Finding out is easy; all the information you need is at your fingertips. Services, currency, climate and culture, everything you could possibly want to know before your visit. Once you're here, well developed tourist services and our Visitor Information Centres will see to the rest!

Click on a link below for further information:

Climate
Driving in NZ
Entertainment
Health & Safety
Immigration
Important Dates
Language
Money Matters
People with Special Needs
Services & Utilities
Time Differences
Visitor Information
Frequently Asked Questions

Seasons
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, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30 degrees celsius and in winter between 10-15 degrees celsius.  You can check on weather conditions in New Zealand on the New Zealand Met Service website.

While these temperatures are the norm, the weather in New Zealand can change unexpectedly as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in. Because of this, you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature, particularly if you're going hiking or doing other outdoor activities.


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.

Regional Temperatures - Climate Chart
Mean daily maximum/minimum temperatures in Celsius and Fahrenheit
	Spring Sept, Oct, Nov	Summer Dec, Jan, Feb	Autumn Mar, Apr, May	Winter Jun, Jul, Aug
Bay of Islands
Temp(C)	19/9	25/14	21/11	16/7
Temp(F)	67/48	76/56	70/52	61/45
Rain days	11	7	11	16
Auckland
Temp(C)	18/11	24/12	20/13	15/9
Temp(F)	65/52	75/54	68/55	59/48
Rain days	12	8	11	15
Rotorua
Temp(C)	17/7	24/12	18/9	13/4
Temp(F)	63/45	75/54	65/48	55/39
Rain days	11	9	9	13
Wellington
Temp(C)	15/9	20/13	17/11	12/6
Temp(F)	59/48	68/55	63/52	54/43
Rain days	11	7	10	13
Christchurch
Temp(C)	17/7	22/12	18/8	12/3
Temp(F)	63/45	72/54	65/46	54/37
Rain days	7	7	7	7
Queenstown
Temp(C)	16/5	22/10	16/6	10/1
Temp(F)	61/41	72/50	61/43	50/34
Rain days	9	8	8	7

 

Road Safety
New Zealand's tourist routes are of a generally high standard and the main roads are sealed.  All roads, including those in rural locations, are signposted. Remember to drive on the left!

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

Although New Zealand is a relatively small country it can take many hours to drive between cities and other destinations of interest. Even when distances are short, hilly or winding terrain or narrow secondary roads can slow your journey.

If you're used to driving in the city, you should take care when driving on the open country roads. New Zealand has a good motorway system but weather extremes, the terrain and narrow secondary roads and bridges require drivers to be very vigilant.

Never drive if you are feeling tired, particularly after you have just completed a long-haul flight.

The following, general information is provided for your road safety:

• Always drive on the left-hand-side of the road and give way to your right.
• All road distances are measured in kilometres.
• 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 amber traffic light means stop unless you are so close to the intersection you can't stop safely.
• 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 or child restraints at all times, in both front and rear seats.
• During long journeys take regular rest and refreshment breaks.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in New Zealand and strictly enforced by police, with severe penalties for offenders.

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.

You can find out what's different about driving in New Zealand on the Land Transport New Zealand website.

For up to date information on South Island roads you can also call toll free 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49). 

  
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). After 12 months you are required to convert to a New Zealand licence. This applies to each visit to New Zealand.

In New Zealand 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 21 years.

Make sure your driver's licence is current. If your licence is not in English, you must 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.

A translation of your overseas licence or permit can be issued by:

* the New Zealand Translation Service, or
* a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, or
* the authority that issued your overseas licence (an international driving permit may be acceptable as a translation).

 
Road Rules
New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road. Drivers give way (or yield) to all traffic crossing or approaching from the right.

The speed limit is 100km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas. You will find multi-lane motorways and expressways on the approaches to the larger cities, with most roads being dual carriageways. Signposting follows standard international symbols and all distances are in kilometres (km).

Both drivers and passengers must wear a safety belt in both the front and back seats. All children under the age of five must be properly restrained by an approved child restraint when travelling in cars or vans.

Get plenty of sleep before a long drive. Take regular breaks - one every two hours and when you get sleepy.

Do not drink alcohol before driving in New Zealand, drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced.

