New Zealand Travel Information

Business

New Zealand has an efficient market-oriented economy and a stable business environment.

Infrastructure is of a high standard, with an excellent transport system and sophisticated telecommunications.

Business services such as fax, photocopy and printing services, as well as secretarial services, are easy to find in larger towns and cities.

Hotels may offer an in-house service. Visitors should ask at the reception or check the local telephone directory.

Industry

New Zealand's economy is mixed with an export-oriented agricultural sector and sizeable manufacturing and service sectors.

Food and beverages represent almost half of New Zealand's total merchandise exports, while innovative technological products are another significant export.

Climate & Seasons

In general, the climate is temperate and relatively mild. The north of the North Island is subtropical. The east of the country is generally drier and the west experiences more rain. In summer, average maximum temperatures range between 20-30°C and in winter between 10-15°C.

Four definite seasons occur in reverse of Northern Hemisphere seasons – spring (Sept-Nov), summer (Dec-Feb), autumn (Mar-May) and winter (Jun-Aug).

Outside alpine regions, winters are mild and temperatures generally do not fall below freezing.

Clothing

New Zealand can experience ‘four seasons in one day’, so layering is key. In summer most visitors wear shorts or skirts and t-shirts, but keep a sweater handy. Rain can occur anytime bring a waterproof jacket, plus warm clothing including gloves and hat if visiting between May and September. Thermals should be packed before leaving home, or purchased in New Zeland, if you are spending time outdoors.

New Zealand is a relaxed place and smart casual clothes are usually acceptable.

Current Weather Information- www.metservice.co.nz

New Zealand law requires all new buildings and major reconstructions to provide “reasonable and adequate” access for people with disabilities making New Zeland a good destiantion for dialbed travellers.

Parking concessions may be obtained (with proof of disabliity) by contacting NZCCS on 0800 227 225 (NZ).

New Zealand Disability Information: WEKA (ph. 0800 171 981 (NZ)) - www.weka.net.nz

Driving in New Zealand

Self-driving holidays are one if the most relaxing ways of enjoying New Zealand's landscape as many of our roads are scenic and traffic is low compared to international standards.

Road Safety

It is important not to underestimate driving times. Although distances may seem short, our roads often include hilly or winding terrain, which slow down your journey.

If you're used to driving in the city, take care when driving on the open country roads.

• Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.
• Road distances are measured in kilometres.
• Give way (yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right when turning left.
• A red traffic light indicates that you must stop - "left turn" rule as in North America does not apply.
• Speed Limit: Urban areas - 50km/h; Open road - 100km/h (approx 60m/h).
• Seatbelts must be worn at all times by both driver and passengers - in front and rear seats.
• Take regular breaks - one every two hours and when you feel sleepy.
• Do not drink alcohol before driving - drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced.

International Driving Licences & Permits

Driving in New Zealand is permitted for up to 12 months a current driver's licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Once in New Zealand you are only permitted to drive the same class of vehicle(s) as you are licensed in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21 years.

Recent law changes in New Zealand require that all drivers, including visitors, carry their licence or permit at all times when driving.

Driving Times & Distances Calculator Up-to-date Road Information - www.transit.govt.nz

Land Transport Information - www.ltsa.govt.nz

Geography

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 by air from the United States and about 10 hours by air from Pacific Rim centres such as Hong Kong or Singapore.

New Zealand is a long, narrow country lying roughly north-south. It consists of three major islands and many small islands. The land area covers 268,000 km², about the size of great Britian, Colorado or Japan.

Major Cities

The capital city, also in the North Island, is Wellington and more than one quarter (1 million) of New Zealand’s population live in Auckland at the top of the North Island. Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island.

Maps - www.maps.co.nz

Health & Safety

New Zealand is one of the world's safest destinations however the outdoors should always be treated with respect.

Visitors should swim between the flags on patrolled beaches and beware of strong currents or objects underwater when swimming in rivers or lakes.

Precautations should also be taken when hiking into remote areas.

