Essential Info & Terms

New Zealand travel information and tips including info on New Zealand airports, New Zealand currency and opening hours to public holidays and important phone numbers, our Essential Information covers everything you need to know before travelling to New Zealand.

Accommodation

New Zealand offers all standards, from hotels to backpacker hostels. Book in advance whenever possible, at least a day or two ahead. Always confirm bookings for accommodation if you are travelling during public or school holidays, particularly in the high season (December to February).

Airports

Key international airports are located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Limited Australian flights land at Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown and Dunedin.

Alcohol

The legal age limit for consuming alcohol in New Zealand is 18. Anyone who looks under 25 years of age will be required to produce proof of age before buying alcohol.

Banks

Banks are generally open 9am to 4:30pm from Monday to Friday, except on public holidays. Major banks also have branches in shopping malls which offer extended evening and weekend opening hours. All major credit cards are accepted and automatic teller machines (ATMs) are widely available in all but the smallest towns.

Business

Infrastructure is of a high standard, with excellent telecommunications and transport. Business services are easy to find. Hotels may offer an in-house secretarial service.

Cities

More than one quarter (approximately 1.4 million) of New Zealand’s population lives in Auckland in the North Island. The capital is Wellington, located in the south of the North Island. Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island.

Climate

The climate is temperate, except Northland, which is subtropical. Average maximum summer temperatures are 20 – 30°C and in winter, 10 – 15°C. The seasons occur in reverse of the Northern Hemisphere seasons. Outside of alpine areas, temperatures generally do not fall below freezing.

Clothing

Conditions can change rapidly – always keep a sweater handy for sudden changes in weather. Rain can occur at any time, so bring a waterproof jacket, plus warm clothing for winter visits.

Crossing Cook Strait

Most visitors to New Zealand will want to see both the North and South Islands. You can take a flight, but there are also two ferry operators to transport both passengers and vehicles across Cook Strait. 

Currency

New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$), comprising coins of 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; and notes of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Major credit cards can be used and travellers cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some retail stores. Most banks are part of Cirrus or Plus.

Departure Tax

Not included in airfares. A tax of around NZ$25 is collected from all adult (12 years and over) international passengers departing New Zealand (except at Christchurch International Airport and Auckland International Airport). This can be paid by cash or credit card at the airport. Regional airports may charge a small domestic departure fee.

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 NZ freephone 0800 227 200 or visit Enable New Zealand at www.weka.net.nz.

Driving

Cars, campervans and small campers that lie somewhere between the two are readily available for hire. Minimum hire ages vary from 21 to 25 and you’ll need to provide a valid driver’s licence (in English) from your home country or an International Driver’s Permit. See www.nzta.govt.nz.

Duty Free Shopping

Goods may be purchased at airport stores on arrival and departure, and downtown duty free stores will deliver purchases to airports.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 230/240 volts (50 hertz). Most hotels also provide 110 volt a/c sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors. For most other equipment an adaptor is necessary. Power outlets accept only flat 2- or 3-pin plugs. Use an RJ 45-type plug to connect your laptop to a computer socket and an adaptor with a flat 2- or 3-point plug to connect to the power supply.

Environment

New Zealand is known as ‘clean and green’ for good reasons! A growing number of tourism operators are benchmarking with the globally recognised sustainable travel and tourism brand Green Globe New Zealand. Tourism New Zealand’s official mark of quality, Qualmark, has established Enviro certifications for operators and accommodation providers.

Etiquette

New Zealanders are generally friendly, obliging and polite. They are egalitarian by nature and New Zealand has no formal class structure.

Food

Abundant fresh, locally grown produce, including wonderful seafood and wines, is always available. Don’t leave New Zealand without sampling some of the local delicacies on offer around the country.