 
Driving Times and Distances Chart
The following chart gives you an approximate indication of distances between main centres:

North Island				South Island
distance                             miles/km		driving hours			distance miles/km	driving hours
Auckland to:				Christchurch to:
Napier	262/422	6:35		Milford Sound	480/772	10:40
Paihia	149/240	4:15		Mount Cook	206/331	4:55
Rotorua	145/233	3:35		Nelson	263/423	6:15
Waitomo	124/200	3:10		Picton	209/336	5:00
Wellington	409/658	9:15		Queenstown	302/486	7:15
Napier to:				Nelson to:
Auckland	262/422	6:35		Christchurch	263/423	6:15
Paihia	411/661	9:50		Milford Sound	712/1146	18:35
Rotorua	139/224	3:50		Mount Cook	469/775	10:30
Waitomo	190/306	5:05		Picton	68/109	2:10
Wellington	201/323	4:50		Queenstown	431/693	12:45
Rotorua to:				Mount Cook to:
Auckland	145/233	3:35		Christchurch	206/331	4:55
Napier	139/224	3:50		Milford Sound	342/550	8:55
Paihia	295/475	7:50		Nelson	469/755	10:30
Waitomo	103/166	2:45		Picton	414/666	9:45
Wellington	286/460	6:30		Queenstown	163/262	3:50
Waitomo to:				Picton to:
Auckland	124/200	3:10		Christchurch	209/336	5:00
Napier	190/306	5:05		Milford Sound	689/1109	18:25
Paihia	273/439	7:25		Mount Cook	414/666	9:45
Rotorua	103/166	2:45		Nelson	68/109	2:10
Wellington	294/473	7:10		Queenstown	511/822	13:20
Wellington to:				Queenstown to:
Auckland	409/658	9:15		Christchurch	302/486	7:15
Napier	201/323	4:50		Milford Sound	181/291	5:05
Paihia	558/898	13:30		Mount Cook	163/262	3:50
Rotorua	286/460	6:30		Nelson	431/693	12:45
Waitomo	294/473	7:10		Picton	511/822	13:20

Food and Wine
New Zealand's 'Pacific Rim' cuisine style takes its inspiration from regions and countries such as Europe, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Polynesia, Japan and Vietnam. This unique blend of influences has created a mouth-watering range of flavours and food available from cafes and restaurants nationwide.

For dishes that have a distinctly New Zealand style look out for lamb, pork and venison; salmon, crayfish, Bluff oysters, paua (abalone), mussels and scallops; kumara (sweet potato); kiwifruit and tamarillo; and pavlova, our national dessert, made from meringue and lashings of fresh whipped cream topped with fresh fruit or berries.

While the main centres support a few elegant, silver-service restaurants, the trend is towards more relaxed cafe-bar dining. There is a wide variety of international food available including Japanese, Indian, Halal, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Malaysian, and Thai. There are more than 900 Asian restaurants throughout New Zealand.

While you are here, take the opportunity to discover more about New Zealand wines . Our whites wines, particularly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, have achieved an international reputation for excellence - and the reds are catching-up fast!

 
Alcohol
Most night-spots, restaurants and cafes serve liquor seven days a week. You can purchase alcohol from liquor outlets (beer, wine and spirits) and supermarkets (beer and wine only) seven days a week. Legally you must be 18 years old to buy alcohol or consume it in a public place, and you may be asked for a photo-ID.

 
Night Life in New Zealand
Lively DJ and band scenes, particularly in the larger cities, have given New Zealand's night life a renewed vibrancy. You will find a variety of night-clubs, cabarets, pubs, concerts and live performances to choose from, and there are also four casinos, in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown.

 
Smoking
To protect people from the health effects of second-hand smoke, smoking in all hospitality venues, including bars, restaurants, cafes, and casinos, is prohibited in New Zealand. If you smoke, please remember to smoke outside.

 
Shows
Most cities stage first-class concerts and shows. Theatre, orchestral concerts, ballet, rock and jazz are well represented. For information on upcoming shows and events, visit the Ticketek or It's on in New Zealand websites.

 

Your Safety
New Zealand is one of the safest travel destinations in the world, with a relatively low crime rate, few endemic diseases and a first-class healthcare and accident compensation system.  However, we recommend you observe the same precautions with your personal safety and your possessions as you would in any other country or at home.

