The Destination

January and February are typically the warmest months of the year in New Zealand, with temperatures hovering between 23 - 28°C (73-82°F). Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential, and remember your swimsuit for those cooling dips! The weather is expected to be warm and humid, although it gets chilly at night. It is thus recommended to bring warm outer layers. 

Some nationalities can enter New Zealand visa free for up to 90 days while others need a Visa. Please check here what visa rules apply to you.
All participants are responsible for checking whether a visa is required or not, and are also responsible for obtaining the visa if required. 

Your passport must be valid for 3 months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand.

Visitors from countries exempt from visa must instead have an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) BEFORE travelling to New Zealand. Find out if you can enter through the NZeTA and make the application: 
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/nzeta 
Remember: the NZeTA must be completed prior to departure to New Zealand. 

In addition to the NZeTA, anyone travelling into New Zealand must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration: https://www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz/ 
This declaration needs to be completed prior to arrival. It can be submitted from 24-hours prior to starting your journey to New Zealand, but must be completed by the time you arrive at passport control in New Zealand. 
The New Zealand Traveller Declaration is free of charge. 

New Zealand has strict Border Controls and there is an instant fine for bringing in restricted goods. Please ensure that all the necessary items are correctly listed on your New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Dispose of any food, fresh fruit, and leftovers from your airline meal in the amnesty bins provided in the airport or declare it.

Telephone
The international country code for Aotearoa, New Zealand, is +64. An active network is generally available across the whole country.

Internet
Free WiFi access is generally only available in the larger cities. All public libraries and some hotels and restaurants provide free WiFi. Therefore, buying a data and mobile package might be the most convenient choice. 

Electricity
New Zealand uses angled two or three-pin plugs (same as in Australia and some Asian countries). The type of socket most widely used is Type I. Voltage in New Zealand is 230V/50Hz. Please note that power plug adapters only convert plug types and do not convert voltages. 

Medical assistance in general

There is a public hospital in Gisborne. If you fall ill, the hospital is a 10-minute drive from the city centre. 

Medical assistance during the marathon event

A team of English-speaking Danish doctors will be present during the race. The medical team is ready in case of injury or severe exhaustion. 

Please note

If any treatment is unable to be carried out by our doctors and it is necessary to refer a participant to a local medical facility, our medical team and travel agency will not be held liable for any treatment carried out by local medical facilities. 

Water
It is completely safe to drink tap water in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Cuisine
New Zealand is a foodies paradise! Due to its location and fertile soils, there is a year-round supply of fresh seafood, meat and produce. For a more traditional way of cooking, a māori hangi is the way to go, where the food is cooked in the earth using hot rocks. We recommend you try to choose sustainable seafood options when possible, such as kahawai, trevally or blue mackerel. 

Dietary preferences and health requirements: 
We understand that allergies and special diets are a common concern among our guests. We do our very best to accommodate any diet for medical, allergy or religious needs; however, we cannot guarantee that all dining establishments can fulfil special requests. 

Delicious vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available at most establishments. 

If you require a special diet during your travel, please inform us no later than 45 days before your tour begins. 

In general, the people of New Zealand are friendly and welcoming to visitors. If you act kindly and with respect, there are not many special rules to abide by. 

Tipping

Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add a service charge to the bills. However, tipping is not obligatory, but solely at the discretion of the visitor. If you would like to leave a tip, 10 - 20% is considered a good range. 

February is late summer in Aotearoa New Zealand, so pack light and smart. Bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sunglasses for sunny days, but also a warm outer layer for cooler evenings. If you’re planning to explore nature, pack sturdy hiking shoes, a rain jacket, and clothes you can layer. The Kiwi vibe is relaxed—leave the formalwear at home and throw in your favorite jandals (flip flops). Comfort is key, on and off the course.