My OAT Pure New Zealand Review

Pros And Cons Plus Tips For First Time New Zealand Visitors

Is taking a long flight to a country where sheep outnumber people worth it?

Should you visit a place my wife describes as “national parks on steroids”?

New Zealand packs an astonishing variety of scenery into two relatively compact islands—from snow-capped Alpine peaks and lush rainforests to crystal-blue lakes and dramatic coastlines.

Want a destination where globally celebrated Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir can be enjoyed alongside fresh, ocean-to-table seafood?

New Zealand has all this—and a whole lot more.

When We Took This Trip: January 3 - 18, 2015
Jesse's Thrifty Senior Traveler Rating: 4.50 out of 5 Stars

I created the Thrifty Senior Traveler website to share my experiences and tips with others who enjoy traveling (and bargains).

I hope you find it of value. And, if you are planning a first trip with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) I have a favor to ask.

The OAT Referral Program
I've now taken 19 OAT adventures and have another one booked. If you decide to travel with OAT, I'd really appreciate your telling them (when booking):
"I was referred by Jesse Slome
OAT #932019."

The OAT referral program helps me earn a
1-time credit toward a future OAT adventure. It costs you nothing. I only get credit once. Then you get to earn referral credits.

So far, 88 travelers have told OAT they were referred by Jesse Slome.

If you decide to take an OAT adventure, I hope you'll be #89!

Planning Your First
OAT Adventure?

The Good – Reasons to Visit New Zealand on the OAT Pure New Zealand Tour

Here's why I believe New Zealand is well worth the lengthy journey—and why you might enjoy Overseas Adventure Travel's (OAT) Pure New Zealand.

The tour consistently earns strong traveler ratings, including 4.5 out of 5 stars, which happens to be identical to our own rating.

New Zealand is globally famous for spectacular scenery. But experiencing it through OAT's Pure New Zealand itinerary offers some advantages that traditional large-bus tours simply can't match.

Both Islands at a Thoughtful Pace
New Zealand consists of two remarkably different islands—the North Island and South Island—with landscapes ranging from volcanic geothermal regions to snow-capped Alpine peaks.

You really want to see both.

OAT's itinerary lets you experience vibrant cities, spectacular natural scenery and rural small-town life without making the trip feel like a race from one photo stop to the next.

Meaningful Cultural Connections
The Māori are the indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand, and learning about their history and culture adds another dimension to the journey.

Engaging with Māori elders (kaumātua) and local community members can turn sightseeing into something much more personal. While large-group dinner shows offer a fun introduction to Māori songs, dance and traditions, OAT's smaller-group approach provides opportunities for more meaningful interactions beyond the typical tourist stop.

A Symphony of Natural Marvels
New Zealand is one of those destinations where the scenery seems to change every few hours.

Cruising through spectacular fjords such as Milford Sound puts you beneath towering cliffs carved by glaciers, with waterfalls cascading toward the water below.

Then there are the geothermal landscapes: bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and natural hot springs.

And just when you think you've seen it all, you can find yourself walking among towering California redwoods in Rotorua's Whakarewarewa Forest. Planted more than a century ago as part of an experimental forestry project, these giant trees now provide beautiful walking paths and elevated canopy walkways alongside New Zealand's native vegetation.

Authentic Local Flavor & Unexpected Stops
One of the advantages of traveling with OAT is the small-group format. With a maximum of 16 travelers, there is more flexibility for your Trip Experience Leader to take advantage of interesting opportunities along the way.

Sometimes those unplanned stops become the memories you talk about after returning home.

That might mean stopping in a small village—or discovering a local favorite such as a fresh mint lamb pie.

And trust me: Don't miss my upcoming tip: THE MUST-TRY LAMB PIE STOP!

One of OAT's Biggest Differences:
Local Trip Experience Leaders
Unlike tour companies that may use traveling tour directors, OAT's Trip Experience Leaders are local people who know the country firsthand.

That means personal stories, local humor and real-world insights that can make even a bus ride between destinations part of the experience.

An Intimate Travel Group
Traveling with a group of just 10 to 16 people has some practical advantages.

You can get on and off the bus more quickly. Your Trip Experience Leader can give travelers more individual attention. And it's easier to get to know your fellow travelers.

Most importantly, you're not waiting for 45 people to climb back onto a giant bus every time you stop at a scenic overlook.

After 19 OAT trips, that's one of the small-group advantages I continue to appreciate.

New Zealand is spectacular, but no destination is perfect. Before you book a trip this far from home, here are some of the drawbacks and frustrations I think first-time visitors—especially senior travelers—should consider.

