General information which will help you plan your travel to New Zealand and let you know what you can expect with everyday occurrences.
AUCKLAND AND CHRISTCHURCH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS
Agricultural Restrictions: New Zealand’s isolation has kept it free of many animal and plant diseases. To maintain this position, restrictions are imposed on the importation of certain animal and plant materials. Before arrival you will be asked to complete a declaration stating whether you have any foodstuffs, plant or animal material with you or in your baggage. Before entering New Zealand, you will pass through an agriculture check. Officers may check your baggage and some articles may need to be fumigated before they are returned to you. For further information, visit www.maf.govt.nz Customs Allowances: Visitors over 17 years are permitted to arrive with 200 cigarettes, 4.5 litres of wine or beer; 1125ml of spirits or liqueur. Goods costing more than NZ$700 may attract duty and tax. Duty-Free Shopping: 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 the city will deliver purchases to aircraft departure gates.
MONEY MATTERS
New Zealand currency comprises of New Zealand dollars and cents. Major international credit cards are accepted throughout New Zealand. Trading bank hours are 9.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Most banks have a selection of branches that are also open on Saturdays, with some open on Sundays too. Banking facilities are available at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch International Airports. Travellers cheques can be issued and cashed at banks, and also at bureaux de change, hotels and shops in cities and towns. There are over 3,500 ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) in New Zealand, accessible 24 hours a day. Credit cards with international debit and credit plans can access New Zealand ATM machines.
DRIVING
Most rental car companies require an international driver’s licence. The driver must be at least 21 years of age.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity supply 230/240 volts, 50 hertz (USA voltage is 110 volts). Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts). New Zealand and Australia use the same type of three-pin plug. Adapters are available from airport and electronic shops. Step-down transformers are required for US appliances (except most laptop computers). These are available from electronic shops in New Zealand. Note: hairdryers and irons are available in most hotels.
COMMERCIAL BUSINESS
Hours are Monday to Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm.
CLIMATE
New Zealand is located in the South Pacific between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, between latitude 35 and 45 degrees south, approximately 1200 miles to the east of Australia. New Zealand has a temperate climate with relatively high rainfall, green rolling hills in the North Island and majestic mountains, lakes and fiords in the South Island.
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EMERGENCY SERVICES
111 is the emergency number for Police, Fire and Ambulance
GOODS AND SERVICES TAX
New Zealand has a 12.5% goods and services tax known as GST. Overseas visitors cannot claim it back. Some stores may waive GST if you show onward or return air tickets.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL FACILITIES
No vaccination certificates are required. There are no snakes or dangerous wild animals in New Zealand. New Zealand’s public and private medical and hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and care. Medical services are not free to visitors. Travel and health insurance for delegates and partners is strongly recommended.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
New Zealand is a politically stable country governed under Westminster-style democracy, with free elections held every three years.
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 the power supply.
GENERAL SHOPPING
Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Late Nights Thursday or Friday to 9.00pm. The majority of central city shops and large shopping malls are open all day Saturday and Sunday also. The quality of goods and services - as well as food and beverage within New Zealand - is exceptionally high, with New Zealand wines, dairy produce, meat and horticultural products having a well deserved reputation for excellence.
TIME
New Zealand is close to the International Date Line and is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. In early October every year, all clocks in New Zealand are put forward one hour, extending the hours of daylight. Clocks are put back again in April.
TIPPING AND SERVICE CHARGES
Tipping is not expected, but you may wish to tip for extra special service or kindness.
VISAS
People from some countries don’t need a visa to enter New Zealand. If you are visiting for three months or less and are from a country in the list below, you will not need a visa. United Kingdom and Australia British citizens and other British passport holders who produce evidence of the right to reside permanently in the UK can visit for up to six months without a visa. Australian citizens and holders of a current resident return visa issued by the Commonwealth of Australia do not need a visa. For further information about visas please visit: www.immigration.govt.nz
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