The New Zealand Experience - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PhotoEx?

PhotoEx is short for Photographic -expedition; -excursion; -exceptional; -extravaganza; -extraordinaire; -experience; -etc… you get the idea. A PhotoEx is designed to bring a small number of students together with qualified instructors for an intense growth opportunity in some of the most remarkable places in the world.

Do I need to bring any towels or linens with me to NZ?

Nope! Youth hostels and hotels in New Zealand provide towels and linens. When we're staying at a church or camping in RVs IPS will make sure they are available.

How does the currency issue work? Will we have an opportunity to exchange it?

Most places in New Zealand don't take US credit cards. Exchanging cash at the airport or withdrawing NZ currency off your ATM card is the best way to stay current. You can check up on today's exchange rate at xe.com

Is IPS going to need any medical or insurance info?

I mean, what happens if there is a medical emergency? Do I need to have an insurance card or something?

Yes. Everyone coming to New Zealand needs to fill out a medical history and release form Please bring copies of any medical insurance you carry in the United States. In addition, each trip participant must purchase travel insurance for this trip. Check out insuremytrip.com.

Am I correct in assuming that all the paperwork I need to enter NZ or Fiji is a valid passport?

Citizens of the United States of America will only need a passport for travel in New Zealand and Fiji.

You mentioned that the RV's have outlets for computers, etc. Will I need a converter/transformer for this? Also (you'll probably laugh at this), but will I be able to use a hair dryer?

New Zealand and Fiji both run electric current at 230-240V at 50Hz. Some devices, such as most laptop power adapters, are designed to handle a range of currents, allowing them to be used internationally. On your electronic device there should be a label indicating its power requirements. New Zealand uses a "Type I plug," so you will need an adapter to make your plugs fit. Oh, and hair dryers aren't really on the recommended equipment list.

What is the time difference? For example, if it is 12:00 p.m. CT on Monday, what time is it in NZ?

While we are in New Zealand the time difference will be 18 hours. So, if it is 12:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (i.e. November...) it will be 6:00 a.m. Tuesday morning in New Zealand. A neat site to check up on world times is timeanddate.com

Why is the 2008 New Zealand Experience so much more expensive than the 2006 trip?

The only price increase between '06 and '08 is to cover the decreasing value of the US dollar against the NZ dollar. This year we are also including the overseas flight (Los Angeles to New Zealand and Fiji) in the price to make sure everyone flies together. Price increase? We blame the Euro...

How does this compare to other photographic adventures?

There are many companies out there running international photography trips. We believe that we offer the best experience because we:

  • Have the lowest cost per day
  • Keep our instructor:student ratio the lowest
  • Include all meals in the cost of the trip
  • Care more about our students

    • At IPS we have to cover our costs, but we're not here to make money. Our vision is to train Christians to be excellent in visual communication and to inspire them to a deeper relationship with God. That is our bottom line.