As a first-world nation renowned for embracing innovation, New Zealand boasts excellent infrastructure and facilities complemented by a strong customer service ethic.

New Zealand has a world-class infrastructure so you can be confident that your clients will encounter a high standard of services when they visit. From banking to medical services, be assured that New Zealand rates among the world’s best.

The banking system in New Zealand is both comprehensive and technologically advanced. Many major international banks are represented in New Zealand and there are numerous Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs), often located near banks, at airports, shopping centres and some petrol stations. Most ATM cards can be used as long as they have been enabled for international transactions. All major credit cards can also be used in New Zealand. EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) is very widely available – in fact, New Zealand has one of the highest rates of EFTPOS use in the world and visitors will find EFTPOS technology in retail outlets more often than not. CurrencySelect EFTPOS is also becoming established in New Zealand, allowing Visa and MasterCard customers to opt to pay in New Zealand dollars or in their home currency (twelve currencies are available at the present time).

New Zealand health services are also of a very high standard, although they are not free for travellers. Advise your clients to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before leaving home. For minor health complaints and over-the-counter medications, visitors should ask for advice at a pharmacy or chemist (the New Zealand equivalent of a drug store).

New Zealand’s education system is also world-class and it attracts students from all over the world who are keen to sample the Kiwi lifestyle. Those interested in New Zealand educational opportunities should visit www.newzealandeducated.com. For many, a taste is not enough. If your clients are interested in immigrating to New Zealand, you’ll find a good range of consultants to assist with paperwork, gaining employment, and the logistics of shifting their possessions overseas. Suggest that they consult the New Zealand Immigration Service (www.immigration.govt.nz) for information and advice on immigration requirements.

Information Services

New Zealand’s network of Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) are responsible for promoting their region both within New Zealand and abroad. Working closely with Tourism New Zealand, they formulate marketing strategies to raise awareness of their region among consumers, wholesalers, retail travel agents and the media. Most RTOs maintain a regional website offering information, advice and operator listings, or you can contact them direct for assistance with preparing your clients’ itinerary. See the regional information pages in this publication to find the relevant RTO.

Once they arrive in New Zealand, your clients can visit i-SITE Visitor Information Centres at numerous locations throughout the country for information, advice and assistance with bookings.