Travel Information
Accommodation
You name it, New Zealand’s got it: from international hotels and bed & breakfasts to camping grounds and backpacker hostels. It’s advisable to book ahead, particularly during the high season (December to February in most places). For detailed information, see the Accommodation section on page 15.
Business
New Zealand has an efficient market-oriented economy and a stable business environment. Infrastructure is of a high standard, with an excellent transport system and sophisticated telecommunications. Business services such as fax, photocopy and printing services, as well as secretarial services, are easy to find in larger towns and cities. Hotels may offer an in-house service. Visitors should ask at the reception or check the local telephone directory.
Cities
More than one quarter (1 million) of New Zealand’s population live in Auckland in the North Island. The capital city is Wellington, also in the North Island. Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island.
Climate
In general, the climate is temperate and relatively mild. The north of the North Island is subtropical. The east of the country is generally drier and the west experiences more rain. In summer, average maximum temperatures range between 20-30°C and in winter between 10-15°C. Four definite seasons occur in reverse of Northern Hemisphere seasons – spring (Sept-Nov), summer (Dec-Feb), autumn (Mar-May) and winter (Jun-Aug). Outside alpine regions, winters are mild and temperatures generally do not fall below freezing. For current weather information see www.metservice.co.nz.
Clothing
New Zealand can experience ‘four seasons in one day’, so layering is key. In summer most visitors wear shorts or skirts and t-shirts, but keep a sweater handy. Rain can occur anytime so advise your clients to bring a waterproof jacket, plus warm clothing including gloves and hat if they are visiting between May and September. Visitors should bring thermals if they’ll be spending time outdoors. New Zealand is a relaxed place and smart casual clothes are usually acceptable.
Currency
New Zealand's currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$), comprising coins with values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; and notes with values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Banks are generally open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. All major credit cards can be used and travellers cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some retail stores. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available at banks and in shopping areas. Most credit and cashflow cards are part of an international network such as Cirrus or Plus – advise your clients to check with their bank before leaving home.
Disabled Access
New Zealand is a great destination for disabled travellers. The law requires new buildings and major reconstructions to provide “reasonable and adequate” access for people with disabilities. Parking concessions may be obtained – your client should bring a mobility card or medical certificate as proof of disability and contact NZCCS on 0800 227 225 (NZ). See New Zealand’s disability information website – WEKA – www.weka.net.nz or ph. 0800 171 981 (NZ).
Electricity
Electricity is supplied at 230/240 volts (50 hertz). Most hotels and motels also provide 110 volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors. For other equipment an adaptor is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Power outlets accept only flat two or three-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.
Geography
New Zealand is a long, narrow country lying roughly north-south. It consists of three major islands and many small islands. The land area covers 268,000 km², about the size of California or Japan. Purchase detailed maps at www.maps.co.nz. New Zealand lies in the South Pacific Ocean between latitudes 34°S and 47°S. It is 6,500km south-southwest of Hawaii and 1,900km east of Australia – 3 hours by air from Australia, 12.5 hours by air from the United States and about 10 hours by air from Pacific Rim centres such as Hong Kong or Singapore.
Goods and Services Tax
All goods and services purchased in New Zealand are subject to 12.5% Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is included in the display price. Goods bought from Duty Free shops before departure are exempt if your travel ticket is presented.
Government
New Zealand is a sovereign state with a democratic parliamentary government based on the Westminster system. Its constitutional history dates back to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, when Maori ceded sovereignty to the British Queen. Elections are held every three years and since 1996 Members of Parliament have been elected using a Mixed Member Proportional system of proportional representation. The judicial system is based on the British model, with the judiciary independent from the executive. New Zealand has a high degree of social and political stability, and a comprehensive social welfare system. It is a founding member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations.
Health and Safety
New Zealand is one of the world's safest destinations however the outdoors should always be treated with respect. Visitors should swim between the flags on patrolled beaches and beware of strong currents or objects underwater when swimming in rivers or lakes. They should also take precautions when hiking into remote areas. The sun is intense – visitors should take precautions by
wearing a hat and applying sunscreen. New Zealand's medical facilities operate to a high standard but services are not free. Visitors should purchase comprehensive travel insurance. No vaccinations are needed to enter New Zealand.
Holidays
We recommend confirmed bookings, especially for accommodation, vehicle rental and ferry sailings, if your clients are travelling during public or school holidays.