Gay and Lesbian Travellers

New Zealanders are generally very accepting of homosexuality. The Human Rights Act 1993 makes it unlawful to discriminate on grounds of sexual orientation. www.gaynz.com

Geography

New Zealand consists of three major islands and many small islands, and lies in the South Pacific Ocean between latitudes 34°S and 47°S. It is 6,500 km south-southwest of Hawaii and 1,900 km east of Australia – three hours by air from Australia, 12.5 hours from the United States and about 10 hours from Hong Kong or Singapore. The land area covers about 270,000 km². You can purchase detailed regional maps online. www.terralink.co.nz

Goods and Services Tax

All goods and services purchased in New Zealand are subject to 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is included in the display price. Goods bought from duty free shops before departure are exempt from GST.

Government

New Zealand is a sovereign state with a democratically elected parliamentary government. Constitutional history dates back to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, when Maori ceded sovereignty to the British Queen. It is a founding member of the Commonwealth and the United Nations and is politically stable.

Health and Safety

New Zealand is one of the world’s safest destinations, but basic safety precautions should be taken. New Zealand’s medical facilities operate to a high standard but services are not free, so purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Take care in the water www.watersafety.org.nz and when hiking, especially into remote areas. Ensure that you are appropriately equipped for the conditions. The sun is intense, so wear sunscreen. New Zealand has a relatively low crime rate but please take sensible precautions such as keeping valuables out of sight and locking doors and vehicles, even in remote locations. In some areas it is inadvisable to walk alone late at night. In health and safety emergencies, dial 111 for ambulance, police or fire services. Doctors, dentists and 24-hour surgeries are listed in all regional telephone directories.

Important Phone Numbers

Emergency Services (police, fire, ambulance) 111
Local Operator 010
International Operator 0170
NZ Directory Assistance 018
International Directory 0172

Insurance

Most visitors are not eligible for publicly funded health services. Those covered by reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the UK are entitled to publicly funded health care for immediately necessary treatment only. Travel insurance is recommended.

Internet

Internet access is widely available in internet cafés and public libraries for an hourly charge. Hotels, hostels and holiday parks often have internet access, including wireless access, for their guests’ use.

Language

English is the major official language. Maori is the second official language. New Zealanders are generally understanding if you do not speak English and will appreciate any effort made. Look online for English language courses. www.englishnewzealand.co.nz

Laptops

Use an RJ 45-type plug to connect your laptop to a computer socket and an adaptor with a flat 2- or 3-point plug to connect to the power supply.

Maori Culture

The indigenous Maori culture permeates everyday life in New Zealand. For a deeper insight, join a guide or tour and try unique activities such as visiting a marae (meeting place), and watching carving, weaving and traditional kapa haka (performance art).

Maps

You can purchase detailed regional maps from www.terralink.co.nz or www.wises.co.nz, or pick them up from any of the visitor centres around the country. Click here to download a selection of regional and city maps.

Media

New Zealand has AM and FM radio stations. Radio New Zealand National broadcasts news and weather on AM and FM (around 101 MHz FM). There are four major nationwide free-to-air TV networks and regional stations. SKY TV is the main pay-television operator. There are several major daily newspapers and many towns also have their own local newspapers.

Mobile Phones

New Zealand has analogue and GSM digital networks. International mobile roaming is available with some providers. The main mobile phone providers in New Zealand are Vodafone, Telecom and 2Degrees.

National Parks

New Zealand’s national parks are a must-see for anyone wanting to view amazing scenery. Hiking opportunities range from short walks to multi-day adventures. Guided walks eliminate the need for detailed planning.

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 Visa may be required. For more information and to check requirements,visit the New Zealand Immigration Service website. www.immigration.govt.nz

Population

New Zealand has a population of approximately 4.3 million people, mostly of British descent. New Zealand’s indigenous Maori make up around 14% of the population. Other European cultures and people of Asian and Pacific Island descent have become an increasingly large proportion of the population.

Postal Service

Post Shops (or smaller agencies run in conjunction with another business) are available in most centres. Most post shops open 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and Saturdays. Some post shops are open on Sunday mornings. www.nzpost.co.nz

Phoning Home

A prepaid international calling card is usually the cheapest option, though you could rent or buy a cell phone for convenience and flexibility.

Prices

New Zealand is a good value destination, particularly for visitors from Australia, Europe and the United States of America. Visitors can spend as little as NZ$65 per day or as much as they like. As a general rule, a main meal may cost NZ$15 to NZ$45. A night’s accommodation will cost anywhere from around NZ$15 (for a hostel dorm bed) to NZ$300 and beyond.

