Part
one:
- General
information.
- New
Zealand Government regulations.
- Travel
resources
Climate
& Seasons:
In
New Zealand the seasons are the opposite to those in the
northern hemisphere. Summer is December to February whilst
winter is June to August. Average summer temperature is 22°
Celsius (72° Fahrenheit) and winter 9° Celsius (48°
Fahrenheit).
Clothing &
Accessories:
When
traveling around New Zealand you are likely to encounter most
types of weather. A hooded three quarter length raincoat/wind
proof jacket, woolen sweater and strong comfortable footwear are
all recommended just in case. If you are planning to do some
short hikes, ankle high lightweight hiking boots are suggested,
for longer hikes or hikes over rough terrain stronger hiking
boots are recommended. We recommend you bring a lightweight
waterproof backpack for carrying your personal possessions when
you go hiking. We suggest you bring a small pair of binoculars
and consider purchasing a thermos flask and basic picnic
essentials when you get here, there are plenty of cafe's, but,
also many wonderful picnic spots.
For
the evenings, smart comfortable casual attire is recommended.
Currency
New
Zealand Dollars (NZ$). Current exchange rate is approximately
US$1 = NZ$1.35, £1
= NZ$2.20. Your bank will advise you on current exchange
rates. Travelers cheques and most major international credit
cards are accepted. A large proportion of merchants and service
providers offer EFTPOS facilities and most towns have ATM
machines, check with your bank to see if your card will work
here.
Banking
and Business Hours
New
Zealand shopping malls follow the international trend of opening
for extended hours 7 days a week as do shops and businesses
servicing visitors requirements. Banking hours are generally
9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and are closed on public
holidays, ATM machines operate 24 hours/7 days and many
businesses provide cash advances against EFTPOS cards with
transactions. Fuel & services for motor vehicles is
available in most places 7 days a week, if in doubt ask your
hosts.
Tipping
& Gratuities:
Tipping
is not expected, however if you wish to show your appreciation
you won't offend by tipping.
Goods
and Services Tax (GST):
All
goods and services purchased in New Zealand are subject to 12.5%
goods and services tax, This is usually included in the
price if in doubt ask. When purchasing goods such as souvenirs
that you intend to take home, check if it is worth having the
merchant post them home for you and save the paying of GST.
Departure
Tax:
A
departure tax is payable by passengers on international flights
leaving New Zealand, the amount can vary from airport to
airport.
Electricity:
Electricity
is 240V the socket is common with Australia, shaver outlets are
110v. Most accommodations will be able to assist you with
adaptors or help you with a hairdryer. For curling and other
appliances you need to bring you will need a transformer to
reduce from 240v to 110/120v
Accident
Compensation:
New
Zealand operates a unique, no fault, accident compensation
scheme. If you have the misfortune to be injured in an accident
while you are in New Zealand, then you will receive first class
medical and hospital treatment in New Zealand at very little
cost to yourself. However, the rates of compensation are very
low by international standards and we suggest that you take out
adequate personal accident insurance in case you suffer an
accident which leaves you with some form of disability. It is
not possible to obtain compensation through litigation. Accident
Compensation DOES NOT cover medical costs, unless they are as a
result of a motor vehicle accident. ACC laws are subject to
change without notice.
Medical
and Emergency Facilities:
Medical
and emergency services are available but not free to visitors.
Please arrange for insurance coverage before your departure.
Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. Dial 111 for
emergency calls to police, fire or ambulance services. Your
accommodation Hosts will be able to assist you with finding
medical assistance. If you need help at any time ask someone, we
live in a friendly society and finding someone to help will not
be difficult.
Insurance:
Your
rental car agreement will include some limited vehicle
insurance, it is normally necessary to pay for additional
insurance cover to reduce your risk. We recommend you take out a
comprehensive travel insurance to cover health, accident, loss,
damage, cancellation and normal travel risks. Don't forget to
raise your policy from the day you start to pay for your travel
arrangements so that any funds you commit to your travel are
covered immediately.
Note that many credit cards now include a form of travel
insurance but please make yourself familiar with the fine print.
Some of these policies require you to take any additional
insurances that may be offered e g upgrades of rental vehicle
insurance to reduce the excess payable in the event of an
accident. Specific travel insurance policies do not generally
carry this requirement.
