Top New Zealand Hotels

Many countries have a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand for visits of less than 3 months and current details on eligibility can be gained from the New Zealand Immigration Service. All visitors to New Zealand must ensure that their passports are valid for 3 months beyond their intended visit and must also have proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of their stay. This amount is calculated as NZ$1,000 per person/per month or NZ$400 if accommodation is already paid for.

There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign or local currency, although visitors entering the country with more than NZ$ 10,000 (or foreign currency equivalent) must complete additional documentation upon arrival.

Visitors may take the following into New Zealand duty free:

• Alcohol - 4.5 litres of wine or beer (about 6 bottles) and 1.125 litres or 40 oz of spirits or liqueurs
• Tobacco - 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco
• Goods to a total value of NZ$700

It is worth noting that New Zealand customs have become very strict about people arriving with any type of food, and dirty footwear and sports equipment. If in doubt, declare all food items on your arrival card and ensure that footwear, golf clubs, tents etc. have been cleaned before arriving.

Refer to www.customs.govt.nz for specific customs requirements.

New Zealand time: GMT + 12 hours

New Zealand Summer time: GMT + 13 hours (from the first Sunday in October to the third Sunday in March)

• New Zealand Dollar (NZ$) Check current exchange rates
• NZ$1 = 100 cents
• Notes issued NZ$100, NZ$50, NZ$20, NZ$10, NZ$5
• Coins issued NZ$2 and NZ$1, 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents

The official language of New Zealand is English.

Tipping is not expected but is appreciated.

Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm. Automatic teller machines are widely available throughout the country.

• Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5:00 pm
• Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Some stores open later on Thursday or Friday evenings.

The international dialling code for New Zealand is 64

When making international telephone calls from New Zealand first dial 00 + country code + area code + telephone number

For emergency fire, ambulance and police services dial 111 from any telephone.

• 230 - 240 volts AC, 50Hz
• Flat 3 pin or 2 pin plugs are used in New Zealand, therefore it is advisable to carry an adapter and converter. Most hotels and motels have 110-volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.

Tap water is safe to drink and bottled water is widely available.

Health

The clear, pollution free air and the hole in the ozone layer above the Antarctic makes the sun particularly strong in New Zealand, so take extra care when outdoors. No inoculations are required but check the current situation and any vaccination requirements with your doctor when planning your trip. New Zealand has no snakes and is free of poisonous spiders, however mosquitos and sand-flies can be unwelcome visitors in some forested and river/lake areas. A bottle of insect repellent is useful item to carry.

New Zealand beaches are generally safe places for swimming, but be aware that some surf beaches have dangerous undertows and rips which are not always visible until you are in the water. Visitors who are unfamiliar with such conditions should check with locals before entering the water.

Have you ever heard the saying "four seasons in one day"? Nothing is truer than this in New Zealand. It can be a beautiful sunny day one minute and raining the next. Whatever the time of year, it is advisable to arrive in New Zealand with rain gear and something warm to wear. Mountaineers and hikers in particular should plan carefully, and ensure they have the right equipment.

New Zealand motorists drive on the left hand side of the road. If you rent a vehicle check the driving rules with the rental company, as New Zealand has one or two slightly unusual driving rules. You must be aged 21 or over to hire a vehicle in New Zealand, and require a valid overseas driver license.

When driving the country, keep in mind that New Zealand roads vary greatly in quality. A particular 200 kilometre flat stretch of road may take 2 hours to drive, whereas another more winding, mountainous road of the same length may take 5 hours! The speed limit is 100 kilometres per hour on the open road, and 50 kph in built up areas.

• Auckland
• Christchurch
• Wellington

NZ$25 payable by credit card or in cash.

There are numerous domestic airports in New Zealand. These include those mentioned above plus:

• Bay of Islands
• Blenheim
• Bulls
• Dunedin
• Gisbourne
• Greymouth
• Haast
• Half Moon Bay
• Hamilton
• Invercargill
• Kaitia
• Lake Pukkaki
• Masterton
• Murchison
• Napier/Hastings
• Nelson
• New Plymouth
• Palmerston North
• Picton
• Rotorua
• Taupo
• Tauranga
• Timaru
• Wanganui
• Wellington
• West Port
• Whakatane
• Whangareri

None

New Zealand is a fairly informal country, so dress is similarly relaxed. Some bars and restaurants may ban the wearing of vests/singlets, flip flops (thongs), beach and bush wear.

Many countries have representative offices and consulates in New Zealand.

Further information on New Zealand culture and tourist attractions.

• New Zealand Travel Guide and Information

New Zealand consists of two separate islands.

• North Island - experiences a sub-tropical climate. Temperatures remain reasonably warm throughout the year and rain is common at any time. This climate results in a wonderful lush, green countryside.
• South Island - experiences a temperate climate. Temperatures are much cooler and winters are dramatically colder than North Island. The west endures significantly higher rainfall than the east due to the mountainous central region of the Southern Alps.

North & South

In general, winds are a constant factor across the country and these vary between hot northerly and freezing southerly winds.

Weather can change rapidly so be prepared with clothes for all seasons!

A few layers, waterproofs and a warm jacket are necessary items whenever visiting New Zealand.

Carry a lightweight jumper as it can be chillingly cold inside air-conditioned buildings during summer.

Note! Take Care in the Sun! Pack a sunhat, sunglasses and suntan lotion to protect yourself from the intense sunshine and the hole in the ozone layer over New Zealand.

New Zealanders are extremely aware of the dangers of overexposure to their sun and an excellent selection of good quality, high factor sunscreens are available in New Zealand shops.

North Island

North Island's climate is characterised by mild winters, warm summers and the blustery winds that are a factor all year round.

Rain falls throughout the year and is spread fairly evenly across the island. Temperatures remain mild throughout with only a slight drop during the winter months.

A few light layers of clothes, an umbrella/waterproofs plus a warm jacket are a good idea at any time of year on North Island - even if you are planning a visit during summer.

In winter, pack thermals/warm woollen clothes and make sure that footwear is waterproof with plenty of room inside for thick socks.

Best time to visit: During spring and summer when rainfall is relatively low or in winter if visiting the mountainous areas towards the south of the island for skiing.

South Island

South Island has a more variable climate with quite marked variations in rainfall between the east and west coasts.

The Southern Alps running down the centre of the island act as a natural barrier to the westerly winds that bring moisture laden clouds rolling in. Most of the rain is deposited here before it can make its way eastwards resulting in the east being much drier.

Winds are prevalent all year and range from gentle breezes to destructive gales. In summer, hot winds blow down from the north and during the winter bitterly cold winds blast up from Antarctica.

A few light layers, an umbrella/waterproofs plus a warm jacket are recommended for most of the year. During the winter months take lots of sweaters and a warm jacket.

Best time to visit: During spring or summer when rainfall is relatively low on the east or in winter if going skiing.