| General
Information |
Language
English is the common and everyday language of New Zealand. New Zealand
is a multi-cultural society and you may hear many other languages spoken,
including Maori, which is also an official language of New Zealand.
Currency
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Coins
have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; notes have 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$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete
a Border Cash Report.
Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau
de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city
centres.
All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travellers Cheques
are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.
Banking
Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main
shopping streets and in malls.
International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have
a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.
Goods and Services Tax
All goods and services are subject to a 12.5 percent Goods and Services
Tax (GST) included in the displayed price. Visitors cannot claim this
tax back, however when a supplier ships a major purchase to a visitor's
home address the GST will not be charged.
Tipping and Service Charges
New Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service - even in restaurants
and bars. However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at
the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do
not add service charges to their bills.
Travellers Cheques
NZ$ travellers cheques are not available for purchase.
International visitors who wish to travel to New Zealand with travellers
cheques should bring a major currency type of travellers cheque with them
in the future.
For travel to our region AUS$ travellers cheques can be purchased.
Climate
The north of New Zealand is subtropical 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 10-15ºC. You can check on weather conditions
in New Zealand on the New Zealand Met
Service website.
Recommended Clothing
Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes
are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. Men are generally
not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal
bars and restaurants in major cities.
In summer a light jacket or sweater should be included in your luggage
should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can
expect some rain, so include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting
between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your
clothing.
|
| Getting
to New Zealand |
Holiday Destination
New Zealand's spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain
chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords
and lush rainforests.
Comparable in size and/or shape to Great Britain, Colorado and Japan,
New Zealand has a population of only 3.8 million - making it one of the
world's least crowded countries. It is a haven for those seeking peace,
rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrillseekers
and adventurers. A temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation
makes it a year-round holiday destination.
Getting Here
New Zealand is a three and a half hour flight from Eastern Australia,
a non-stop overnight flight from the United States, and around 10 hours
flight from most places on the Pacific Rim, like Singapore, Hong Kong
and Tokyo. The Getting Here section of this site has a list of operators
in your country who can fly you to New Zealand.
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 first Sunday in October and ends on the third Sunday
of the following March, when clocks are put back to GMT+12. |
| Arrivials
and Departures |
International
Gateways
New Zealand's international airports are at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Some flights from Australia also land at Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown
and Dunedin.
Arrival Cards
Every person arriving in New Zealand must complete the arrival card handed
out on the aircraft.
Customs
Comprehensive advice for travellers is available on the New Zealand Customs
Service website.
Agricultural 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.
Heavy fines may be imposed on people caught carrying prohibited materials.
On arrival visitors should place any questionable items, particularly
fruit, in the bins provided.
You will find details of restricted items on the Ministry of Agriculture
and Forestry website.
Domestic pets such as cats and dogs also pose disease and pest risks,
and entry is strictly enforced. Import requirements for live animals differ
according to the country of origin, so please check with your nearest
Embassy before attempting to bring your pet to New Zealand.
Other Prohibited Items
You should not bring the following items into New Zealand:
- Firearms and weapons, unless a permit is obtained from New Zealand Police
on arrival at the airport (includes sporting firearms). The New Zealand
Police website has more information on importing firearms.
- Class A drugs, certain drugs (e.g. diuretics, depressants, stimulants,
heart drugs, tranquillisers, sleeping pills), unless in their original
bottle with a doctor's prescription
- Ivory in any form; tortoise or turtle shell jewellery and ornaments;
medicines using musk, rhinoceros or tiger derivatives; carvings or anything
made from whalebone or bone from any other marine animals; cat skins or
coats
Duty Free Goods
Visitors to New Zealand may purchase duty-free goods, which are not subject
to local taxes, from airport duty free shops on arrival and departure.
Duty-free stores in downtown Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch will
deliver purchases to aircraft departure lounges. Apart from your own personal
effects, and as long as you are over 17 years of age, you are allowed
the following duty-free concessions:
- 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars, or a mixture of
all 3 weighing no more than 250 grams
- 4.5 litres of wine or beer (6 x 750ml bottles) and one 1125ml bottles
of spirits, liqueur or other beverages
- Goods up to a total of NZ$700 are free of duty and tax, but goods in
excess of this may attract both duty and tax
Departure Tax
A tax of NZ$22-NZ$25 has to be paid at the airport when you leave New
Zealand. Please note that this tax is not included in your ticket price. |
| Utilities
and Public Holidays |
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.
