Planning an overseas trip? Our travel consultations help make sure you’re properly protected and prepared before you go
Your doctor can advise on recommended vaccinations, malaria prevention, and general travel health medications and precautions based on your destination and travel plans.
Before your Travel Consultation
To make the most of your consultation, we ask that you complete a travel consultation form and complete it in advance, then return it to us before your appointment. We advise doing this at least 3-4 weeks before you leave for your trip, to allow enough time for any vaccines to take full effect.
Completing the form before your consultation also allows your doctor time to research the specific vaccination and health requirements for your destination, itinerary and activities, so we can give you tailored, accurate advice rather than working this out on the day.
You can get a copy of this form from reception, or click HERE to download a copy.
Please return the form back to reception in person or via email before your travel consultation.
Fees
Travel consultations are not funded or subsidised by the government, and are charged per person – including children. Please see our Fees page for current pricing. Please note that the cost of any vaccines given is in addition to the consultation fee.
What we don’t offer
We are not currently an accredited Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre, and are therefore unable to administer or certify the Yellow Fever vaccine. In New Zealand, this vaccine can only be given by specifically authorised vaccinators working from designated vaccination centres. If your travel requires Yellow Fever vaccination or certification (which is not very common), then you may be required to go to an authorised centre.
Other general travel advice
Register with SafeTravel
We recommend registering your trip with SafeTravel (safetravel.govt.nz), run by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This is free, takes a few minutes, and means the New Zealand Government can contact or assist you in an emergency, such as a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency at home.
Check Your Travel Insurance
Make sure you have adequate travel insurance in place before you leave, and check that it actually covers the activities you’re planning: some policies exclude things like skiing, scuba diving, or other adventure activities unless specifically added. It’s also worth checking your policy covers medical evacuation, since this can be extremely costly without insurance.
Check Your Destination’s Entry and Health Requirements
Some countries require proof of certain vaccinations for entry, such as a Yellow Fever certificate. Requirements can change, so check the latest advice for your specific destination well before you travel.
Sort Out Your Medications
If you take regular medication, make sure you have enough to last your whole trip, plus some extra in case of delays. Carry medications in their original packaging, and it’s a good idea to bring a letter from your doctor listing your medications and dosages, particularly if you’re travelling with controlled substances or injectable medication.
Consider Your Destination’s Healthcare System
Look into what healthcare is available at your destination and how you’d access it if needed. In some countries, you may need to pay upfront for treatment and claim it back through insurance later, so knowing this in advance can save stress if something happens.
Food and Water Safety
In some destinations, care with food and water is important to avoid illness. This might include drinking bottled or purified water, avoiding ice in drinks, and being cautious with street food or undercooked meals.
Mosquito and Insect Bite Prevention
If you’re travelling somewhere with mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, dengue fever, or Zika virus, take appropriate precautions: insect repellent, appropriate clothing, and mosquito nets where relevant.
Pack a Basic Travel Health Kit
Consider packing basics such as pain relief, antihistamines, motion sickness tablets, diarrhoea treatment, plasters, and any personal medications, particularly if you’re heading somewhere remote or without easy pharmacy access.
Know Before You Go
Check the Safe Travel website for the latest travel advisories for your destination, including safety and security information, entry requirements, and local laws and customs.

Kendal Medical Centre
Phone: (03) 358 8266
Address: 66 Kendal Avenue, Burnside, Christchurch
Email: [email protected]
Open: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm
After Hours: Pegasus 24 Hour Surgery, 401 Madras St, (03) 365 7777