New Zealand - Useful Information Passport
Holders of British and other EU passports will require a passport for entry into New Zealand. A full and valid passport is essential and must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Visas
A visa is not required for British passport holders. Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand. For further information or advice please consult your GP or a travel clinic. Flight Reconfirmation
Onward flight reservations must be reconfirmed at least 72 hours prior to departure. Please contact the hotel/lodge who will re-confirm both onward and return flights.
Essential Documents
You must bring tickets, passport, insurance policy, invoice and driving license (if renting a car)
Hotel Check-in and Check-out
Check in is usually from 1400 hrs and check out can be expected at 1100 hrs. If you want guaranteed check in before the specified check-in it is suggested that the reservation should be made for the previous night. Departure Tax
NZD 22.00 per person Language
English is the common and everyday language of New Zealand. New Zealand is a multi-cultural society and you may hear many other languages spoken, including Maori, which is also an official language of New Zealand. Currency
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Coins have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; notes have values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out of New Zealand. However, every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete a Border Cash Report.
Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.
Banking
Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home. Goods and Services Tax
All goods and services are subject to a 12.5 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) included in the displayed price. Visitors cannot claim this tax back, however when a supplier ships a major purchase to a visitor's home address the GST will not be charged. Climate
The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. In summer (October to May incl), the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30șC and in winter (June to September) between 10-15șC. Recommended Clothing
Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities. In summer a light jacket or sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing. Shopping Hours
Most shops and businesses are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, as a minimum. Many stores also open Saturdays and some open on Sundays. In resorts you will find most stores open in the evenings. Banks are closed at weekends. Tipping and Service Charges
New Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service - even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills. Road Safety
If you prefer to drive yourself, please note the following important points: In New Zealand, all motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road When turning left, give way (yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right When the traffic light is red, you must stop. There is no left turn rule as in North America The speed limit on the open road is 100km/h (approx 60m/h). In urban areas the speed limit is 50km/h. Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times, in both front and rear seats.
Check out the New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority website for details on the New Zealand Road Code, as well as cycle safety and other general motoring information. International Driving Licences and Permits
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Recent law changes mean all drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their licence or permit at all times when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 25 years.
Make sure your driver's licence is current. If your licence is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you, or obtain an IDP. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP. Safety Precautions
Although there are no snakes or dangerous wild animals in New Zealand, you should be aware of the following: Variable Weather - Weather conditions in New Zealand alpine areas can change rapidly. Be prepared for cold wet weather if you plan to walk in our National Parks, whatever the time of year. Sandflies - In wetter areas, particularly in Fiordland, sandflies can be pests, but are effectively controlled by use of an insect repellent. Giardia - Giardia is a water-borne parasite that causes diarrhoea. To avoid contracting it, it is best not to drink water from lakes, ponds or rivers without first boiling, chemically treating or filtering it. Sunburn - New Zealand's clear, unpolluted atmosphere and relatively low latitudes produce sunlight stronger than much of Europe or North America, so be prepared to wear hats and sun block if you plan to be out in the sun for more than 15-20 minutes. Electricity
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Please note that power outlets only accept flat 3 or 2-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. Public Call-Phones
Most public call-phones take cards purchased from bookstalls and newsagents, with a minimum value of NZ$2. Some public call-phones also accept credit cards, but very few accept coins. New Zealand phone numbers appear online in the White Pages (alphabetical listings) and Yellow Pages (business category listings). Mobile Phones
Check with your phone company before leaving home about international mobile roam facilities available in New Zealand. 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 to the power supply.
Information subject to change.
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