3303 South Semoran Blvd. Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32817
www.MaximTours.Net |Toll-free 1-855-466-2946
Greetings from Maxim Tours!
Thank you for your interest in travelling with us on our Grand Tour of Australia and New Zealand.
It is important to familiarize yourself with a country before embarking on your travels. We have done
our best to compile a comprehensive country guide for you to review.
This document contains very important travel tips for Australia and New Zealand:
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Tour Guide
Transportation
Weather
Electricity
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Hotels
Air Travel
Customs / Immigration
Currency
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Time Difference
Meals
Emergency Numbers
Travel Documents
Thank you again for choosing to travel with Maxim Tours!
Our team wishes you a great holiday filled with lasting memories!
Sincerely,
Maxim Tours Team
MAXIM TOUR GUIDE:
The Tour Manager is your professional guide. Extensive training and experience enables the Tour
Manager to provide you with perfect guidance while on tour. In order to enjoy smooth functioning of
the tour it is extremely important to cooperate, be punctual, and follow instructions given by the Tour
Manager.
Arrival: Your Tour Manager will be there to pick you up at the airport. The exact location will be sent to
you via email. Some of you are arriving individually, if you arrive before the group you may wait, though
you must let us know. Or if you arrive after you should obtain transport to the hotel on your own.
Departure: Transportation to the airport will be provided for group flights on the original final day of the
tour. If you have not chosen to fly with the group, then you must obtain transport back to the airport on
your own. However, if your flight is near the time of the group’s flights we may be able to also take
you—your tour manager will coordinate with you.
PLEASE NOTE: Those passengers arriving prior to or departing after the original dates of the group tour
must arrange airport transportation on your own. No services will be provided for the extension with
the exception of hotel stay and only if requested prior to departure).
Travel Guide Page 1 of 7
Please note: While we take every care to ensure that this information is
accurate at the time of departure, we are not responsible for any discrepancies
in details/policies.
3303 South Semoran Blvd. Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32817
www.MaximTours.Net |Toll-free 1-855-466-2946
TRANSPORTATION:
It is important to note that driver gratuity is 4 USD per person, per day
You may pay tips for the entire tour to our tour manager on the first day, or pay separately each day.
This is a gratuity tip and is mandatory as per the Maxim Tours brochure and travel tips.
The order of activities and attractions may vary in order to comply with routing and driver rest
requirements. Your Maxim Tours escort will brief you about daily activities.
Since all sightseeing & a few intercity transfers are by coach, we have carefully chosen an air
conditioned coach for a comfortable journey. We request you to keep your coach neat and clean
enabling everyone to have a hassle free tour. Keep in mind all passenger requirements, smoking,
drinking, and any items of intoxicant nature are not permitted on the coach. Seats may or may not be
rotated, please follow tour manager’s instructions.
Due to any factor beyond our control like natural / manmade calamities, traffic, road works, bad
weather etc., we may have to alter / amend / cancel some of the programs / sightseeing from as
mentioned in the brochure / itinerary, without prior notice.
INSURANCE: All US citizens and US legal residents travelling are insured. Your group number will be
emailed to you with your policy package. Remember to keep a copy on hand while on tour.
WEATHER:
Clothing- It is advisable to take at least one (1) set of warm clothing like sweaters, jackets, scarves, etc.
Also carry your sunglasses, cap, and comfortable walking shoes. Please review the weather chart
prepared for the approximate temperature during your travel. Australian/New Zealand lifestyle is
generally informal and the accepted norm is to dress for comfort. If you're planning a special occasion a
more formal outfit may be required.
Seasons- Australia's and New Zealand’s seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. For
instance, when the USA is in Winter, Australia is in Summer. The wet season runs in much of the North
of the country from November to April. The stinger season runs from November to May. In this time, it's
advisable to swim in the stinger enclosures on the beaches or wear a stinger suit. The North of New
Zealand is sub-tropical. The South may be cooler—snow can be experienced in Winter.
Average Weather by CityMelbourne: January is the hottest month in Melbourne with an average temperature of 21°C (70°F) and
the coldest is July at 10°C (50°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 11 in January. The wettest month
is May with an average of 68mm of rain.
