Need To Know
Accommodation
New Zealand offers all standards, 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 more information,
see Accommodation.
Airports
Key international airports are Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Some flights from Australia
land at Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown and Dunedin.
Business
The nation has an efficient market-oriented economy and stable business environment.
Infrastructure is of a high standard, with excellent telecommunications and transport systems.
Business services, such as fax, photocopy, printing and secretarial services, are easy to find.
Hotels may offer an in-house service. Visitors should ask at the reception or check a telephone
directory.
Cities
More than one quarter (1 million) of New Zealand’s population lives in Auckland in the
North Island. The capital city is Wellington, at the southern tip of the North Island.
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island.
Climate
In general, the climate is temperate. The far north is subtropical. In summer, average maximum
temperatures are 20-30°C and, in winter, 10-15°C. Four seasons occur in reverse of the
Northern Hemisphere – spring (Sep – Nov), summer (Dec – Feb), autumn (Mar – May) and
winter (Jun– Aug). Outside alpine areas, temperatures generally do not fall below freezing.
For ski holidays, winter is the time to visit, and for beach holidays, summer is best. For
weather information see www.metservice.co.nz.
Clothing
Conditions can change rapidly, 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 clients to bring a waterproof
jacket, plus warm clothing including gloves, hat and thermal underwear if visiting May – Sep. Smart
casual clothes are usually acceptable.
Currency
New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$), comprising coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50
cents, $1 and $2; and notes of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Banks are generally open from 9:30am
to 4:30pm 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. Most bank cards are part of an international network such
as Cirrus or Plus.
Customs Allowances
Visitors arriving in the country must declare goods that may be prohibited or restricted,
e.g. weapons; goods or currency in excess of allowances; and goods for commercial purposes.
See www.customs.govt.nz.
Departure Tax
Departure taxes are not included in airfares. A tax of NZ$22 – 25 is collected from all
adult (12 years and over) international passengers upon departure from New Zealand. This can
be paid by cash or credit card. Some regional airports also have a small fee payable on
domestic flights.
Duty Free Shopping
New Zealand duty free stores are very competitive. Goods may be purchased at airport
stores on arrival and departure, and downtown duty free stores will deliver purchases to
airport collection points.
Disabled Access
The law requires new buildings to provide access for people with disabilities,
but check when booking. Obtain a parking concession with a mobility card or
medical certificate. Contact NZCCS on 0800 227 200 (NZ). See www.weka.net.nz
or p. 0800 171 981 (NZ).
Drinking Age
The official drinking age in New Zealand is 18. Anyone who looks under 25 years of age will be
required to produce proof of age.
Electricity
Electricity is supplied at 230 / 240 volts (50 hertz). Most hotels also provide 110
volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors. For most other equipment an adaptor
is necessary. Power outlets accept only flat two or three-pin plugs.
Environment
New Zealand is known as ‘clean and green’ for good reason! New Zealanders are very aware of
environmental issues, and strong emphasis is laid on organic produce, recycling and other initatives.
New Zealand’s Green Party has a strong voice in politics.
Etiquette
New Zealanders are generally friendly, obliging and polite. In turn, it is expected that visitors
behave in kind. New Zealanders move to a first-name, familiar basis quickly, as they are egalitarian
by nature and New Zealand has no formal class structure.
Gay and Lesbian Travellers
New Zealanders are generally very accepting of homosexuality. The Civil Union Act and the
Relationships (Statutory References) Act recently became law. They give legal status different-sex
and same-sex relationships. The Human Rights Act 1993 makes it unlawful to discriminate against a
person on the grounds of their sexual orientation. For more, see www.gaynz.com.
Geography
New Zealand is a long, narrow country consisting of three major islands and many small islands.
The land area covers about 270,000 km², slightly larger than the United Kingdom, about the size of
California or Japan. Purchase detailed regional maps at www.terralink.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 from the United States
and about 10 hours from 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. Constitutional
history dates back to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, when Maori ceded sovereignty
to the British Queen. Socially and politically stable, it is a founding member of the Commonwealth
of Nations and United Nations.
Health and Safety
New Zealand is one of the world’s safest destinations, but basic precautions should be taken.
Visitors should swim between the flags on patrolled beaches and beware of river currents.
See www.watersafety.org.nz. Take care when hiking in
remote areas – check the weather forecast on www.metservice.org.nz.