• Keep copies of your important documents, eg passport and credit cards, and keep them separate from the originals.
• Keep a record of the description and serial number of valuable items, eg digital cameras.
• Dial 111 in emergencies
• Invest in travel insurance before leaving home

Keeping Yourself Safe

Crime rates in New Zealand are lower than many other countries, but you can help keep yourself and others safe by following these simple tips:

• If possible, go places with someone you know and trust.
• Be aware of your surroundings when walking and sightseeing.
• Late at night, stay in places that are well lit and with other people. Don't take short cuts through parks or alleyways. Take a taxi or get a ride with someone you know.
• Drugs and more than moderate amounts of alcohol can lower your awareness and increase your vulnerability.
• In a bar, avoid accepting drinks from strangers and don't leave your drink unattended.
• If using an ATM withdraw small amounts - preferably during the day - and shield your pin.
• Don't carry large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery.
• Keep valuable items close to your body.
• The police recommend you don't accept rides from people you don't know.
• While still relatively safe in New Zealand, we recommend you don't hitchhike.
• Lock your accommodation (including campervans) and secure windows at night.
• Carry a mobile phone and don't hesitate to dial New Zealand's emergency phone number if you feel unsafe or threatened - dial 111.
• Carry a basic first-aid kit for use in emergencies.

Getting Help
The emergency telephone number in New Zealand is 111. It is a free phone call. If you have an emergency and need a quick response from the Police, the Fire Service, Ambulance or Search and Rescue, dial 111.

There are Police Stations in all main towns and cities in New Zealand and in many rural locations. Contact details can be found in local telephone books.

Don't hesitate to contact the police if you feel unsafe or threatened. And do report any theft and crime to the police immediately.

 
Keeping Safe Via Text Messaging
New Zealand's two main mobile phone providers offer a txt messaging service for visitors.

You can send updates about your location and travel movements via txt to number 7233 [SAFE]. These details are kept on a central database which can be accessed by police if necessary.

Each text message sent to 7233 will be acknowledged by an automated response, which advises you to call 111 and request police assistance if you are in danger.

Police and the New Zealand tourism industry encourage you to use this service as another way of letting people know where you are and what you are doing while in our country. 

 
Keeping Your Possessions Safe
Follow these commonsense precautions to help keep your possessions safe:

• Always lock your accommodation or vehicle and keep windows secure when unattended, and at night.
• Hand your room key to reception rather than carrying it with you.
• Never leave valuables in parked vehicles.
• Don't leave maps, luggage or visitor brochures visible in your vehicle.
• Store valuables securely, ideally in a safe at your accommodation.
• Try and park campervans in designated areas.
• Never leave bags, backpacks, wallets or cameras unattended in any public place, especially airports, ferry terminals or railway stations.
• If any of your possessions are stolen or valuable items misplaced, advise local police as soon as possible.

Accidents and Health Insurance
With a little care and common sense, your visit to New Zealand should be accident-free. If you are injured here, you may need the help of the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) - New Zealand's accident compensation scheme.

In New Zealand, you cannot sue anyone for compensatory damages if you are injured. Instead ACC helps pay for your care - and that means paying towards the cost of your treatment and helping in your recovery while you remain in New Zealand.

You still need to purchase your own travel and medical insurance because ACC does not cover everything. ACC only covers treatment and rehabilitation in New Zealand, and usually you must pay part of the cost yourself. If you have a serious injury, with long-term effects, you may also be eligible to be assessed for lump-sum compensation once the injury is stable.

The ACC does not pay any additional costs resulting from an accident, for example delayed or curtailed travel costs, travel home, treatment at home and loss of income in your home country.

We strongly advise you to arrange your own health insurance. New Zealand's public and private medical/hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and service but it is important to note these services are not free to visitors, except as a result of an accident.

Visitors bringing in a quantity of medication are advised to carry a doctor's certificate to avoid possible problems with New Zealand Customs. Doctor's prescriptions are needed to obtain certain drugs in New Zealand.

 
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand.


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.

Safety in the water
Given New Zealand's subtropical climate, it is no surprise that New Zealanders like to spend so much of their leisure time in the water. However water can conceal hazards. We recommend that you visit Water Safety New Zealand's website, for advice on how to stay safe on New Zealand's beaches and waterways.

Beaches with potential hazards are often patrolled by lifeguards, who put up yellow and red flags - Water Safety New Zealand recommend that between these flags is the safest place to swim on these beaches.

Other advice includes having an adult watching over children at all times, to listen to advice from life guards, never swim or surf alone, learning to recognise rip currents, always using safe equipment, never swimming or surfing when tired or cold, considering other surf users and staying out of the water if in doubt.


 

Immigration

When you arrive in New Zealand, you'll need to be carrying a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date.  A visa may also be required, depending on your country of origin.