Jan
Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul
Aug Sep
Oct Nov Dec
High 79°
79°
75°
70°
63°
57°
57°
59°
63°
68°
72°
75°
Low 59°
61°
57°
54°
50°
45°
43°
45°
48°
50°
54°
57°
Travel Guide Page 2 of 7
Please note: While we take every care to ensure that this information is
accurate at the time of departure, we are not responsible for any discrepancies
in details/policies.
3303 South Semoran Blvd. Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32817
www.MaximTours.Net |Toll-free 1-855-466-2946
Cairns: January is the hottest month in Cairns with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) and the
coldest is June at22°C (71°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 9 in December. The wettest month
is February with an average of 380mm of rain.
Jan
Feb
Mar Apr
May Jun
Jul
Aug Sep
Oct
Nov Dec
High 88°
86°
86°
82°
81°
77°
77°
79°
81°
82°
86°
88°
Low 75°
75°
75°
72°
70°
64°
64°
64°
66°
70°
73°
75°
Sydney: January is the hottest month in Sydney with an average temperature of 23°C (73°F) and the
coldest is July at13°C (55°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 9 in December. The wettest month
is March with an average of 164mm of rain.
Jan
Feb
Mar Apr
May Jun
Jul
Aug Sep
Oct
Nov Dec
High 79°
79°
77°
73°
68°
64°
63°
64°
68°
72°
75°
79°
Low 66°
66°
64°
59°
54°
50°
46°
48°
54°
57°
61°
64°
Christchurch: January is the hottest month in Christchurch with an average temperature
of 18°C (64°F) and the coldest isJuly at 6°C (43°F). The wettest month is March with an average of 50mm
of rain.
Jan
Feb
Mar Apr
May Jun
Jul
Aug Sep
Oct
Nov Dec
High 73°
72°
68°
64°
57°
52°
52°
54°
59°
63°
66°
70°
Low 55°
54°
52°
45°
39°
36°
34°
37°
41°
45°
50°
54°
Queenstown: January is the hottest month in Queenstown with an average temperature
of 16°C (61°F) and the coldest isJune at 4°C (39°F). The wettest month is October with an average of
90mm of rain.
Jan
Feb
Mar Apr
May Jun
Jul
Aug Sep
Oct
Nov Dec
High 72°
72°
68°
61°
54°
46°
46°
50°
55°
61°
64°
70°
Low 50°
50°
48°
43°
37°
32°
32°
34°
37°
43°
45°
48°
Rotorua: The most daily sunshine hours in Rotorua are 9 in January. The best month to swim in the sea
is in February when the average sea temperature is 21°C (70°F).
Jan
Feb
Mar Apr
May Jun
Jul
Aug Sep
Oct
Nov Dec
High 73°
73°
70°
68°
61°
58°
58°
59°
61°
63°
68°
72°
Low 58°
58°
56°
50°
43°
40°
41°
42°
45°
50°
55°
58°
Auckland: January is the hottest month in Auckland with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F) and the
coldest is July at11°C (52°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 8 in January. The wettest month is July
with an average of 60mm of rain. The best month to swim in the sea is in February when the average
sea temperature is 21°C(70°F).
Jan
Feb
Mar Apr
May Jun
Jul
Aug Sep
Oct
Nov Dec
High 73°
73°
72°
68°
63°
59°
57°
59°
61°
63°
66°
70°
Low 63°
63°
59°
55°
52°
48°
46°
46°
50°
54°
55°
59°
Travel Guide Page 3 of 7
Please note: While we take every care to ensure that this information is
accurate at the time of departure, we are not responsible for any discrepancies
in details/policies.
3303 South Semoran Blvd. Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32817
www.MaximTours.Net |Toll-free 1-855-466-2946
AIR TRAVEL
Airline  Each piece of checked baggage is limited to 23KG(50LBS) and total linear dimensions (length +
width + height) of158CM(62IN). Bags that are heavier and/or larger than this allowance will incur
extra charges.
 One (1) piece not exceeding 05 kgs per person is permitted as cabin luggage. Though we suggest
you check with your airline provider for more accurate weight allowance, as they may vary.
 Due to security reasons, airlines do not permit items like blades, razors, knives, scissors, lighter,
match box, liquids, gel aerosols etc. in your hand luggage.
 All passengers are requested to assemble at the airport at the check in counter at least 3.5 hrs
prior to the departure of your flight.
