Travelling to New Zealand? Need Vaccinations?
Where else but in New Zealand can you walk on an ancient glacier, bask on a white sandy beach, and go kayaking through a fjord? This and so much more awaits you in extraordinary New Zealand, where you can luxuriate in a cruise through the Bay of Islands, or for a true taste of nature, take the coast to coast walk from the Tasman to the Pacific. In the culinary capital, Wellington, enjoy sumptuous dining in Courtney Place’s fine cafés and restaurants.
Spend some time in picturesque Auckland, and then treat yourself to a wine tour through Kumeu and Matakana wineries where you can sample some of New Zealand’s celebrated wines. You won’t want to miss seeing Torrent Bay at Abel Tasman National Park on the South Island. However, your first stop on your way to New Zealand should be a visit to our Travel Health Clinic, four to eight weeks before departure, so that you will be completely safe and up-to-date with the Vaccinations you need for New Zealand.
What Vaccinations do I need for Travel to New Zealand?
Make sure that you are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations prior to travelling, including the following vaccinations?
Diphtheria Vaccine (Given as the combined DTP Vaccine)
Tetanus Vaccine (Given as the combined DTP Vaccine)
Polio Vaccine (Given as the combined DTP Vaccine)
Hepatitis A Vaccination
Further Travel Health Advice for New Zealand
Heat and Humidity
New Zealand is sub-tropical, but on the coast the climate is temperate. On the North Island in summer, January-February, temperatures can rise to 30C. You will find much cooler temperatures at higher elevations, but when in coastal areas, use a good sun block lotion with SPF 20 or higher. Apply liberally and often. When on tour, remember to wear light clothing and bring lots of water with you.
Drinking Water
Reports on the safety of drinking water in New Zealand vary widely, and what this means for travellers is that to stay healthy, they should drink bottled water, which is cheap and can be had anywhere. Remember to drink often and whether it be water or fruit juices, replenish fluids throughout the day.
Food and Drink
Seafood and fresh fish are a key part of the menu in New Zealand, and the choice ranges from mussels and crayfish to oysters, which are treated with unique “Pacific Rim” flair, combining diverse flavours, like sun-dried tomatoes, lemongrass, basil, ginger and coconut. New Zealand produces some of the world’s best lamb, beef and venison, with roast leg of lamb the National favourite, normally served with vegetables and sweet potato called Kumara. If you have a sweet tooth, treat yourself to a pavlova, a meringue topped with fruit and whipped cream. Most international beers are available here but first, sample one of the top-notch local brews, like Auckland’s Epic or Invercargill from the south. New Zealand produces excellent wines which consistently win worldwide awards, so do get to know Hawkes Bay, Martinborough and Marlborough wines, especially Sauvignon Blanc.
Seeking Treatment Abroad
Should you require health care in New Zealand, there are fine hospitals and clinics across the country, and for the most part, the standard of care is good. For U.K. residents, some services can be provided in public facilities at no charge, with proof of residency. However it is important that you arrange in advance to have enough money with you to pay for any health care you might need, in case cash payment is required in advance.
Travel and Health Insurance
Protect yourself, and your family, with comprehensive travel health insurance which will cover your intended itinerary and any potentially risky activities, such as hiking coast to coast or kayaking.
Personal Safety
Aside from observing the normal precautions, visitors are safe in New Zealand. There are incidences of petty theft in the larger cities and it is best to avoid carrying valuables with you.