Public Holidays

There are trading restrictions on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and before 1pm on Anzac Day. Banks generally close on public holidays, but many shops remain open. Confirmed bookings, especially for accommodation, vehicle rental and Cook Strait ferry sailings, are essential if you’re travelling during public holidays. See the list of public holidays on this page. Some establishments, such as cafés, may charge a holiday surcharge of 10% to 20%.

Public Holidays 2011

New Year’s Day 1 January
New Year Holiday 2 January
Waitangi Day 6 February
Good Friday 22 April
Easter Monday 25 April
Anzac Day 25 April
Queen’s Birthday 6 June
Labour Day 24 October
Christmas Day 25 December
Boxing Day 26 December

Qualmark

Qualmark is New Zealand tourism’s official mark of quality. Accommodation providers are rated on a star grading system. See the website to find out about the star grade definitions or to search tourism operators that carry the Qualmark. www.qualmark.co.nz

Regional Tourism

New Zealand is home to a network of Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) that offer a wealth of visitor information about their region. Each maintains a region-specific website full of in-depth information for visitors. You’ll find the websites on the relevant regional pages in this guide.

Religion

The population is predominantly Christian, but followers of many religions will find places of worship in cities and larger towns. New Zealand is accepting of many different religious beliefs.

School Holidays

Although businesses usually don’t close during school holidays, attractions and popular holiday destinations may be busier than usual so it is a good idea to book accommodation and transport ahead of time. The dates of holidays vary from year to year, so visit the Ministry of Education website for current information. www.minedu.govt.nz

Shopping

In resorts and cities, shops open seven days, 9am to 6pm, with late nights on Thursdays and Fridays. Smaller centres may have more restricted hours.

Smoking

Smoking indoors is prohibited in all hospitality venues and public buildings in New Zealand. If you want to smoke, you will have to take your cigarette outside. The legal age limit for purchasing cigarettes in New Zealand is 18. www.moh.govt.nz/smokefreelaw

Telephones

Public phones can be operated with phonecards purchased from convenience stores and information centres. Some public phones accept credit cards but few accept coins. The international dialling code for New Zealand is +64. 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.

Time Differences

New Zealand standard time is Greenwich Mean Time +12 hours; ahead of all other OECD countries. From the last Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April, New Zealand is on daylight saving time of GMT +13 hours. Find out the correct time and date at www.timeanddate.com.

Tipping

Employees in New Zealand do not depend on tips for income. Tipping in appreciation of good service is at your 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. 

Vaccinations

No vaccination certificates are required to enter New Zealand. Visitor Information New Zealand has an extensive visitor information network providing visitors with free and comprehensive local knowledge to help you plan your trip. www.i-site.org

Visitor Information Network

As you’re travelling, look out for i-SITE Visitor Information centres, which you’ll find in most places throughout the country. Here you’ll find friendly staff who are happy to help with information, advice and bookings. See www.i-site.org.nz for a list of i-SITE visitor centres.

Walking

Hiking opportunities range from ten-minute urban walks to multi-day alpine tramps.

Water

Tap (faucet) water is fresh and safe to drink throughout the country. Water taken from rivers or lakes should be boiled or treated.

Weather Information

See www.metservice.co.nz for weather information, tailored reports on New Zealand ski areas and official mountain forecasts. Alternatively, phone one of the MetPhone Mountain & Ski Info numbers listed: Central North Island 0900 999 15; Nelson Lakes 0900 999 02; Canterbury 0900 999 26; Southern Lakes 0900 999 81. Note that 0900 numbers incur a fee.

Weights and Measures

New Zealand is metric, though people still use imperial measurements for distance, height and weight.

Websites

Travel www.destination-nz.com
Lifestyle & Entertainment Guides www.brownbear.co.nz
Tourism New Zealand www.newzealand.com
Visitor Information www.i-site.org
Weather www.metservice.co.nz
Maps www.terralink.co.nz, www.wises.co.nz