Public Holidays June 2005 – June 2006:
Queen’s Birthday 6 June 2005
Labour Day 24 October 2005
Christmas Day 25 December 2005
Boxing Day 26 December 2005
New Year's Day 1 January 2006
New Year Holiday 2 January 2006
Waitangi Day 6 February 2006
Good Friday 14 April 2006
Easter Monday 17 April 2006
Anzac Day 25 April 2006
Current information on New Zealand school holidays can be found at www.moe.govt.nz.
Industry
New Zealand has a mixed economy with an export-oriented agricultural sector and sizeable manufacturing and service sectors. Food and beverages represent almost half of New Zealand's total merchandise exports, while innovative technological products are another significant export.
Insurance
In most cases visitors to New Zealand are not eligible for publicly funded health and disability services. People covered by New Zealand’s Reciprocal Health Agreements with Australia and United Kingdom are entitled to publicly funded health care for immediately necessary medical treatment only. Comprehensive health insurance for the duration of your visit is recommended.
Language
English is the major official language. Maori is the second official language.
Laptops
Use an RJ45-type plug to connect your laptop to a computer socket and an adaptor with a flat two or three-point plug to connect to the power supply.
Mobile Phones
New Zealand has analogue and GSM digital networks. Check with your phone company about international mobile roaming.
Population
New Zealand has a multicultural population of about 4 million people. Most New Zealanders are of British descent (also known as Pakeha). Other European cultures such as Dutch, Greek, Italian, French, German, Scandinavian and Yugoslavian have also had a significant impact. In more recent times, people of Asian and Pacific Island descent have been an increasingly significant proportion of the population. Maori make up around 14 percent of the population.
Postal Service
Post Shops are found in most towns. In smaller areas, an agency may run in conjunction with another business. Post Shops are generally open from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and some may open from 9 am to 12 noon on Saturdays.
Prices
New Zealand is a good value destination, particular for visitors from Australia, Europe and the United States of America. Visitors can spend as little as NZ$35 per day or as much as they like. As a general rule, a main meal may cost between NZ$15 to NZ$45. A night’s accommodation will cost anywhere from NZ$30 to NZ$300 and beyond.
Religion
The New Zealand population is predominantly Christian, but followers of many major religions will find places of worship in cities and larger towns.
Shopping
Visitors will find retail therapy from art and craft markets, galleries and museum shops, to exclusive designer boutiques. New Zealand is known for sheepskin and leather goods, paua (abalone shell) and Maori carvings in wood, bone and greenstone (jade). More recently, fashion designers have earned a reputation for high-quality creations. In resorts and cities, shops are open 7 days a week, with late nights on Thursdays and Fridays. For more information, see the Shopping section on page 36.
Telephones
Most public phones can be operated with phonecards purchased from convenience stores, bookshops and visitor information centres. Some public call phones accept credit cards but few accept coins. The international dialling code for New Zealand is +64. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code. National area codes are listed in the front of all telephone directories. Numbers prefixed 0800 and 0508 are free to call within New Zealand. Numbers prefixed 0900 will incur an additional charge. Internet cafes are widely available.
Important Numbers:
Emergency Services 111
Local Operator 010
International Operator 0170
NZ Directory Assistance 018
International Directory Assistance 0172
Time Differences
New Zealand standard time is Greenwich Mean Time +12 hours. From the first Sunday in October to the third Sunday in March, New Zealand is on daylight saving time of GMT +13 hours. New Zealand’s time zone is ahead of all other OECD countries. Find out the current time in New Zealand at www.timeanddate.com.
Tipping
Employees in New Zealand do not depend on tips for income. Tipping in appreciation of good service is at personal discretion.
Transport
Cities, major towns and resorts in New Zealand are well served by air transport. From the airport, visitors can catch a shuttle or taxi to their destination. For independence, they may like to hire a campervan or car. Coaches are comfortable and cost-effective, linking with rail and ferry operators for convenience. A rail journey through spectacular scenery is unforgettable. Ferries, launches and yachts are available for charter or hire. Or book a package tour and let your clients relax while the experts take care of it all. For more information, see the Transport section on page 16.
Visitor Information Network
Look out for the i-SITE – New Zealand has an extensive Visitor Information Network providing visitors with free and comprehensive local knowledge.
Water
Tap (faucet) water is fresh and safe to drink throughout the country. Water taken from rivers or lakes should be boiled or treated.
Weights and Measures
New Zealand is metric, though it is common to hear people using imperial measurements for distance, height and weight.