 Flights booked by Signature Tours are based in Economy class; passengers have the option to
upgrade themselves to Business / First class, subject to availability, by paying the difference in
airfare.
Travel Documents- You should carry your valid Passport (valid for minimum for 6 months) with valid
visas, air tickets, passport sized photographs, overseas travel insurance policy, emergency contact
numbers, etc. with you.
Please carry a photocopy of all the above documents & keep them separate from the originals
Prescription Medication- If you are traveling with prescription medication, please be sure to carry your
prescription with you. Not having it at security could result in the entire group being held up for
secondary inspection and/or additional screening/inspection of baggage. Follow this link for information
for travelers with disabilities/medical conditions/medical devices.
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/what-expect-if-passenger-needs-medication
HOTELS & CALLS
Good quality hotels are specifically chosen for you keeping in mind the location and space availability.
We will try our best to provide adjacent rooms if requested at the time of booking.
In most cases check-in time in Australia/New Zealand is 1400 hrs and check-out time is usually 1100 hrs.
An early check-in and late check-out will not be permitted by the hotel.
Hotels may have facilities such as a mini bar, pay-per-view television channels, telephones, etc. These
facilities are not complimentary and have to be paid for based on actual usage. Due to favorable
weather conditions generally prevailing in Europe, most of the hotels do not have any air-conditioning.
The room size is generally small and equipped with queen sized beds. Kindly note, any damages done to
your hotel room during your stay would be charged to you directly by the hotel.
Phone Calls- Please be advised that all calls are subject to international rates.
 Australia to United States: dial 0011 + 1 + USA area code + phone number
 New Zealand to United States: dial 00 + 1 + USA area code + phone number
Travel Guide Page 4 of 7
Please note: While we take every care to ensure that this information is
accurate at the time of departure, we are not responsible for any discrepancies
in details/policies.
3303 South Semoran Blvd. Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32817
www.MaximTours.Net |Toll-free 1-855-466-2946
ELECTRICTY
Australia: The electric current is 240 volts AC, 50 hertz. Sockets take two or three flat, not rounded,
prongs. North Americans and Europeans will need to buy a converter before they leave home (don't
wait until you get to Australia, because Australian stores are only likely to stock converters for Aussie
appliances to fit American and European outlets). Some large hotels have 110V outlets for electric
shavers or dual voltage, and some will lend converters; but don't count on it to always be available.
Power does not start automatically when you plug in an appliance; you need to flick the switch located
beside the socket to the "on" position.
New Zealand: The electricity current is 230–240 volts. Electrical appliances will require a round-pin, twopronged plug adapter. Check your appliances to see if there is a 100–240v switch. If not, you will need a
voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240 or 110v shavers are usually found in leading stores.
MONEY
Australia- The Australian Dollar (AUD) comprises 100 cents. There are 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 coins,
and $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes. Prices in shops are often marked in single cents then rounded to
the nearest 5c when you come to pay.
New Zealand- The New Zealand Dollar (NZ$) comprised 100 cents. Coins have values of 10, 20 and 50
cents, $1 and $2. Notes have values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
Credit Cards & Traveler’s Checks- Exchange facilities can be found at all international airports and foreign
currency or travelers' checks can be exchanged at banks and some large hotels. Australian normal bank
opening hours are from 9:30am to 4:00pm, Monday to Thursday and 9:00am to 5:00pm on Friday. While
in New Zealand major banks are open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm. All major credit cards are
widely accepted at hotels, banks and most stores.
Tipping Policy- It is mandatory to tip the coach driver/ tour guide and tour manager a nominal amount
of USD 4 per person, per day for the duration of the tour.
Shopping- All major cities have extensive shopping facilities with malls, arcades and specialty shops
selling a wide range of home-produce and international products. In the last few years, Aboriginal art
has increased in popularity. Duty-free shopping can be enjoyed in every capital city and international
airports.
Travel Guide Page 5 of 7
Please note: While we take every care to ensure that this information is
accurate at the time of departure, we are not responsible for any discrepancies
in details/policies.
