very busy during August.

Making your own way

Auckland Airport has daily flights from all major international airlines that connect with flights to Queenstown. Alternatively you can fly into Christchurch with Singapore Airlines and Emirates and connect to daily domestic flights to Queenstown from there.

Air New Zealand and Qantas fly direct to Queenstown from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in winter.

Fly directly to Queenstown or stop and see some more of New Zealand while you are here. A great option is to fly into Christchurch and drive to Queenstown over a couple of days.

2-day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mount Cook

A great way to get from Christchurch to Queenstown and see a beautiful part of New Zealand. This tour is available to a limited number of people only, and will depart Christchurch at 8am on 2 August.

Travelling via Lake Tekapo and Pukaki you will ascend to your overnight stop in Mt Cook Village at the base of Aoraki, New Zealands Highest peak (3764m). Accommodation in the Aoraki Alpine Lodge is included.

On day two there will be time for a walk in Aoraki National Park, one of New Zealand's most beautiful alpine parks, before heading into the dry landscape of Central Otago and MacKenzie Country, visiting Cromwell and Arrowtown then on to your final destination at your hotel in Queenstown.

Cost: $335 per person for single room accommodation, or $550 for two persons on a twin-share basis

Includes: Transport, commentary and accommodation and breakfast in Mt Cook village

Details: Pick-up from your hotel in Christchurch on 2 August at 8.00am

This tour can be booked through your registration form.

Getting help 

If you would like help with your travel arrangements contact Linda Visser at House of Travel Lower Hutt, New Zealand (+64 4 569 0950, lowhutt@hot.co.nz). Please advise her that you are attending the 26th APAN Meeting in Queenstown.

Updated: 19 May 2008