Entry to the United States
Travelers from New Zealand are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, so you only need to get an ESTA for entry instead of a visa. Be sure to have all required documents with you while travelling and checklists of prohibited items for carry-on and/or checked luggage, as this will cause unnecessary delay and stress when you land in America.
Security regulations are frequently updated by the U.S. government and it is important to know these in order to arrive at the airport in time for departure. The International Travel Requirements section of the Air New Zealand website has information about entry requirements, travel with children, and more. An even more comprehensive site to get all the necessary guidelines on customs, security, the Visa Waiver Program, and other relevant matters is the official information PDF (This was in the original text of the blog, and may be an important resource, so I left it in, but am unsure what it refers to). If you still need help, airport staff will be able to assist you in boarding and departure from New Zealand.
Travelling in America
If you are visiting the U.S. for business, you’ll probably already have people waiting to guide you around, and those with relatives or friends in America will also have no trouble exploring the country. However, if you are a first-time visitor, it is best to know which state you would like to land in first and which landmarks you want to discover during your journey.
This Visit USA website is a handy source to get all kinds of information on the U.S., including travel requirements, destinations, weather, seasonal festivals and events, transport and accommodations. You can also learn from other travellers who have shared their experiences and discovered the lesser known wonders you shouldn’t miss. Make a list of entertainment, shopping and food spots that you want to discover on your trip.
It is best to get a tour package or city pass so that you don’t miss out on things worth exploring. City passes are also a good way to avoid ticket queues and get much cheaper rates for all attractions.
In this age of information overload, getting the help you need during your travels is not that difficult, as long you know how to cut through the noise and get guidance from authentic sources. Whether they are travel agents, tourist guides, airport officials or online websites.