The Distance and Serious Jet Lag
Getting to New Zealand is a commitment, particularly from the United States. You're flying halfway around the world, crossing the International Date Line and arriving after a very long journey.

Depending on where you live, it can take several days before your body feels completely adjusted. My advice? Build some recovery time into your plans if you can.

The "Four Seasons in a Day" Weather
New Zealand's weather is famously unpredictable. You can start the day in sunshine and find yourself dealing with rain, wind or considerably cooler temperatures a few hours later.

That can occasionally affect outdoor activities and scenic excursions. The good news? The weather is part of what makes New Zealand so green and spectacular.

Just don't leave home thinking your summer trip (winter in the Northern hemisphere) means you only need shorts.

New Zealand Isn't a Cheap Destination
New Zealand can be surprisingly expensive for American visitors. Restaurant meals, coffee, snacks, gasoline and everyday necessities can cost more than you're accustomed to paying in the U.S.

OAT's included meals and accommodations help take some of the sting out of those costs, but you'll still want to budget accordingly for your free time and optional activities.

There Are Some Long Travel Days
Here's one that shouldn't be ignored. Seeing both islands means covering a lot of territory, and some of those roads wind through spectacular—but not particularly fast—landscapes. There will be days when you'll spend several hours on the coach.

Personally, I think the scenery makes many of those drives worthwhile. But if you don't enjoy long stretches of sitting, know this before you go.

Walking & Accessibility
Some of New Zealand's best attractions involve uneven ground, gravel paths, steps and inclines. Geothermal areas, forests and national parks aren't always designed with perfectly level walkways.

If you have mobility concerns, ask OAT about the specific activities on your departure before booking.

Watch Out for New Zealand's Sandflies
If you're visiting the West Coast or areas around the fjords, don't be surprised if you encounter sandflies. These tiny biting insects can be particularly annoying around places such as Milford Sound.

Bring insect repellent—and use it. This is one souvenir from New Zealand you definitely don't want to take home.

Cell Service and Wi-Fi Can Be Spotty
Don't expect American-style connectivity everywhere.

Outside the major cities and populated areas, cell coverage and Wi-Fi can become unreliable, particularly in mountainous and remote regions.

Honestly, that's not necessarily a bad thing. You're in New Zealand. Look up from your phone.

But if staying connected is important to you, download maps and anything else you'll need before heading into remote areas.

Write your text here...

Here are a few tips from the Thrifty Senior Traveler to make your New Zealand adventure even better.

Go During Our Wintertime: Visiting New Zealand during North America's winter—December through February—means arriving during New Zealand's summer. You'll enjoy longer daylight hours, generally warmer weather and excellent conditions for exploring.

And if you're escaping a cold North American winter, there's something pretty wonderful about trading snow and freezing temperatures for New Zealand sunshine.

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Look for OAT Special Deals: Check the OAT website regularly for last-minute deals on departures in the next one to three months. If you're retired and your calendar is flexible, you may find some significant savings.

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Look for No-Single-Supplement Departures: New Zealand is an especially comfortable destination for English-speaking solo travelers, and OAT regularly offers departures with no single supplement. If you're traveling alone, check the current OAT offers before you book.

Arrive a Day Early: Don't underestimate the length of the flight from North America. Arriving a day early gives you some time to recover from the journey and adjust before the tour begins.

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Bring Snacks for Long Days—but Declare Them: You can bring some food into New Zealand, but the country's agricultural biosecurity rules are extremely strict.

The golden rule is simple: If you're bringing food, declare it.

Don't assume something is okay just because it's commercially packaged or vacuum-sealed. Meat products in particular can be restricted, while some commercially packaged foods, including certain nuts, may be permitted if declared.

When in doubt, declare it. It's far better to have an inspector tell you that you can't bring something in than to risk a fine.

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Bring an Insulated Water Bottle: Tap water throughout New Zealand is safe to drink, but the Thrifty Senior Traveler has another reason for carrying an insulated bottle.

Coffee. I'll grab an extra cup from the breakfast buffet and enjoy it later. That's just good planning. ☕😎

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THE MUST-STOP-FOR-LAMB-PIES

On the day you're heading toward Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, eat a light breakfast.

Why?
Because you want room for the lamb pie.

If your itinerary still includes a stop at Miles Better Pies, don't pass it up. The small shop is famous for its meat pies, including lamb and venison varieties.

Your Trip Experience Leader won't object. In fact, he or she may be impressed that you've done your homework.