Is Your Passport Ready To Travel?
Before you travel to New Zealand, please check that your passport is ready for the trip. Your passport must be:

• Valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date.
• Not damaged, defaced or excessively worn.
• Showing a visa or permit, if you require one.

Do You Need A Visa Or Permit?
You do not need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand if you are:

• A New Zealand citizen or Resident Permit holder
• An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport
• An Australian resident with a current Australian resident return visa
• A British citizen and or British passport holder who can produce evidence of the right to reside permanently in the UK (you can stay up to six months)
• A citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand (you can stay up to three months)

Countries That Have A Visa Waiver Agreement With New Zealand?

Andorra	Liechtenstein
Argentina	Lithuania
Austria	Luxembourg
Bahrain	Malaysia
Belgium	Malta
Brazil	Mexico
Brunei	Monaco
Canada	Netherlands
Chile	Norway
Cyprus	Oman
Czech Republic	Poland
Denmark	Portugal
Estonia	Qatar
Finland	San Marino
France	Saudi Arabia
Germany	Singapore
Greece	Slovak Republic
Hong Kong	Slovenia
Hungary	South Africa
Iceland	Spain
Ireland	Sweden
Israel	Switzerland
Italy	United Arab Emirates
Japan	United States of America
Korea (South)	Uruguay
Kuwait	Vatican City
Latvia

If you come from one these countries, you don't need a visa to enter New Zealand. However, you are still required to provide:

• Travel tickets or evidence of onward travel arrangements
• Evidence that your can support yourself in New Zealand (approximately NZ$1000 per month per person).

For more detailed information check out the Visa free countries section of the Immigration New Zealand website.

 
How Do You Apply For A Visitor's Visa?
If your country is not on the visa waiver list, or you wish to stay longer than three months (or six months if you're British), you will need to apply for a Visitor's Visa. You can download application forms from the Visitor Visa page of the New Zealand Immigration Service website, or contact your nearest New Zealand Embassy.

 
International Gateways
New Zealand's international airports are at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Some flights from Australia also land at Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown and Dunedin.

 
Arrival Cards
Every person arriving in New Zealand must complete the arrival card handed out on the aircraft.

 
Customs
Comprehensive advice for travellers is available on the New Zealand Customs Service website. 

 
Duty Free
If you are over 17 years of age, your duty free allowance is:

• 4.5 litres of wine or beer (six 750ml bottles) and one 1125ml bottle of spirits, liqueur or other beverages.
• 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars, or a mixture of all three weighing no more than 250 grams.
• Other goods to a combined value of NZ $700. Please have purchase receipts available.

Agricultural Restrictions and Quarantine
New Zealand is free of many insect pests, plant diseases and animal infections that are common elsewhere in the world. We put a lot of effort into minimising the risk of these being introduced.

Substantial fines may be incurred if you arrive with these prohibited materials:

• Animal products including skin, hair, dung, feathers, bone, coral, eggs and sea shells. Some are banned because they can harbour pests and diseases; others are banned because they pose a threat to endangered species.
• Fresh, perishable foodstuffs, such as fruit, vegetables and meat.
• Items manufactured from plant products. These may be carrying viable seeds or insects. Inspection is required to determine the risk.

Information on New Zealand's biosecurity policies can be found on the Protect New Zealand website.

Learn more about restricted items on the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry website.

See comprehensive advice for travellers on the New Zealand Customs Service website.

Pets
Live animals may not enter New Zealand without meeting specific conditions, which are designed to prevent the introdution of insect pests and diseases. See the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry website for more details.


Other Prohibited Items
You should not bring the following items into New Zealand:

• Firearms and weapons (including sporting firearms), unless a permit is obtained from New Zealand Police on arrival at the airport. The New Zealand Police website has more information on importing firearms.
• Prescription medicines, unless accompanied by a doctor's prescription.
• Pirated copyright goods.
• Objectionable (indecent) articles, such as DVDs and publications.

Departure Fee
A departure fee of NZ$25 is collected from all adult international passengers when they leave New Zealand. While rules vary, at most airports there is no fee for children under 12 years. The fee can be paid by cash or credit card.


 

Important Dates

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.


 

Money Matters

Currency
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Coins have values of 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.

All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.

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

 
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.

 
Credit Cards With "Smart Card" Technology
Smart cards are payment cards that carry an embedded microchip allowing them to store encrypted, confidential information, and carry multiple applications from different industries alongside debit, credit, or prepaid payment applications. Please note these cards, which often have no magnetic strip, are not accepted everywhere in New Zealand. You may experience problems using these cards, and we therefore recommend you contact you card provider for further information before arriving in New Zealand.