Public
Holidays:
Generally
New Zealander's take their annual summer holidays between 26
December and mid January each year. Other 'bank holidays' or
'statutory holidays' occur during the year but often do not
affect 'day to day' services such as restaurants and petrol
stations. Banks are usually closed on these days and some
operators such as restaurants may apply a public holiday
surcharge of around 10% to cover additional staffing costs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_New_Zealand#Statutory_holidays
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_New_Zealand#Provincial_anniversary_days
Time:
New
Zealand is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. New
Zealand operates daylight saving in summer when clocks are put
forward one hour to GMT+13. Daylight saving begins on the first
Sunday in October and ends on the last Sunday of the following
April, when clocks are put back to GMT+12.
http://localtimes.info/Oceania/New_Zealand/Wellington/
| New
Zealand Government Regulations. |
Immigration:
Passports
and Visas:
All
visitors require a passport that is valid for at least 3 months
after their intended departure. A visa is not required for most
visitors traveling to New Zealand for a stay of less than 3
months. You should check with your local New Zealand embassy or
consulate for the latest information. For further information
see New Zealand Immigration Service.
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/
To
visit New Zealand, you may need to apply for a Visitor's Visa or
Permit.
This
section will provide you with information about how to
apply.
-
What
is a Visitor's Visa or Permit?
-
Who
does not need a Visa or Permit to visit New Zealand?
-
How
do I apply for a Visitor's Visa?
-
How
do I apply for a Visitor's Permit?
-
What
do I have to provide to get a Visitor's Permit?
-
How
long can I stay?
-
Do
I need a Visitor's Visa to travel to New Zealand?
-
What
if I want to transit New Zealand?
-
What
Special Categories can I apply under?
-
Could
I be refused a Visitor's Visa or Permit?
-
Medical
Insurance
-
Where
can I get more information and advice?
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/visit/
You
may also require a medical certificate.
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migration/doctors.html
If
you do need to apply, online forms are available.
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/forms/
New
Zealand Embassies & Consulates:
New
Zealand embassies and consulates can be found worldwide, contact
details are available online.
http://www.mfat.govt.nz/about/oseas.html
New
Zealand Customs:
Please
check with your airline for current information about what
allowances and restrictions apply. For further information see
New Zealand Customs Service.
For
a Guide for Travelers - "what can I bring to New
Zealand"
http://www.customs.govt.nz/TRAVHOME/Advice1.htm
New
Zealand Quarantine:
New
Zealand has very strict quarantine regulations. Do not bring any
raw food, fruit, plant material, or soil with you. There are
severe penalties if you do.
http://www.quarantine.govt.nz/quarantine/travellers/tips_for_travellers.htm
As
a general rule.
|
1
|
Pack
everything which you think may be inspected together, in
a separate bag, in your hand luggage, or near the top of
your suitcase
|
|
2
|
Try
not to travel with food, including food for young
children and babies. If you have to, keep it handy and
declare it. This includes any food issued in flight.
|
|
3
|
Keep
any certificates you will need handy
|
|
4
|
Clean
all outdoor footwear and equipment, including camping
and sports gear before you pack them.
|
Maps:
New
Zealand maps showing accommodations and roads are available on this
website.
North
Island.
South
Island.
For your own
New
Zealand map requirements we suggest
International
Airlines:
Air
New Zealand
Qantas
United
Airlines
Singapore
Airlines
Domestic
Airlines:
Air
New Zealand
Qantas New Zealand
Jetstar
Airport
Transfers:
If not already included in your rental car arrangements, a
personal meet and airport
transfer service is available from Corporate Cabs.
www.corporatecabs.co.nz
Train
and Ferry Services:
New
Zealand's inter-island ferry services and rail net work,
including the Tranzalpine, can be accessed online.
www.tranzrailtravel.co.nz
www.interislander.co.nz
Rental
Cars:
A full selection of quality rental cars are detailed on the
rental car pages.
http://www.cottagestays.co.nz/cars/cars-all.htm
Bus
and Coach Services:
A
national bus and coach service is provided by Intercity Coach
lines.
http://www.intercitycoach.co.nz/
Go to Directory
Part two