The sun is intense – visitors should take precautions by wearing a hat and applying sunscreen.

New Zealand's medical facilities operate to a high standard but services are not free. Visitors should purchase comprehensive travel insurance. No vaccinations are needed to enter New Zealand.

Water

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

Currency

New Zealand’s unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Bank note denominations are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 dollars and coins are 5, 10, 20, 50 cents as well as $1 and $2.

Currency can be exchanged at foreign exchange kiosks and banks at international airports and banking outlets. Traveller’s cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and many stores.

Banking

Banks are generally open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and shopping areas. All major credit cards are accepted widely throughout New Zealand. Most credit and cash flow cards are part of an international network such as Cirrus or Plus. 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.

Exchange Rates

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand provides a monthly online summary of the New Zealand Dollar's average value against major world currencies: the US Dollar, the Pound, the Australian Dollar, the Yen and the Euro.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

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.

Currency Converter (rates are likely to differ slightly from conversion offered in your home country)

Advance bookings, especially for accommodation, vehicle rental and ferry sailings, are strongly recommend for all travelling within New Zealand during public or school holidays.

2010 Public Holidays

Population

New Zealand has a multicultural population of about 4 million people.

Most New Zealanders are of British descent (also known as Pakeha). Other European cultures such as Dutch, Greek, Italian, French, German, Scandinavian and Yugoslavian have also had a significant impact.

In more recent times, people of Asian and Pacific Island descent have been an increasingly significant proportion of the population.

Maori make up around 14 percent of the population.

Language

English is the major official language. Maori is the second official language.

Religion

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

Government

New Zealand is a sovereign state with a democratic parliamentary government based on the Westminster system.

Elections are held every three years and since 1996 Members of Parliament have been elected using a Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system of proportional representation.

The judicial system is based on the British model, with the judiciary independent from the executive.

New Zealand has a high degree of social and political stability, and a comprehensive social welfare system. It is a founding member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations.

Postal Shops and Services

Post Shops are found in most towns. In smaller areas, an agency may run in conjunction with another business.

Post Shops are generally open from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and some may open from 9 am to 12 noon on Saturdays.

Shopping

Visitors will find retail therapy from art and craft markets, galleries and museum shops, to exclusive designer boutiques.

New Zealand is known for sheepskin and leather goods, paua (abalone shell) and Maori carvings in wood, bone and greenstone (jade).

More recently, fashion designers have earned a reputation for high-quality creations.

In resorts and cities, shops are open 7 days a week, with late nights on Thursdays and Fridays.

Prices

New Zealand is a good value destination, particular for visitors from Australia, Europe and the United States of America. Visitors can spend as little as NZ$35 per day or as much as they like.

Tipping

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

Time Differences

New Zealand standard time is Greenwich Mean Time +12 hours.

From the first Sunday in October to the third Sunday in March each year, New Zealand is on daylight saving time of GMT +13 hours.

New Zealand’s time zone is ahead of all other OECD countries.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 230/240 volts (50 hertz). Most hotels and motels also provide 110 volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors. For other equipment an adaptor is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option.

Power outlets accept only flat two or three-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.

Technology - Laptops & Mobile Phones

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.

New Zealand has analogue and GSM digital networks. Check with your phone company about international mobile roaming.

Telephone Numbers & Public Phones

The international dialling code for New Zealand is +64. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code. National area codes are listed in the front of all telephone directories.

Numbers prefixed 0800 and 0508 are free to call within New Zealand. Numbers prefixed 0900 will incur an additional charge. Internet cafes are widely available.

Important Numbers:
Emergency Services: 111
Local Operator: 010
International Operator: 0170
NZ Directory Assistance: 018
International Directory Assistance: 0172

Most public phones can be operated with phonecards purchased from convenience stores, bookshops and visitor information centres. Some public call phones accept credit cards but few accept coins.

New Zealand is metric, though it is common to hear people using imperial measurements for distance, height and weight.