|
|
Travel Tips
About New Zealand
New Zealand Airports & Air Travel
New
Zealand has a comprehensive network of international and domestic
airports, with Auckland International Airport our largest and busiest
airport. Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Palmerston North
and Queenstown also receive flights from other countries.
Domestic air travel is cheap and convenient, with Air New Zealand and Jetstar both offering low cost alternatives.
Yourway
Car Rental operates a free shuttle bus service (during normal office
hours - 8am to 5pm) for Auckland Airport Car Rentals and Christchurch
Airport Car Rentals. (Links point to location pages)
Language & Culture
English
is the common and everyday language of New Zealand, but having such a
multi-cultural society you may hear many other languages spoken,
including Maori, which is also an official language of New Zealand.
New
Zealand’s unique and dynamic culture is strongly influenced by the
indigenous Maori people and this is seen in the language, the arts, and
even the accents of all New Zealanders. No visit to New Zealand would
be complete without experiencing the culture, traditions or activities
of the Maori people.
Affectionately known as Kiwi’s, New
Zealanders love the outdoors, sports, and the arts, and these play a
big part in daily life and conversation.
New Zealand's Climate
The
north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate, although
there are times when you wouldn’t think so. The warmest months are
December to March, while the coldest are June to August. In summer, the
average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter
between 10-15ºC.
Check the latest weather conditions in New Zealand. (Link to Met Service or MetVUW)
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.
In summer a jacket and sweater should be
included in your luggage in case the weather turns cooler or you visit
higher altitudes. You can also expect some rain in places, so also
include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and
September it is winter, so pack warm winter garments and layer your
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.
Safety in New Zealand
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.
- In emergency situations phone 111 and ask for Police, Ambulance, or Fire.
- Take copies of your important documents, e.g. passport and credit cards, and keep them separate from the originals.
- Keep a record of the description and serial number of valuable items, e.g. digital cameras.
- Avoid travelling alone and if possible, go places with someone you know and trust.
- Be aware of your surroundings and belongings when walking and sightseeing.
- When
out 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.
- When using an ATM; always shield your PIN, withdraw small amounts, and use during the daytime, where possible.
- 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.
- Always lock your vehicle and accommodation (including campervans) and secure all 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. Mobile SIM cards
and pre-paid credits can be purchased from Telecom NZ and Vodafone.
- Carry a basic first-aid kit for use in emergencies.
- The
impact of freedom camping on the environment, as well as safety
concerns, mean that we do not recommend freedom camping in New Zealand.
New Zealand Public Holidays
For tourist’s, public holidays
can be an inconvenience since shops and banks close. School holidays
are particularly busy travel periods, with fortnight long breaks in
April, July, late September and an extended break from mid-December to
early February, which coincides with the Christmas and New Year
holidays. During these times you should book your car rental,
accommodation and activities well in advance. Bear in mind this also
applies to the winter season at the major ski resorts like Queenstown,
Wanaka, Taupo and Ohakune.
National Holidays:
| New Year | 1 - 2 January | Waitangi Day
| 6 February | | Good Friday | Movable Holiday | | Easter Monday | Movable Holiday | | ANZAC Day | 25 April | | Queen's Birthday | 1 June | | Labour Day | 26 October | | Christmas Day | 25 December | | Boxing Day | 26 December |
Time Zone & Daylight Saving
New
Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12
hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Each spring New Zealand moves
to ‘daylight saving’, with clocks put forward one hour to GMT+13.
Daylight saving begins on the last Sunday in September and ends on the
first Sunday of the following April, when clocks are put back to GMT+12.
Money
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.
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.
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.
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, while Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.
Here is a general guide of what you can expect to pay in New Zealand for a few common items:
Approximate Prices
| Hotel Breakfast | NZ$10- $25 | | 3 Course Dinner (not including wine) | NZ$20 - $50 | | Lunch Snack / Sandwich | NZ$5 - $10 | | Cafe Lunch | NZ$10 - $25 | | International postcard stamp | NZ$1.50 | | Big Mac Hamburger | NZ$5.50 | | Cappuccino | NZ$3.50 - $4.50 |
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.
|