New Zealand Travel Tips

Climate

Summer months are December to February and winter runs from June to July. The climate is mostly temperate however subtropical conditions often exist in the far north. Temperatures in the far north are about 5ºC warmer on average than those in the far south. In summer the average maximum temperature ranges from 20-30ºC (69-87ºF) and in winter from 10-15ºC (50-60ºf).

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants, and shops. International credit cards encoded with a PIN may be used to withdraw cash from ATM machines which are located in most shopping centres.

Currency

The accepted unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZ$).

Driving

Motorists in New Zealand drive on the left side of the road. In cities and residential areas the speed limit is 50km/h (30mph) and 100km/h (60mph) on the open road.

Electricity

New Zealand power supply is 230/240 volts (50 hertz). 110 volt AC sockets are provided for electric razors in most hotels throughout the country. For other appliances converters can be purchased.

Time Differences

The time in New Zealand is GMT+12 making it one of the first places in the world to see the new day. During summer months New Zealand uses daylight saving which requires putting the clock forward one hour to GMT+13 from the first Sunday of October until the third Sunday in March.

Emergency Numbers

For police, ambulance, and fire, dial 111.

Geography & Population

New Zealand covers 268,021 sq km making it comparable in size to Great Britain or Japan. With a population of only 4million people it is one of the least crowded countries in the world.

Getting Around

In major cities in New Zealand there are bus, rail, and ferry services, as well as taxis for daily transportation. When touring the country the best way to travel is by hiring a car and driving yourself. Using our experience in the New Zealand travel industry we have put together a number of self-drive itineraries giving you the freedom to get out and experience New Zealand at your own pace, while making sure you don't miss out on anything along the way.

GST

There is a Goods and Services tax of 15% on all items in New Zealand. Prices displayed in shops are usually inclusive of GST unless otherwise stated.

Health

No vaccines are required when travelling in New Zealand and tap water is safe to drink. Water sourced from streams and rivers however should be boiled or treated with iodine tablets before consumption.

Immigration

You will need to show onward travel arrangements to a country which you have the right to enter, funds for maintenance (NZ$1000 per person per month of stay), and a valid and acceptable travel document (valid for three months after the departure date) at the border for a stay of up to three months (or up to six months for UK citizens) as a visitor in NZ.

Language

English is the predominant spoken language in New Zealand however Maori is the country's other official language.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected in New Zealand and service workers do not rely on tips for their income. If however, a visitor wants to tip for excellent service then that is fine.

Duty Free Allowances Each adult travelling into New Zealand is allowed:

• 4.5 litres of wine, port, champagne (6 bottles), and beer (12 cans).
• 200 cigarettes, 250gms of tobacco, or 50 cigars.
• Other goods purchased Duty Free to the value of NZ $700.

New Zealand also has a duty free Over Allowance where provided you do not exceed the duty free limits above you may bring 2 additional bottles of spirits (1125ml) which need to be declared at customs.