Travel Tips

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New Zealand road rules follow international standards and we drive on the left side of the road (the same as in the UK and Japan, and the opposite to the USA and Europe). Seat Belts are mandatory in New Zealand.

The main rule to remember is
' always keep to the left ''.

Our currency unit is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$) There are no restrictions on the amount you may bring into New Zealand and all money can be exchanged at any bank and most airports. All major credit cards are accepted here, as are travellers cheques (which are accepted at most places) Banks are open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.

New Zealand has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 12.5 per cent. Prices in are usually shown as inclusive of GST.

GST is payable on tourism services such as accommodation, day tours, guides, ground transport (including coach, rail and cruise), translators and meals.

English and Maori are the 2 official languages in New Zealand. English is the main or common spoken language.

You will require a valid passport (which must remain current for at least 3 months after your expected departure date from New Zealand). Visitors are generally granted entry to New Zealand for up to 3 months (UK visitors are granted a 6 month stay). This may be extended for tourists. Visas are generally not required.

Visitors to New Zealand may buy duty-free goods free of local taxes. Items up to a total combined value of NZ$ 700.00 are free of duty and tax, but goods over this may attract both. These are available from airport duty free shops when you arrive or when you depart. Duty-free stores in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch will also deliver your purchases to airport departure lounges for you to pick up on departure from that airport.

The New Zealand economy is mainly dependant upon agriculture and horticulture therefore animal products, fruit, plant material or foodstuffs that may contain plant or animal pests and diseases must not be brought into the country. Heavy fines may be imposed on people caught carrying any items like fruit, cheese or meats..

The population is made up of approximately 80% European (Pakeha), 12% Maori, Polynesian and Asian.

New Zealand has a approximate population of 4.0 million spread over an approximate area of 266,200 sq km with the largest settled island being the North Island.

The capital is Wellington and Auckland is the largest city.

Our warmest months are December, January and February when the temperature ranges from between 20° - 30°C (68° - 85°F). Average summer temperature is 22° Celsius (72° Fahrenheit). Winter is during June, July and August and temperatures fall to 10 -21°C (50 - 70°F). Average winter temperature is 9° Celsius (48° Fahrenheit).

New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are the opposite to those in the northern hemisphere.

Travelling around New Zealand you are bound to encounter most types of weather. The safest policy is to be equipped for all weather no matter what the season. Wear layers of clothing to strip off and replace as necessary. Wet weather gear, a wind proof jacket, woolen sweater and strong comfortable footwear are all recommended.

In keeping with New Zealands relaxed lifestyle, dress is casual on most occasions. Although a smart standard will be required for better restaurants, shows and casinos.

New Zealand is one of the first countries in the world to see the new day dawn. We are 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). In summer on the first Sunday in October we switch to Daylight Saving when all clocks are put forward one hour. This ends on the last Sunday of the following March.

Electricity in New Zealand is supplied at 230/240 volts, 50 Hz, although most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only and if you wish to bring your hair drier, an electrical adaptor is necessary.

After an international flight, we suggest that you spend the first night in comfortable accommodation in order to begin your journey fresh.

Soft luggage is easier to manage in a motorhome. Hard baggage can be forwarded to your departure point by Breakaway at a small cost. You will fit into most vehicles if your luggage consists of 1 hardcase and two soft cases per couple. ( Most cars in New Zealand are Japanese built, and are not as big as one maybe accustomed)

Camping grounds in New Zealand generally have exellent facilities (including laundry, cooking, bathroom and a common room with TV etc)

Please allow yourself sufficient time in New Zealand to see the country. It may look a small country on the map, but by the nature of the roads it takes longer than expected to travel the distances, and there are so many pleasant distractions along the way.

Driving between Auckland and Wellington can take 10 to 11 hours. Roads can be winding and narrow in places. If time is short, you are best to see one area well rather than to make a speedy tiring journey in a few days to see little.

Contary to what some may believe;

New Zealand is NOT part of Australia
(in-fact we're actually not that close ie a good couple of hours by plane..)

The Auckland Harbour Bridge has nothing at all to do with the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Split Enz are NOT an Australian band.

Kiwi's are small flightless birds and our national icon and NOT a fruit.

We are;

A nation of sporting people and have world-famous sports teams.

Friendly, inivative, open-minded, mostly laid-back and immensely proud of our country and our achievements.

Lucky to live in a clean green country with some of the best scenery in the world.

Out numbered by sheep (approx 4.0 million people and 44 million sheep!!)