Public Call Phones
Most public call phones take cards purchased from bookstalls and newsagents,
with a minimum value of NZ$2. Some public call-phones also accept credit
cards, but very few accept coins.
New Zealand phone numbers appear online at the White Pages (alphabetical
listings) and Yellow Pages (business category listings).
Mobile Phones
Check with your phone company before leaving home about international
mobile roam facilities available in New Zealand.
Laptops
You will need a RJ45 type plug to be able to connect your laptop into
a computer socket in New Zealand, and an adaptor with a flat two or three-point
power plug to connect to the power supply.
Public
Holidays
Public holidays for the year 2005 are :
| Event |
Date |
| New Year |
1
- 2 January |
| Waitangi Day |
6
February |
| Good Friday |
25
March |
| Easter Monday |
28
March |
| ANZAC Day |
25
April |
| Queen's Birthday |
6
June |
| Labour Day |
24
October |
| Christmas Day
and Boxing Day |
25
- 26 December |
Public holidays for the year 2006 are :
| Event |
Date |
| New Year |
1
- 2 January |
| Waitangi Day |
6
February |
| Good Friday |
14
April |
| Easter Monday |
17
April |
| ANZAC Day |
25
April |
| Queen's Birthday |
5
June |
| Labour Day |
23
October |
| Christmas Day
and Boxing Day |
25
- 26 December |
|
| Shopping
and Entertainment |
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.
What to Buy
New Zealand offers a huge variety of shopping from arts and craft markets,
galleries and museum shops to exclusive designer stores. For traditional
New Zealand souvenirs look for examples of superb Maori carvings in wood,
bone and pounamu (greenstone). You can also find jewellery and ornaments
made from the iridescent paua shell (abalone), treasured by Maori for
centuries.
New Zealand potters have been recognised as among the world's finest ceramicists
and today many fine artisans are also working in stone, wood, glass and
metals. The country's vast wool industry makes it possible to find wonderful
hand-knitted wool sweaters, beautiful wall hangings, homespun yarns and
top-quality sheepskins.
Alongside top international fashion in boutique stores in the main city
areas, you will also find New Zealand's own award-winning fashion labels,
including Zambesi, NomD, Karen Walker and World.
Food and Wine
New Zealand's 'Pacific Rim' cuisine style takes its inspiration from Europe,
Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Polynesia, Japan and Vietnam. This unique
blend of influences has created a mouthwatering range of flavours and
food available from cafes and restaurants nationwide. For dishes that
have a distinctly New Zealand style look out for lamb, pork and venison;
salmon, crayfish, Bluff oysters, paua (abalone), mussels and scallops;
kumara (sweet potato); kiwi fruit and tamarillo; and pavlova, our national
dessert, made from meringue and lashings of fresh whipped cream topped
with fresh fruit or berries.
While the main cities support a few elegant, silver-service restaurants,
the trend is towards more relaxed cafe-bar dining. There is a wide variety
of international food available including Japanese, Indian, Halal, Italian,
Mexican, Chinese, Malaysian, Thai and more than 900 Asian restaurants
throughout New Zealand.
Our whites wines, particularly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, have achieved
an international reputation for excellence - and the reds are catching-up
fast!
Alcohol
Most night-spots, restaurants and cafes serve liquor 7 days a week. You
can purchase alcohol from liquor outlets (beer, wine and spirits) and
supermarkets (beer and wine only) 7 days a week. Legally you must be 18
years old to buy alcohol or consume it in a public place, and you may
be asked for a photo-ID.
Night Life in New Zealand
Lively DJ and band scenes, particularly in the larger cities, have given
New Zealand's night life a renewed vibrancy. You will find a variety of
night-clubs, cabarets, pubs, concerts and live performances to choose
from, and there are also two casinos, in Auckland and Christchurch, which
are open 24 hours a day.
Shows
Most cities stage first-class concerts and shows. Theatre, orchestral
concerts, ballet, rock and jazz are well represented. |
| Transportation |
Many destinations
in New Zealand are just hours from each other. An extensive network of
air, train and road services means most places can be reached by public
transport.
Take your pick from a wide range of travel options: hire motorhomes or
rental cars for an independent holiday, or take a package tour (large
groups or small) and let the experts take care of it all.
If you want to relax and see as much as possible, buses and coaches link
up with rail and ferry operators to take you the length of the country.
