Australia and New Zealand Vacation Specialists for North Carolina
We at Go Walkabout Travel are your Australia and New Zealand Vacation Specialists for North Carolina.
Need help planning your next big trip to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, The Cook Islands, or French Polynesia? We’re here for you.
Our boutique luxury travel advisors have over 30 years of first-hand experience with South Pacific travel, from flights and tours to car rentals. We know our regions, culture, people, customs, landscapes, etc.
Our Specialists were born and raised in Australia and New Zealand, so we know the best of what all the countries we specialize in have to offer.
We frequently travel for inspections and to keep our knowledge up to date. We know it’s never just about the destination, so we use our years of experience in Australia and New Zealand to create a personalized itinerary that best fits your interests.
Go Walkabout is a full-service travel agency that can plan your trip from scratch. We’ll work closely with you to handcraft a bespoke itinerary perfect for you and your travel needs.
Planning a holiday with us is easy! Check out the tips below from our travel experts on what to consider when planning your dream vacation.
Does a U.S. Passport Holder need a Visa when visiting Australia?
If you hold a U.S. passport, you will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) to enter Australia, regardless of whether you are on vacation, attending a conference, or on a business trip. An Australia Travel Expert can help you with this.
Does a U.S. Passport Holder need a Visa when traveling to New Zealand?
U.S. Passport holders will require an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) when holidaying in New Zealand. You can apply online, or one of our Travel Advisors will assist you.
What should I be mindful of when applying for my Visa to Australia or New Zealand?
To travel to Australia and New Zealand, it’s important to ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your arrival back into the United States. Additionally, it’s mandatory to declare any previous criminal records before entering any South Pacific country.
We advise having the Australian and New Zealand ETA (Visa) processed before issuing your airline ticket for your flights from North Carolina to Australia. A special note is that approval of an ETA does not necessarily guarantee entry upon arrival into any country; it is only a preliminary check.
Each destination has its requirements, and our Island Specialists will assist you if you are visiting Fiji, Tahiti, or the Cook Islands.
When should I book my trip from the USA to Australia or New Zealand?
Our experts need plenty of time to tailor-make dream vacation packages from the U.S. to New Zealand or Australia. We request that you try to contact us at least nine months before departure, and if you are trying to visit during a peak travel season or for an event, please make contact even earlier. Even if the flights or accommodation availability is not released, we can at least briefly discuss your travel plans. Remember, planning is the best part, so why rush the process?
Will I need a connecting flight from North Carolina?
Suppose your departure point is from Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) or Charlotte/ Douglas (CLT) International Airport. In that case, we should be able to book you a direct flight to one of the international flight departure cities.
When commencing your journey from other N.C. airports, such as Wilmington, Jacksonville, Fayetteville, or Winston-Salem, you may find that a layover is required to connect to your International flight. Our consultants will look at all options and ensure the best connections and prices we can find.
What airlines fly from North Carolina to Australia or New Zealand?
Several airlines fly to these destinations, and we have listed the best options below.
Fly on Air New Zealand:
Air New Zealand is one of our favorites as they have great connections to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific Islands, so you can enjoy some combination trips with them.
Fly with QANTAS:
Qantas, or the flying Kangaroo as we Aussies call it, usually have more direct flights from Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas into Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. QANTAS also have a direct flight from New York to Auckland, New Zealand.
Flying with Fiji Airways:
Fiji Airways is another great airline for those wishing to stop in Fiji on their way to or from Australia or New Zealand.
Other options for flying from the US to the South Pacific:
There are other major US air carriers, but they generally do not offer stopover options and only fly direct. You start your vacation immediately by flying with one of the local airlines from the destination you plan to visit!
How long is the flight from Raleigh or Charlotte to Australia?
Without considering the domestic flight from the USA to your International flight departure point, the nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Sydney, Australia, is approximately 15 hours.
How long is the flight from Charlotte or Raleigh to New Zealand?
Flying time from Houston to Auckland with Air New Zealand is approx. 15 hours.
How far ahead should I check in for my flights to New Zealand, Australia, or the South Pacific Islands?
The Pandemic has changed everything, and we now recommend checking in at least 3.5 hours minimum before your flight. If you check in and end up in the departures area early, it is better to go and chill out and enjoy a drink before your holiday than be stressed out.
How long do I need to leave between transferring from my internal flight to my international flight?
It’s better to have more time when making a connecting flight. Some airports are very large, so walking between gates can take a while. You might also have to go through security and other checks again, even if you already did them at your first airport. There could be flight delays or bad weather as well, so don’t assume that everything will go smoothly when you’re connecting from a domestic flight. Travel can be unpredictable!
