| |
| General Information |
| Capital |
Wellington |
| Government |
Constitutional monarchy since 1907. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II since 1952, represented locally by Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright since 2001. Head of Government: Prime Minister Helen Clark since 1999. |
| 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. |
| Religion |
Sixty percent Christian: Anglican, Presbytarian, Roman Catholic and Methodist are all represented. |
| 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 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. |
| 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. |
| Telephone |
IDD is available. Country code: 64. Outgoing international code: 00. Most public phones take cards purchased from bookstalls; some also accept credit cards, but very few still accept coins. |
| Mobile telephone |
Check with your phone company before leaving home about international mobile roam facilities available in New Zealand.
Alternatively Phone Hire New Zealand and Vodafone allow visitors to hire mobile phones or SIM cards. |
| 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. |
| Internet |
ISPs include Kiwilink. There are Internet cafes in the city and smaller town central business districts. travelers may access the Internet at many hotels and youth hostels. |
| Driving in New Zealand |
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. |
| 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). |
| Climate |
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?C and in winter between 10-15?C. 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 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. |
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. |
| Money and Currency |
| 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$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete a Border Cash Report.
Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres.
All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. |
| Currency exchange |
Exchange facilities are widely available throughout New Zealand. |
| Credit cards with "Smart Card" technology |
Smart cards are payment cards that carry an embedded microchip allowing them to store encrypted, confidential information, and carry multiple applications from different industries alongside debit, credit, or prepaid payment applications. Please note these cards, which often have no magnetic strip, are not accepted everywhere in New Zealand. You may experience problems using these cards, and we therefore recommend you contact you card provider for further information before arriving in New Zealand. |
| Traveler's checks |
NZ$ travellers cheques are not available for purchase.
International visitors who wish to travel to New Zealand with travellers cheques should bring a major currency type of travellers cheque with them in the future.
For travel to our region AUS$ travellers cheques can be purchased. |
| Currency restrictions |
There are no restrictions on the importation and exportation of foreign or local currency. |
| Banking hours |
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.
|
| Useful Contact Numbers |
| Tourism New Zealand |
Street address: Level 16, 80 The Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand
Postal address: PO Box 95, Wellington, New Zealand
Tel: (4) 917 5400. Fax: (4) 915 3817. |
British High Commission
Street address |
44 Hill Street, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand
Postal address: PO Box 1812, Wellington, New Zealand
Tel: (4) 924 2888. Fax: (4) 473 4982 or 924 2810 (visa section).
E-mail: PPA.Mailbox@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://www.britain.org.nz |
| Embassy of the United States of America |
Street address: 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand
Postal address: PO Box 1190, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand
Tel: (4) 462 6000. Fax: (4) 499 0490.
Website: http://www.usembassy.org.nz |
| Canadian High Commission |
PO Box 12049, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand
Tel: (4) 473 9577. Fax: (4) 471 2082.
E-mail: wlgtn@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Website: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/newzealand |
|
|
Home
Auckland Hotels
Bay of Islands Hotels
Blenheim Hotels
Christchurch Hotels
Dunedin Hotels
Hamilton Hotels
Hokitika Hotels
Invercargill Hotels
Kaikoura Hotels
Mount Cook Hotels
Napier Hotels
Nelson Hotels
Paihia Hotels
Picton Hotels
Queenstown Hotels
Rotorua Hotels
Taupo Hotels
Te Anau Hotels
Wellington Hotels
