New Zealand

Important Information

Entry requirements
From 1 October 2019, all travellers, with the exception of New Zealand and Australian passport holders, require either a visitors visa; or if holding a passport from a visa-waiver country (including USA, Canada, UK, European Union countries, Hong Kong, Singapore and some South American nations), will require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Visit: www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas to ensure you have the correct documentation for travel, or to apply for a visa.

The following items cannot be brought into New Zealand unless specific provision has been made for their exemption – firearms (including sporting firearms) and weapons (unless a permit is obtained from New Zealand Police on arrival at the airport); pirated copyright goods; objectionable (indecent) articles, such as DVDs and publications.

New Zealand is free of many insects and pests, plant diseases and animal infections that are common elsewhere in the world. Substantial fines will be incurred if you arrive carrying animal products including skin, hair, dung, feathers, bone, coral, eggs and sea shells. Some are banned because they can harbour pests and diseases; others because they pose a threat to endangered species. Fresh perishable foodstuffs, such as fruit, vegetables and meat and items manufactured from plant products are also prohibited.
Hand luggage restrictions

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.
Geography

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.
Flora and fauna

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.
History

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.
People

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.
Health and inoculations

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.

Getting Around

Travellers with disabilities

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. For further information visit www.enable.co.nz
Time differences

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.
Driving

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.
Distances

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.
Weather

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.
Dress

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.

Spending

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.

The safest way to carry larger amounts of money is in the form of a credit or debit card. "Plastic" payment is widely accepted across the nation - in shops, restaurants, hotels, petrol stations and a wide network of ATMs.

Any card connected to the international banking network (Cirrus, Maestro, Plus and Eurocard) should work with your regular PIN. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted almost everywhere, whilst Diners Club is not as widely accepted. A minimum purchase may be required to use your credit card in some shops.

Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, travel exchanges and hotels in the major centres. Banks in New Zealand are open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm and are normally closed at weekends. Check www.xe.com/currencyconverter/ or your local bank for current exchange rates. Amounts of NZ$10,000 or more (or foreign currency equivalent) must be declared on arrival and departure.
Tipping

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.
Food and Drink

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.
Shopping

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.
Food and drink

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.

About New Zealand

Holidays, special events

Public Holidays

New Years Day - 01 January
Day after New Years Day - 02 January
Waitangi Day - 06 February
Easter - Good Friday and Easter Monday
ANZAC Day - 25 April
Queens Birthday - First Monday in June
Labour Day - Fourth Monday in October
Christmas Day - 25 December
Boxing Day - 26 December

The New Zealand school year is divided into 4 terms and school holiday dates vary each year. The summer months, in particular the weeks over Christmas/New Year are peak holiday season for New Zealanders. It is therefore advisable to book accommodation and touring well in advance over this period. For information on school holiday dates visit www.minedu.govt.nz.
Electricity

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.
Getting married in New Zealand

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.
Suggested further reading

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.

Communication

Telephones

The country dialling code for New Zealand is +64. The outgoing international code is 00.

018 and 0172 provide telephone directory assistance. Alternatively telephone numbers can be accessed online at www.whitepages.co.nz or www.yellow.co.nz.

Vodafone and Telecom are the two main mobile (cell) phone operators in New Zealand supporting a range of technology enabling many overseas mobiles to operate in New Zealand. Visitors should check with their local provider and activate international roaming before leaving home. Alternatively, mobile phones with a local SIM can be hired by the day at most major airports; and prepaid SIM cards are also available for purchase. Coverage is generally good around the major population centres, however some remote locations do not have mobile coverage.
Emergency services

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.
Internet

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.

Show all topics

Hide all topics

Spending

Food and drink

The Pacific Islands enjoy a warm climate all year round. June until August is cooler whilst November to March is warmer. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26°C whilst in the warmer, more humid season the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C.