The sun is intense – visitors should wear a hat and sunscreen. For security,
valuables should be kept out of sight and doors or vehicles locked, even in remote
locations. It is inadvisable to walk alone late at night. New Zealand Police are
polite and helpful. In health and safety emergencies dial 111 for ambulance or police
assistance. 24-hour surgeries are listed in telephone directories.
Holidays
We recommend confirmed bookings for accommodation, vehicle rental and Cook Strait ferry sailings
if your clients are travelling during public or school holidays.
Public Holidays
- Labour Day 27 October 08
- Christmas Day 25 December 08
- Boxing Day 26 December 08
- New Year’s Day 1 January 08
- New Year Holiday 2 January 08
- Waitangi Day 6 February 08
- Good Friday 10 April 08
- Easter Monday 13 April 08
- Anzac Day 25 April 08
- Queen’s Birthday 1 June 09
Further information at www.moe.govt.nz. There are trading restrictions on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and before 1pm on ANZAC Day. Banks generally close on public holidays, but in large towns many shops remain open. Some establishments charge a holiday surcharge of 10% – 20%.
Industry
New Zealand has a mixed economy with an export-oriented agricultural sector and sizeable
manufacturing and service sectors.
Insurance
In most cases visitors are not eligible for publicly funded health and disability services.
People covered by New Zealand’s Reciprocal Health Agreements with Australia and the United
Kingdom are entitled to publicly funded health care for immediately necessary medical treatment
only. Travel insurance is recommended.
Internet
Internet access is widely available in cyber cafés and public libraries for an hourly charge.
Hotels and other accommodation may have Internet access for guests.
Language
English is the major official language. Maori
is the second official language. New Zealanders are generally understanding
of visitors who do not speak English, and will appreciate any effort made. Visit
www.englishnewzealand.co.nz for
information on English language courses.
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.
Media
New Zealand has AM and FM radio stations. National Radio is the non-commercial national
network, broadcasting news and weather forecasts on both AM and FM (around 101 MHz FM).
There are four nationwide free-to-air television networks, as well as regional stations.
SKY Television is the main pay-television operator. Major newspapers are generally available
around the country, and many towns and regions also have their own local newspapers.
Mobile Phones
New Zealand has both analogue and GSM digital networks. International mobile roaming is available
with some providers.
Passports and Visas
Passports are required for all visitors and must be valid for at least three months after
the date the visitor intends to leave. Visas are not required for most visitors staying less
than three months. For longer stays, a Visitor’s Visa may be required. Check with the New Zealand
Immigration Service: www.immigration.govt.nz.
Population
New Zealand has a population of about 4 million. Most are of British descent (known as Pakeha).
Other European cultures, Asians and Pacific Islanders are also a significant part of the population.
Maori make up about 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. Most post shops open 9am to 5pm on weekdays. Some may open 9am to noon on Saturdays.
Prices
New Zealand is a good value destination, particularly for those from Australia, Europe and
the US. Visitors can spend as little as NZ$35 daily or as much as they like. A main meal may cost
NZ$15 to NZ$45. A night’s accommodation will cost anywhere from NZ$30 to NZ$300 and beyond.
Religion
The population is predominantly Christian, but followers of many major religions will find
places of worship in cities.
Shopping
New Zealand is known for sheepskins, leather goods, paua (abalone shell) and
Maori carvings. In resorts and cities, shops are open 7 days, generally 9am
to 5pm, with late nights on Thursdays and Fridays. For more information, see
Shopping
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in bars, restaurants, cafés and casinos.
Telephones
Most public phones can be operated with phonecards purchased from convenience stores and visitor
information centres. Some public 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 country code.
National area codes are listed in the front of phone directories. 0800 and 0508 numbers are free
within New Zealand. 0900 numbers will incur an additional charge.
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; ahead of all other OECD countries.
From the first Sunday in October to the third Sunday in March, New Zealand is on daylight saving
time of GMT +13 hours. 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 the visitor’s discretion.
Transport
New Zealand is well served by air transport, rail and ferry networks. Coaches are comfortable and
cost-effective. For independence, visitors may hire a campervan or rental car. For more information,
see Transport.
Vaccinations
No vaccination certificates are required when entering New Zealand.
Visitor Information Network
New Zealand has an extensive Visitor
Information Network providing visitors with free and comprehensive local
knowledge. See www.i-SITE.org.
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 still using imperial measurements for
distance, height and weight.