New Zealand is a land of remarkable contrasts. The North Island offers subtropical forests, thermal geysers and golden beaches while the South Island's mountainous peaks, majestic fiords, ancient glaciers and tranquil countryside complete the picture.
No other country in the world has so much to see - so much to do - all in such a small area. Everywhere there is an abundance of pure fresh air - and very friendly people. Ecotourism! Adventure Tourism! Our clean, green environment is an outdoor activity paradise - from bush treks and whale watching to cycle touring and bungy jumping.
Take the opportunity to learn a little of our Maori culture as you spend an evening on an authentic marae or meeting place. Meet the New Zealanders in their own home or on a farm and experience a slice of New Zealand life. |
AGRICULTURE RESTRICTIONS AND QUARANTINE:
New Zealand's agricultural industries are free of many insect pests and plant and animal diseases common elsewhere in the world. We put a lot of effort at ports and airports into minimising the risk of these being introduced.
When you depart for New Zealand you should leave prohibited items behind. Visit the MAF Quarantine website: http://www.quarantine.co.nz/quarantine/travellers/quarantine.html
Details of restricted items can be found at http://www.quarantine.co.nz/quarantine/travellers/faq.html
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BANKING:
Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls.
International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.
CLIMATE:
New Zealand has a mild, temperate climate making it, like Australia, a year-round destination. Our temperatures range from 5° - 15°C (40° - 60°F) during winter (June to August) and from 20° - 30°C (60° - 85°F) during summer (December to March). This means lots of sunshine for water based activities in summer and snow on the mountains in winter providing world class skiing.
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CURRENCY:
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$), comprising coins with values of 10, 20 and 50 cents and $1 & $2, and notes with values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out of New Zealand. However, every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete a Border Cash Report.
Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centers.
All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travellers' Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.
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CUSTOMS:
Comprehensive advice re New Zealand Customs is available at: http://www.customs.govt.nz/TRAVHOME/Advice1.htm
DEPARTURE TAX:
NZ$25 has to be paid at most airports when you leave New Zealand. Please note that this tax is usually not included in your ticket price (except for Auckland, but please check when you purchase your ticket).
A special airport levy fee of NZ$5.00 is to be paid by all passengers departing Rotorua Airport. (Subject to change at any time.)
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DISABLED FACILITIES:
The law requires that every new building and every major reconstruction in New Zealand provide "reasonable and adequate" access for people with disabilities. Most facilities have wheelchair access, please check when booking.
ELECTRICITY:
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.
For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Please note that power outlets only accept flat 3 or 2-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. Example of NZ plug: / \
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EXCHANGE RATES:
Banks should be able to tell you what the current exchange rate is with the New Zealand dollar. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand provides a monthly online summary of the New Zealand Dollar's average value against the US Dollar, the Pound, the Australian Dollar, the Yen and the Euro. Go to: http://www.rbnz.govt.nz/statistics/exandint/index.html
You can calculate the approximate value of about 30 currencies in NZ Dollars on the Bank of New Zealand website.
Go to: http://www.bnz.co.nz/Personal_Solutions/1,1184,1-1-122-815,FF.html
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GEOGRAPHY:
New Zealand is situated in the South Pacific Ocean, between latitude 34'S and 47'S. The country runs roughly north-south with mountain ranges down much of its length. Its two main islands cover 266,200 sq km (103,735 sq miles), about the size of Japan or California and slightly larger than Great Britain.
GOODS AND SERVICES TAX:
All goods and services are subject to a 12.5% Goods and Services Tax (GST), included in the displayed price. Visitors cannot claim this tax back, however when a supplier ships a major purchase to a visitor's home address the GST will not be charged.
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HEALTH AND MEDICAL INSURANCE:
New Zealand is a country without snakes or dangerous wild animals, making it safe for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities. New Zealand's public and private medical/hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and service but it is important to note these services are not free, except as a result of an accident. We strongly advise you to arrange your own health insurance.
Visitors bringing in a quantity of medication are advised to have a doctor's certificate to avoid possible problems with Customs. Doctor's prescriptions are needed to obtain certain drugs in New Zealand.
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INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENSES AND PERMITS:
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's license from your home country, or an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Recent law changes mean all drivers, including overseas visitors, must carry their license or permit when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car or motorhome in New Zealand is from 21 years.
Make sure your overseas driver's license is current. If your license is not in English, you should bring an English translation or obtain an International Driving Permit. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP.
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LANGUAGE:
English is the common language throughout New Zealand, although Maori is also an official language of increasing importance and many regional and service signs are now in Maori as well as English.
MAJOR INDUSTRIES:
Farming and agriculture as well as tourism are the major industry export earners for the New Zealand economy. However over recent years much diversification has taken place, which has resulted in New Zealand obtaining export awards.
PASSPORTS:
All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you intend to leave the country.
New Zealand is an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. It has a diverse multi-cultural population of around 4 million people. The majority of New Zealanders are of British descent, and the largest minority is New Zealand's indigenous Maori who make up around 14 percent of the population.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Zealand public holidays for 2010/2011 are as follows:
| Anzac Day |
Sunday 25 April 2010 |
| Queen's Birthday |
Monday 07 June 2010 |
| Labour Day |
Monday 25 October 2010 |
| Christmas Day |
Saturday 25 December 2010 |
| Boxing Day |
Sunday 26 December 2010 |
| New Years |
Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 January 2011 (observed Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 January 2011) |
| Waitangi Day |
Sunday 06 February 2011 |
| Easter Good Friday |
Friday 22 April 2011 |
| Easter Monday |
Monday 25 April 2011 |
Regional Anniversary Days vary.
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SEASONS:
The North of New Zealand is sub-tropical and the South temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August.
In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter between 5-15ºC. You can check on weather conditions in New Zealand on the New Zealand Met Service website: http://www.metservice.co.nz/index.asp
SHOPPING:
Most shops and businesses are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, as a minimum. Many stores also open Saturdays and some open on Sundays. In resorts you will find most stores open in the evenings. Banks are closed at weekends. All shops are closed on Christmas Day (25 December), Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
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TIME DIFFERENCES:
New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day. It is 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). In summer New Zealand has daylight saving, when clocks are put forward one hour to GMT+13. Daylight saving begins on the last Sunday in September and ends on the first Sunday of the following April, when clocks are put back to GMT+12.
TIPPING AND SERVICE CHARGE:
New Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service - even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.
VACCINATIONS:
No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand.
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VISA WAIVERS:
Currently travelers from more than 50 countries do not require a Visitor's Visa for stays less than 3 months prior to arriving in New Zealand, this will be issued on arrival at the aiport. You do require a passport with 3 months validity past your intended date of departure, an onward or return airline ticket and sufficient money to support yourself during your stay – a minimum of NZD$1000.00 per month.
To find out if your country qualifies for a visa waiver, check out: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/visit/ or contact the nearest New Zealand Embassy.
WATER:
At most time’s tap water is safe to drink through the country. However water restrictions may be applied following adverse weather conditions or flooding. Visitors should check with hotel/motel receptions.
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