Air travel is available to many destinations, and there are airport shuttles,
taxis and even limousines to ferry you to your point of departure.
The New Zealand Taxi Federation promotes safe and efficient high quality
transport services. Transportation includes taxi, limousine, shuttle,
wheelchair, airport transport, tours, sightseeing, total mobility and
minibus options.
Visitors on a tight schedule may find that a fly/drive combination is
the best travel solution,or if you want the ultimate in relaxation, you
can cruise from port to port in a luxury liner.
Airport Shuttle
All of New Zealand's international airports and most domestic ones have
shuttle services running from the airport to central business districts
via the main hotels. At Auckland there is also a shuttle that runs between
the international and domestic terminals.
These services are cheaper than taking a taxi, but do take longer. Allow
plenty of time when booking a shuttle to the airport, or make sure the
shuttle company is aware of your check-in time. There are also regular
direct bus services between airports and Central Business Districts (CBD)
that are even cheaper, but these do not set down at hotels.
Auckland Airport is 25km from the CBD, Wellington 8km and Christchurch
12km. Journey times depend on traffic conditions.
Air
New Zealand is well served by air transport, with all cities, major towns
and resorts linked to the national network.
The main domestic airlines are Air New Zealand and Origin, with commuter
airlines linking the smaller towns. Charter flights are easily arranged
if you want to fly direct to a destination that isn't served by a commercial
flight - provided there is an airfield.
World's First Aviator?
The airport at Timaru is named Richard Pearse Airport, after the man who
is thought by many to have made the world's first powered flight in a
heavier-than-air, man-carrying aeroplane. Inconclusive evidence indicates
this took place on 31 March 1902, nearly two years before Orville Wright's
flight in the USA.
Cruise Ships
A number of international cruise liners call into the ports of South Pacific
islands, including several of New Zealand's main cities.
Overland sectors are easily organised, as well as pre- and post-cruise
itineraries.
Start your New Zealand holiday in style by cruising into one of our beautiful
harbours on a luxury cruise liner.
Break up a relaxing South Pacific cruise with shore excursions that cover
a wide range of attractions and activities.
Once you've seen the sights in New Zealand, join a cruise ship, and head
off for the beautiful islands of Polynesia.
Bus & Coach
Bus Travel
Daily scheduled bus passenger services are available throughout the country.
InterCity Coachlines operates the largest network throughout both islands,
and Newmans Coach Lines provide services in the North Island and on the
major tourist routes in the South Island.
Most destinations have several departures daily. Advance booking is not
usually necessary, but reservations are recommended.
Larger cities offer bus tours of the main sights or city centre, and mini-bus
tours can be arranged for small groups. Multi-lingual guides are available.
Coach Travel
Coach tours offer a comfortable and relaxing way of seeing the country.
A guide or your driver often provides a commentary, pointing out significant
sights or relating stories from history or Maori legend. All accommodation,
meals and baggage are taken care of, leaving you with plenty of time to
get to know your fellow travellers and enjoy the sights.
New Zealand coaches are graded for quality. The top-of-the-range 5-star
coaches are less than five years old and have the latest passenger comfort
features. Budget companies catering specially for backpackers may have
a lower star grading.
All the major companies offer discounts and passes.
Cycling
With its mild climate, fresh air, good roads and varied landscape, New
Zealand is an ideal country for cycling or mountain biking. However, that
doesn’t mean you have to go through the hassle of bringing a bike
into the country with you.
Many companies throughout New Zealand run guided cycle tours. Cycles and
gear are usually provided, and tours can last from three days to three
weeks.
During these tours, you have the advantage of having your gear carried
for you in the support vehicle, which you can also travel in if you need
to take a break.
For those who wish to travel more independently, some cycle shops and
bike-hire places have long-term rentals, often at very reasonable rates.
If you intend cycle touring for a long time, New Zealand has a buoyant
second-hand bike market. You could also consider a buy-back scheme from
a cycle shop - half the purchase price is refunded if the bike is returned
in reasonable condition.
Ferries
A Ferry is the best way to travel between New Zealand's North and South
Islands. The 83-kilometre journey between Wellington and Picton is regarded
as one of the world's great scenic cruises.
Departing from Lambton Harbour in Wellington you pass the rugged southern
coastline of the North Island. Between the two Islands lies Cook Strait,
which offers a stunning view of the South Island's Kaikoura Ranges and
often the opportunity to spot wildlife such as whales, dolphins and seabirds.