 
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. 

 
Swedish Rounding
Due to the discontinuation of 1c, 2c and 5c pieces, purchases made in New Zealand are subject to "rounding" of amounts either up or down. The Reserve Bank believes most retailers are adopting the Swedish Rounding System. Under this system prices, ending in 1 to 4 cents will be rounded down and prices ending in 6 to 9 cents will be rounded up.

For example, a purchase of $15.14 would be rounded down to $15.10, and a purchase of $15.16 would be rounded up to $15.20.

It is at the retailer's discretion how they handle prices ending in 5 cents. There has been concern that this will inflate prices, but the Reserve Bank believes competition will restrain price increases and the overall impact on inflation will be minor. Judging from a survey undertaken by The Consumers Institute, when 1 and 2 cent coins were removed, the bank is right, as the survey found prices actually fell slightly.

 
How Much Will it Cost?
Here is a general guide of what you can expect to pay in New Zealand for a few common items.  These figures are approximate only.

A Hotel Breakfast		NZ$10 - NZ$25
Dinner (3 Course, No Wine)		NZ$20 - NZ$50
Lunch Snack/Sandwich		NZ$5 - NZ$10
Cafe Lunch		NZ$10 - NZ$15
A Postcard Stamp to Anywhere Abroad		NZ$1.50
A Big Mac Hamburger		NZ$3.95
Cappuccino		NZ$3 - NZ$3.50
Kodak Film, 36 Exposures		NZ$7.95

Tipping and Service Charges
Tipping in New Zealand is not obligatory - even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for good service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.


 

People with Special Needs

Disabled Facilities
New Zealand law requires that every new building and major reconstruction provide 'reasonable and adequate' access for people with disabilities. Most facilities have wheelchair access, but it is wise to check when booking.

Weka is New Zealand's disability information web site, with information for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.  Please see www.weka.net.nz  Or call Weka on Ph. 0800 17 1981.

 
Transport for the Disabled
Most transport operators do cater for people with special needs, but it is recommended to phone ahead to inform operators and check availability. Most urban transport buses are not equipped to cater for the disabled.

Parking concessions are available for people with disabilities, and temporary display cards can be issued for the length of a visitor's stay. In order to obtain a New Zealand card, visitors should bring their home mobility card or medical certificate as proof of disability. Once in New Zealand, contact the NZCCS on 0800 227 225. Most parking areas have parks specifically allocated for the disabled.

 
Food Allergies
Those with special diets can contact the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for information on bringing particular foods into the country, www.maf.govt.nz, or email enquiry@maf.govt.nz.


 

Services & Utilities

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.


 

Time Differences

Telling the Time
New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). In summer New Zealand uses 'daylight savings', with clocks put forward one hour to GMT+13. Daylight saving begins on the first Sunday in October and ends on the third Sunday of the following March, when clocks are put back to GMT+12.


 

Visitor Information

i-SITE Visitor Centre
Self drive visitors in New Zealand are faced with a wide range of tourism options and places to visit. To help visitors with these many choices, the New Zealand i-SITE Visitor Centres have been established.  Each centre is identified by the distinctive i-SITE logo.

i-SITE Visitor Centres are the officially recognised provider of reliable New Zealand information, with centres in over 80 locations throughout New Zealand. Accreditation to the network ensures that staff are knowledgeable and provide objective, quality information. Services offered include:

• Information and bookings for accommodation, transport (air, road, rail and ferry), attractions and activities
• Itinerary planning and advice
• Gifts, souvenirs, stamps and phone cards
• Restaurant information
• Local events and entertainment
• Maps and guide books 

International visitors can call into centres at Auckland and Christchurch international airports to pick up a directory of i-SITE Visitor Centre locations throughout New Zealand.


Poste Restante
Enquiries can be made at any Post Office for the nearest post shop offering this service (usually the main post office for the town). Letters are held for up to three months, unless the sender requests a shorter period. There is no charge for letter mail, but a small charge for holding large parcels. You will need to have ID with you when you collect your mail.

 
Internet Cafes
The easiest way to stay in touch while travelling. For the most up-to-date listing of Internet Cafes and Internet Online Services, check the New Zealand Yellow Pages.

