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 a little 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 all things South Pacific travel, from flights and tours to car rentals and more. We know our regions, culture, people, customs, landscapes, etc.
Our staff is 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 with the ability to 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 you need to be mindful of when planning your dream vacation.
Does a U.S. Passport Holder need a Visa when visiting Australia?
If you are a U.S. passport holder, an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) will be required to enter Australia, whether on vacation or attending a conference or a business trip- your Australia Travel Expert can assist you with these.
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 holiday 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?
In order to travel to Australia and New Zealand, your passport must have at least six months of validity left on it from the date you arrive back in the United States. You also need to declare any prior criminal records before entering all of the countries in the South Pacific.
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 that approval of an ETA does not necessarily mean guaranteed entry upon arrival into any country; it is only a preliminary check.
Do I need a Visa for Tahiti, The Cook Islands, or Fiji?
Each destination has its requirements, and our Island Specialists will assist you with these.
When should I book my trip from the USA to Australia or New Zealand?
We need plenty of time for our experts to tailor-make dream vacation packages from the U.S. to New Zealand or Australia. We request that you try and contact us at least nine months before departure and if you are trying to visit in a peak travel season or for an event, please make contact even earlier. Even if the flights or accommodation availability are not released, we can at least have an initial discussion about your travel plans. Remember, the 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 Airports. In that case, we should be able to book you a direct flight to one of the international flight departure cities.
You may find that a layover is required to connect onto your International flight when commencing your journey from other N.C. airports, i.e., Wilmington, Jacksonville, Fayetteville, or Winston Salem. Our consultants will look at all options and make it the best connections and price we can find.
What airlines fly from North Carolina to Australia or New Zealand?
Several airlines fly to these destinations and we have listed what we think are the best options below.
Fly on Air New Zealand:
Air New Zealand is one of our favorites as they have some great connections to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific Islands so that 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, Brisbane.
Flying with Fiji Airways:
Fiji Airways is another great airline for those who wish to have a stopover in Fiji 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 trip straight away by flying with one of the local airlines from the destination you are planning to visit!
How long is the flight from Raleigh or Charlotte to Australia?
Without considering the domestic flight within 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 4 hours minimum before your flight. If you manage to check in and end up in the departures area early, it is way 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?
The longer, the better. Some airports are massive, so there could be a lot of walking time between gates! You may also find that there may be more security screening and other checks to be made before boarding your next flight, even if you have already completed them at your original departure airport! You could also run into flight and weather delays, so do not rely that everything will run on time when connecting from your domestic flight – travel never works that way!
Our Luxury Travel Advisors will book your flights so they are all on a through-fare ticket (not on individual airline tickets). By ensuring the connection times are valid with the airlines, the airline that is delayed, must assist you if a flight schedule changes. We are always thinking about 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 check and double-check the departure Airport website to ensure your flight operates on time. Most carriers these days 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. It is essential to force yourself to get outside in the fresh air and go for a walk and tour around if you arrive in the morning. 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 going straight back to work and giving yourself at least a day to try and 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?
There are many accommodation choices in Australia, 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, 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 having a tailor-made trip designed 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 that you have at least one night on a farm stay in New Zealand to experience local life, and our specialists will assist you with this!
Where to stay when in The Cook Islands, Fiji, or Tahiti?
These countries and their islands have various accommodation options, from the 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 what State you visit. We always list time zone changes on the itinerary that we handcraft, so you are not surprised!
Can I book a private tour in Australia or New Zealand?
Our custom tours for our U.S. clients are all hand-picked and crafted. You can add private touring options to your personalized itinerary, a full-day tour, or a multi-day escorted private tour with a local tour guide. Remember, ask, and we will make it happen!
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 make contact 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 are a huge 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?!), then no worries, mate! We will put it all together and make it flow seamlessly for your whole vacation. We have support offices in each country that are available for any questions or emergencies 24/7 – 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 please leave as much detail as possible!
It takes time to handcraft a tour, and the earlier you contact us, the more options you will have on booking the perfect tours and accommodation. The early bird gets the worm, as we say!
Our staff at Go Walkabout Travel are excited to get started on designing you a custom itinerary for your vacation from North Carolina to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, or The Cook Islands.
Remember that our travel specialists can tailor-make you a fantastic travel package. Whether planning an action-packed family holiday, a multi-generational vacation, celebrating a wedding anniversary, taking advantage of that well-deserved graduation gift, escaping the nasty winter, enjoying retirement, or finally relaxing on that luxury romantic honeymoon. We do it all!
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!