What about the PETS
 

Have anyone taken their pets with them.

Whats happens when you are flying to NZ, are you able to see them, or are they stuck in the pain the full time.

Also what happens when you do get there, I'm a keen walker, are there any restrictions where they can or cannot go, I've got a Rather large Staff (big softy) he love's running in the forestry in the mountains back in WALES, what about the wild life, would i need to be aware of anything i.e. SNAKES? or something else.

Carlos

Re: What about the PETS
 

I brought a dog and three cats. The cats flew before us and the dog came after. I left the cats in a cattery that arranged to have them placed in their crates and delivered to the airport as we were moving out of our house. The dog went to stay with a girlfriend until we had rental accommodation sorted that would take the dog.

When the animals fly, they are taken to cargo and you don't see them again until you turn up at cargo in NZ. They are sealed in their crates for the entire trip and most just go to sleep and arrive at the other side really, really needing a wee!

You need to sort out a good vet - your dog will need blood samples and fecal tests, be microchipped and up to date with vaccinations. A decent vet will help you with this. You also need to get an export permit from DEFRA and an import permit from MAF.

A lot of people recommend Golden Arrow as their pet removal agent of choice, but I used Animal Airlines because they were local to me and had email contact! ;)

Restrictions on dogs' freedom varies from council to council. Most are banned from the popular beaches in the summer and DOC have pretty much excluded dogs from any of their land as well. However, it is best to email the council in which you will be living and get them to show you what their local bylaws are so you can make a more informed choice.

In regard to wildlife, DOC owns most of the land that ground dwelling birds live on and duly restrict dogs. There are no snakes in NZ... that's all Aussie :p