You'll be glad you left room.
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Get Yourself Some Hokey Pokey Ice Cream

No Thrifty Senior Traveler review would be complete without an ice cream recommendation.

Hokey Pokey is New Zealand's famous vanilla ice cream studded with little pieces of crunchy caramelized honeycomb.

Think creamy vanilla ice cream with bits of toffee-like goodness.

Yes, it's worth the calories.

Tips: OAT Pure
New Zealand

FAQ: New Zealand Travel Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do U.S. citizens need a visa or entry permit to visit New Zealand?

U.S. citizens traveling to New Zealand for tourism generally don't need a traditional visitor visa for stays of less than 90 days. However, you'll need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel. You can apply online or through the official NZeTA app.

You'll also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) as part of the process. Don't leave this until the last minute—apply before your trip and check the current requirements before you depart.

2. Can I bring food, snacks or hiking gear into New Zealand?

Yes, but New Zealand takes agricultural biosecurity very seriously.

Declare any food you're bringing into the country. Some commercially packaged foods may be allowed, while other foods—including many meat, fruit and dairy products—may be restricted or prohibited.

The same principle applies to outdoor equipment. Hiking boots, tents and other gear should be thoroughly cleaned and free of soil, seeds and plant material.

When in doubt, declare it. Failing to declare something can result in a significant fine.

3. When is the best time of year to visit New Zealand?

Remember, New Zealand's seasons are opposite those in North America.

December through February is summer, with warmer temperatures and long daylight hours. For a trip that includes outdoor activities and the spectacular scenery of the South Island, that's an especially appealing time to visit.

March through May brings autumn, with somewhat cooler temperatures and potentially fewer visitors.

For OAT's Pure New Zealand itinerary, I'd pay particular attention to the dates of your specific departure, because weather and daylight conditions can make a noticeable difference in what you'll experience.

4. Is it easy to travel around both the North and South Islands?

It is possible—but New Zealand is larger than it looks on a map.

New Zealanders drive on the left side of the road, and many routes outside the major cities are winding two-lane roads. Travel times can therefore be considerably longer than you might expect from looking at the distance alone.

Getting between the islands generally involves a domestic flight or the ferry between Wellington and Picton.

One advantage of taking a guided tour such as OAT's Pure New Zealand is that you don't have to figure out all of that transportation yourself.

5. Is tipping expected in New Zealand, and are credit cards widely accepted?

Tipping isn't generally expected in New Zealand in the way it is in the United States. You may leave something extra for exceptional service, but you shouldn't feel obligated to add a standard American-style tip to every restaurant bill.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including contactless “tap” payments. You don't need to travel with a large amount of cash.

6. What should I pack for New Zealand's unpredictable weather?

Think layers.

New Zealand weather can change quickly, so a lightweight base layer, fleece or other warm layer, and waterproof/windproof outer layer are more useful than packing one heavy coat.

Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are important because some attractions involve uneven paths, gravel or steps.

And don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. New Zealand's UV levels can be surprisingly strong, even when the temperature doesn't feel particularly hot.

Formal clothing? Leave it home. Most of your New Zealand adventure is decidedly casual.

7. What currency does New Zealand use, and do I need to exchange cash before traveling?

New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar (NZD).

You generally don't need to arrive with a wallet full of New Zealand cash. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payment is common.

I still like having a small amount of local currency available for those occasional situations where cash is useful. But there's no reason to exchange hundreds of dollars before you leave home.

8. Will my cell phone work in New Zealand, and is Wi-Fi readily available?

Most modern unlocked smartphones can work in New Zealand. Depending on your U.S. carrier and plan, you can use an international roaming plan, purchase a local SIM or use an eSIM.

Wi-Fi is readily available in hotels and populated areas, but don't expect a strong signal everywhere. Once you get into remote mountain areas, national parks and rural stretches of road, connectivity can become unreliable.

My advice: download anything important before heading into remote areas—including maps.

9. Is OAT's Pure New Zealand a good choice for first-time visitors?

Yes. And that's one of the reasons I think this trip makes so much sense for first-time visitors.

New Zealand is a long way from North America, and seeing both islands requires considerable planning. There are flights, hotels, ground transportation, activities and plenty of decisions to make along the way.

OAT handles much of that for you while adding the advantages of a small group and local Trip Experience Leaders.

If you want to experience New Zealand rather than spend months planning how to get around New Zealand, Pure New Zealand is worth a serious look.

And after seeing what this country has to offer, I understand why people make the long journey back.

Written by Jesse Slome, The Thrifty Senior Traveler
Originally published August 27, 2026 | Last updated August 27, 2026