International teams
This section provides vital information for anyone living outside of New Zealand who's keen to take part in Oxfam Trailwalker - we know it's a long way but we'd love you to come!
Trail location
Taupo, North Island, New Zealand
Oxfam Trailwalker takes place amidst the beautiful scenery of Lake Taupo - the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. The area is home to an amazing variety of landscapes and is just a few hours drive from most major population centres. Taupo is a medium sized town sitting on the Lake's edge.
How do we enter?
As the entry process is online, you can enter just as you would if you were a kiwi Oxfam Trailwalker by reserving your team place and confirming online with your entry fees within 28 days.
Fundraising
Like every other Oxfam Trailwalker team, international teams are committed to raising a minimum of NZ$2000 for Oxfam New Zealand. Please allow for variations in exchange rate. Click here for more fundraising information.
Please note that unless your sponsors are New Zealand tax-payers, they will not be able to claim tax relief on their donation. If your team commits to raising more than NZ$4,000 and there is an Oxfam organisation in your country, we may be able to enter into a special arrangement with it so that your sponsors are able to give tax-effectively. Please contact us for more information.
Getting here
Depending on where you're coming from, flights to New Zealand can be long so make sure you allow time to recover before you start the event. The two main international airports in the North Island are Auckland and Wellington. See Travel within New Zealand below for information on how to travel from there to Taupo.
Visa requirements
Please check the current entry requirements into New Zealand.
Travel within New Zealand
Air New Zealand provides daily domestic flights from both Auckland and Wellington to Taupo, although you are advised to book your seat early. Public coaches leave daily and take approximately five hours from Auckland and six hours from Wellington. Taupo is approximately a four-hour drive from Auckland and five from Wellington.
Travel insurance
You are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance, just in case...
The event may best be described as hill walking. It takes place over rugged terrain and the trail will be marked. For parts of the course, however, the course does not follow public footpaths or even established trails.
It does NOT involve any mountain climbing, ropework, high altitude or snow and ice. You will not need a guide other than the map and directions provided and a compass. Most teams walk through the night.
Accommodation
Taupo has a good range of accommodation from backpacker hostels to one or two luxury hotels. We recommend you visit www.laketauponz.com for accommodation options.
Currency
New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZ$).
There are plenty of ATMs in Taupo and most good outlets will be able to conduct transactions using most popular credit cards.
