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New Zealand’s vast landscapes and friendly, welcoming people captivate any one who visits this spectacular country. Mountain ranges, glaciers, volcano’s, dramatic coastlines, raging rivers, golden beaches, fiords, rainforests are just some of the reasons New Zealand has so much to offers so as a destination. The same size as Great Britain, it one of the least crowded countries on earth with a population of just four million across the North and South islands. Maori first arrived from the Pacific islands 1000 years ago followed by the British in 1840 who colonised New Zealand. This fusion of cultures has created a country which is vibrant, exciting, cosmopolitan and ‘lifestyle’ led.
English and Maori are official languages.
The unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar NZ$. Note denominations are: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5 and coins are: $2, $1 and 50, 20, and 10 cents.
All major credit cards are accepted in New Zealand and can be used in ATM machines to withdraw cash with a PIN number. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at major banks and bureau de change desks in city centres and airports.
As a guideline see the following costs:
Service is not included on bills and tipping is not obligatory although appreciated for good service.
Electricity is 230/240 volts, 50 Hertz. Power outlets accept flat 3 or 2 pin plus and an adapter / convertor will be required. Hotels and Motels may provide 110 volt sockets for electric shavers.
New Zealand is an ideal holiday destination all year round due to its temperate climate. The north of the North Island enjoys a subtropical climate and the south of the South island is a few degrees cooler. The warm Summer months are December, January and February with average temperatures ranging from 15 - 30°C. The cooler Winter months are June, July and August with temperatures ranging from 5 - 15°C. New Zealand is an island located in the South Pacific and weather conditions can change quickly in all seasons. It is advised to be prepared and take additional clothing especially when travelling at high altitudes.
New Zealand is one of the first places to see the sun and start the new day. It is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich mean time. ‘Daylight saving’ starts on the last Sunday in September and puts clocks forward one hour to GMT+13. On the first Sunday of the following April day light saving ends and the clocks are put back to GMT+12.
Train and rail networks consist of main lines from North to South, East to West. Services can be infrequent and it is strongly recommended to check timetables travelling.
Coach networks operate across the country and all major towns and cities can be reached.
Hiring a rental car or Motorhome and creating a ‘self drive’ holiday is one of the most popular ways to experience New Zealand.
New Zealanders drive on the left hand side of the road. Roads are generally one lane in each direction, maintained to a high standard and are well signposted with distances displayed in kilometres and metres. When travelling on state highways the speed limit is 100km/per hour. In cities, towns and residential areas the speed limit is 50km. Seatbelts for all passengers and helmets for bike riders are compulsory. Visitors can legally drive in New Zealand providing they have a current driving licence from their own country on them at all times. Allow plenty of time to travel between destinations and when on the open roads refuel regularly as there can be large distances between petrol stations.
Petrol is currently priced at between $2.18 and $2.25 per litre.