As you enter the majestic Marlborough Sounds, you are offered a breath-taking
introduction to the South Island. The Sounds are a haven of tree-lined
coves, inlets and crystal clear water. The journey ends at the picturesque
township of Picton, which provides a base for exploring the many walks
and vineyards which the Marlborough region is renowned for.
The fast ferry - The Lynx - will take you across Cook Strait in approximately
two hours 15 minutes. If you have more time, you can relax and cruise
on The Interislander on a journey lasting three hours.
The Lynx and The Interislander link with Tranz Scenic train services in
Wellington and Picton, making it easier for you to book your travel.
Motorcycle
Freedom, fresh air, wide open roads. Enjoy the thrill of the machine and
a sense of discovery as you venture through some of New Zealand's beautiful
scenery on a motorcycle.
Guides are available to show you the best of two-wheeled motoring in New
Zealand, or you can rent a bike and set your own pace and itinerary.
Tour packages - with or without a guide - are available from major cities.
Like rental cars, one-way hire is available in some instances but restrictions
may apply.
You will need to bring your full motorcycle licence or international driving
permit with you.
Motorhomes
With hundreds of holiday and accommodation parks throughout New Zealand,
motorhomes are a practical and popular way to travel.
They are ideal for those who like a certain level of independence and
prefer to plan their own itinerary. You can simply drive until you find
somewhere to stay, or camp out for a few days, relax a little and explore
the local area.
Rentals vary according to season and are based on unlimited kilometres
per day. Other costs include insurance, and a bond that is refundable
if all terms and conditions are met.
For summer hire, it is essential to book before arriving in New Zealand.
Commonly the legal age to rent a motorhome in New Zealand is from 21 years,
however, this can range up to 25 years.
Rail
New Zealand's rail journeys will take you on a series of spectacular sightseeing
trips, all in the comfort of fast, modern trains. Light meals and drinks
may be purchased onboard, and a commentary describes scenic highlights
and historical spots en route.
Tranz Scenic operates eight long-distance train services in New Zealand,
including:
The Overlander (Auckland to Wellington) takes you through the central
North Island's majestic scenery of native forests, ravines, gorges and
volcanic peaks
The TranzCoastal (Picton to Christchurch) runs along the South Island's
east coast between snow-capped mountains and rugged coastline
The award-winning TranzAlpine (Christchurch to Greymouth) winds its way
through spectacular gorges and river valleys before crossing the snow-capped
Southern Alps
Tranz Scenic also offers discount travel passes.
Rental Cars
Rediscover the joy of motoring on New Zealand's uncongested, good quality
roads.
International car rental firms such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and local
companies hire a wide range of vehicles. Most firms have some great deals
that can be pre-booked before leaving home. One-way hire between some
company locations is available, though certain restrictions may apply.
The majority of rental firms require that you take out accident insurance
with an insurance company nominated by them. You can legally drive in
New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's
licence from your home country, or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Commonly the legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is from 21 years,
however, this can range up to 25 years.
If you plan to hire a car while you're here, make sure you know all you
need to about driving in New Zealand.
Driving in New Zealand
Get Behind the Wheel
New Zealand's tourist routes are of a generally high standard and the
main roads are sealed. All roads, including those in rural locations,
are signposted. Remember to drive on the left.
Licences and Permits
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either
a current driver's licence from your home country, or an International
Driving Permit (IDP).
Recent law changes mean all drivers, including visitors from other countries,
must carry their licence 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 in New Zealand is 21
years.
Make sure your driver's licence is current. If your licence is not in
English, you should bring an English translation with you or obtain an
IDP. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining
a translation or an IDP.
Road Rules
New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road. Drivers
give way (or yield) to all traffic crossing or approaching from the right.
The speed limit is 100km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas.
You will find multi-lane motorways and expressways on the approaches to
the larger cities, with most roads being dual carriageways. Signposting
follows standard international symbols and all distances are in kilometres
(km).
Both drivers and passengers must wear a safety belt in both the front
and back seats. Get plenty of sleep before a long drive. Take regular
breaks - one every two hours and when you get sleepy.
Do not drink alcohol before driving in New Zealand, drinking and driving
laws are strictly enforced.
Cycling and Motorbikes
- Helmets for riders of cycles and motorbikes must be worn at
all times.
- Rear and front lights on cycles are required at night.
- Motorbikes should drive with a headlight on at all times.
- Cycling is not permitted on motorways. |