Our Luxury Travel Advisors will book your flights so they are all on a through-fare ticket (not on individual airline tickets). The delayed airline must assist you if a flight schedule changes by ensuring the connection times are valid with the airline. We always consider the weather and what a delay would mean for our clients.
What should I do if my flight is delayed or re-scheduled?
Keep an eye on the Airport website on your day of departure! You must double-check the departure Airport website to ensure your flight operates on time. Most carriers do not advise whether there are changes before your flight. If your flight has been delayed, speak to the airline staff or contact us for assistance! If the delay has you arriving in New Zealand or Australia to connect onto a tour or collect a hire car, we will communicate with our suppliers and let them know of the changes for you. That is why you book with a Travel Agency so we can assist you in an emergency!
Will I get Jetlag when flying from N.C. to the Land Down under?
You may have some jetlag upon arrival in the South Pacific. If you arrive in the morning, it is essential to force yourself to get outside in the fresh air, go for a walk, and tour around. Your arrival day does not have to be jam-packed, but try your best to stay awake and go to bed in the evening in your new time zone.
Jetlag is generally worse when returning from Australia, New Zealand, or the Islands. We recommend not returning straight to work and giving yourself at least a day to re-adjust. You can thank us later!
Where are the best places to stay when I vacation in the South Pacific?
Where to stay when in Australia?
Australia has many accommodation choices, from the usual Hotel brands to boutique hotels. We recommend having a mixture of accommodations when planning a trip to Australia. There are luggage restrictions on some internal flights, and if you are visiting for a more extended stay, you will need to do some laundry. A good option is a combination of apartments and hotels, and if you are really after a treat, consider having some luxury in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. We work with you to plan what suits your wants and needs when designing a tailor-made trip to Australia!
Where to stay when in New Zealand?
The options are endless. New Zealand is famous for gorgeous luxury lodges, boutique hotels, and bed and breakfasts. We suggest you stay at least one night on a farm in New Zealand to experience local life; our specialists will assist you!
Where to stay when in The Cook Islands, Fiji, or Tahiti?
These countries and islands have various accommodation options, from well-known main-brand hotels to high-end overwater bungalows. We design your package based on your interests; if your hobby is scuba diving, we will choose a resort around that. If it is your Honeymoon, you may want a luxurious and romantic accommodation option for your vacation – those overwater Bungalows are pretty awesome!
Are there different time zones in The South Pacific?
Just like in America, each country has its unique time zone. Australia is the only country with multiple time zones and daylight saving, depending on which state you visit. We always list time zone changes on your itinerary, so you are not surprised!
Can I book a private tour in Australia or New Zealand?
We offer personalized tours for our clients in the United States, carefully selected and designed to meet their needs. You can include private tours in your itinerary, whether a full-day excursion or a multi-day private tour with a local guide. Don’t hesitate to make a request, as we will do our best to accommodate your preferences.
Do you book Group Tours to Downunder?
We can customize tours for groups or book you on an already designed fully guided coach tour. Please get in touch with us for any group booking inquiries.
Can you book us a family vacation to Australia or New Zealand?
Of course, we can! Families are a joy to design vacations for; we can plan exciting itineraries’ from seeing a Koala and Kangaroo to a family rafting trip! Planning vacations for kids is a tremendous amount of fun! Yes, we are big children ourselves!
How do I book a multi-country vacation?
Easy! We do it for you! Whether you want a combination package to Australia and New Zealand or a stopover on a Pacific Island to laze on a beach (because you know that traveling is fun but tiring, right?!), no worries, mate! We will combine it and make it flow seamlessly for your whole bespoke vacation. We have support offices in each country available 24/7 for any questions or emergencies—we have your back!
How do we book our trip Down under?
Read our process page here, then click the Contact Us button to drop us a message to discuss your vacation to our home countries! Remember to leave as many details as possible!
It takes time to handcraft a tour, and the earlier you contact us, the more options you will have for booking the perfect tours and accommodations. The early bird gets the worm, as we say!
Our Go Walkabout Travel staff is excited to start designing a custom itinerary for your vacation from North Carolina to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, or The Cook Islands.
Please keep in mind that our team of travel specialists can create a customized travel package that fits your needs perfectly. Whether you are planning an exciting family vacation, a multi-generational trip, celebrating a wedding anniversary, taking advantage of a well-deserved graduation gift, escaping the harsh winter, enjoying your retirement, or simply looking to relax on a luxurious honeymoon, we are here to help! Our services cover all aspects of your trip planning, ensuring that your experience is nothing short of amazing.
Our dedicated team of experienced and knowledgeable travel consultants is here to answer any of your questions, provide recommendations, and help you decide what is best for you. Let’s get started!