 
Tourist FM Radio
Tourist Information FM radio provides visitors travelling throughout New Zealand with information on the history and culture of an area, the availability of local services, accommodation and activities 24 hours a day. A blue road sign tells visitors they are in a broadcast area with transmission on frequency 88.2 FM (100.4 FM for German language and 100.8 FM for Japanese language).


 

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

• When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
• What's the climate like?
• What clothes should I take?
• Do I need a passport or visa to enter New Zealand?
• Can I use my credit cards/ATM cards in New Zealand?
• Are there any poisonous animals in New Zealand?
• Is it safe to drink the water in New Zealand?
• What is the voltage of electricity supply in New Zealand? Do I need to take a converter?
• Where are the international airports located in New Zealand?
• Where is the capital of New Zealand?
• What is a 'Kiwi'?
• What kind of night-life is available in New Zealand?
• When are School Holidays in New Zealand?

Answers

When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
New Zealand is an extremely popular summer destination, both for overseas and domestic visitors. Tourism New Zealand strongly recommends you book at least your first two nights accommodation during the months of January, February and March to avoid disappointment. It's a good idea to make contact with the local i-SITE visitor centre in the region you are travelling to, and discuss with them whether late bookings will be available.

Summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 10 degrees celsius over most of the country, making New Zealand an ideal holiday destination all year round. New Zealand has four quite distinct seasons - Spring (Sept-Nov), Summer (Dec-Feb), Autumn/Fall (Mar-May) and Winter (June-Aug). In summer there's plenty of sunshine, and activities in and around the water include rafting, snorkelling, diving and kayaking. You'll find snow on the mountains in winter and excellent skiing. Away from the mountains, New Zealand winters are mild and temperatures generally do not fall below freezing.

 
What's the climate like?
New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are in June, July and August. Don't let cold months put you off - winters tend to be short and generally fairly mild.

That said, on any given day the weather and temperature can change unexpectedly and sometimes dramatically. You should be prepared for that, particularly if you are going hiking or doing other outdoor activities.

 
What clothes should I take?
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 jacket and sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so also include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing.

 
Do I need a passport or visa to enter New Zealand?
All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the country.

Most visitors who intend to stay for less than three months do not require a visa. If you want to stay longer than three months, or your country of origin does not have a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand, then you will need to apply for a Visitor's Visa.

Read our Passports and Visas section carefully, and if you need more information look at the New Zealand Immigration Service website. 

 
Can I use my credit cards/ATM cards in New Zealand?
All major international credit cards can be used in New Zealand and Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. If your credit card is encoded with a PIN number you will be able to withdraw cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs) situated at banks and shopping centres throughout the country. If possible only withdraw small amounts of cash at a time and always shield your PIN number.

 
Are there any poisonous animals in New Zealand?
New Zealand has no snakes or dangerous wild animals, making it safe for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities.

 
Is it safe to drink the water in New Zealand?
New Zealand cities and towns have excellent water supplies and in all cases tap water is fresh and safe to drink. Water from rivers and lakes should be boiled, chemically treated or filtered before drinking to avoid stomach upsets.

 
What is the voltage of electricity supply in New Zealand? Do I need to take a converter?
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), although 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 three or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.

 
Where are the international airports located in New Zealand?
New Zealand's international airports are at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Some flights from Australia also land at Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown and Dunedin.

 
Where is the capital of New Zealand?
Wellington is the political, banking and financial centre for New Zealand. The Parliament building known as the 'Beehive' is one of the city's top attractions. The National Archives, National Library and Old Government Buildings (the second largest wooden building in the world) are located nearby and are open to casual visitors free of charge.

 
What is a 'Kiwi'?
The kiwi, New Zealand's national emblem, is a flightless bird with hair-like feathers and a long, slender bill which it uses to pull worms and insects out of the ground. Found only in New Zealand, it is active at night in the wilderness areas of the country. Be sure to visit one of the many kiwi houses where you can watch them under special 'nocturnal' lighting.

New Zealanders often refer to themselves as Kiwis, and the term is also used as a short form for the famous kiwifruit. On the stock exchange, the New Zealand Dollar is also referred to as 'the kiwi'.

 
What kind of night-life is available in New Zealand?
Lively DJ and band scenes, particularly in the larger cities, have given New Zealand's night life a renewed vibrancy. You will find a variety of night-clubs, cabarets, pubs, concerts and live performances to choose from, and there are also four casinos, in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown.


When are School Holidays in New Zealand?
The most up to date details for School Holidays in New Zealand can be found at hwww.moe.govt.nz/.