3303 South Semoran Blvd. Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32817
www.MaximTours.Net |Toll-free 1-855-466-2946
CUSTOMS
Goods & Services Tax Australia: Most goods and services purchased in are subject to a 10% Goods and Services Tax
(GST), which is usually included in the displayed price. You may apply for a refund on the GST
but only on goods costing A$300 (GST inclusive) or more, bought from the same store no more
than 60 days before you leave Australia, which are to be taken with you as hand luggage or
worn onto the aircraft upon your departure. If you have a receipt for MORE THAN A$1000, you
need to have the store enter your name and address on the receipt, otherwise it will be
rejected. Further information is available from Australian Customs upon arrival.
 New Zealand: Goods and services tax (GST) is a tax on most goods and services in New Zealand,
most imported goods, and certain imported services. GST is added to the price of taxable goods
and services at a rate of 15%.
Departure & Airport Tax- A tax of NZ$25 must be paid at the airport when you leave New Zealand,
unless you are leaving from Auckland airport. Please note that this tax is only included in your ticket
price if you are departing from Auckland International Airport (AKL). Children under 12 years of age are
exempt from the departure tax fee.
Tourist Refund Scheme- When in Australia you can claim a refund on the tax you pay on some goods and
services (except consumables). Refunds available at major airports in Australia.
See www.customs.gov.au
Clearing Customs on the Way Home- You are allowed to take home $800 worth of items per person
duty-free, once every 30 days (family members can combine their individual $800 exemptions on a joint
declaration). The next $1,000 is taxed at a flat 3 percent. After that, you pay the individual item's duty
rate. You can also bring in duty-free a liter of alcohol (slightly more than a standard-size bottle of wine;
you must be at least 21), 200 cigarettes, and up to 100 non-Cuban cigars.
Because food items can carry devastating diseases or pests, they are strictly regulated. You may take
home vacuum-packed cheeses; dried herbs, spices, or mushrooms; and canned fruits or vegetables,
including jams and vegetable spreads. Baked goods, candy, chocolate, oil, vinegar, mustard, and honey
are OK. Fresh fruits and vegetables (even that banana from your airplane breakfast) are not permitted.
Meats are generally not allowed, though canned pâtés from some countries are usually permitted if
made from geese, duck, or pork — but not beef. Just because a duty-free shop in an airport sells a food
product, it doesn't mean it will automatically pass US customs. Be prepared to lose your investment.
Of course, you'll need to carefully pack any bottles of wine, jam, honey, oil, and other liquid-containing
items in your checked luggage, due to limits on liquids in carry-ons.
To check US customs rules and duty rates, visit www.cbp.gov.
Travel Guide Page 6 of 7
Please note: While we take every care to ensure that this information is
accurate at the time of departure, we are not responsible for any discrepancies
in details/policies.
3303 South Semoran Blvd. Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32817
www.MaximTours.Net |Toll-free 1-855-466-2946
MISCELLANEOUS
Meals- Enjoy continental breakfast and other meals as mentioned in the itinerary. You have a choice of
freshly cooked Vegetarian / Jain Vegetarian / Non-Vegetarian meals. Fresh seafood is widely available
for when you choose to have a meal on your own. For something unique, try "fusion" food, combining
the best flavors from Asian, European, and Australian cuisine. Also on your own, you may want to try
Australian wines as they are renowned throughout the world.
Time Difference- Australia is 15 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. New Zealand is 17 hours ahead of
Eastern Standard Time.
Emergency Phone Numbers Australia: police, ambulance and or fire brigade dial 000
 New Zealand: police, ambulance and or fire service dial 111
HELPFUL CHECK LIST OF THINGS TO PACK
 Credit / Debit cards / Cash
 First aid kit (travel size)
 Camera / Video camera / Charger
 Umbrella / Poncho
 Everyday bag (for carrying day items)
 Sunglasses
 Electrical converter
 Travel alarm / Watch
 Laundry bag
 Cell phone / Charger
 Laptop / Charger
 Hand sanitizer
 Glasses / Contact lens supplies
 Personal hygiene supplies
 Sunscreen
 Nail clippers
 Tickets
 Itinerary
 Insurance Policy
 Passport
 Identification
 Address book
 Guidebooks
 Map
 Travel journal
 Lightweight book or magazine to read
Travel Guide Page 7 of 7
Please note: While we take every care to ensure that this information is
accurate at the time of departure, we are not responsible for any discrepancies
in details/policies.