LOCATION
Located in the south west of the Pacific Ocean, 12 hours flying time from Los Angeles, this unique country contains a diverse range of landscapes. Its climatic conditions extend throughout two major islands, the North Island and the South Island, and a third smaller island, Stewart Island.
AIRPORT INFORMATION
New Zealand’s International airports are located in Auckland, Christchurch and it’s capital, Wellington. Flights from Los Angeles arrive in Auckland and Christchurch.
There is a vast domestic network of air services covering most communities within the country.
VISITOR VISAS
All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the country and a return or onward airline ticket.
Most visitors who intend to stay for less than three months do not require a visa. For up to date information however, please check with your travel agent or New Zealand’s “Immigration Service” website or the New Zealand Embassy website.
DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE
Apart from their own personal effects, each traveler over the age of 17 is allowed to bring the following into New Zealand. These allowances are a guide only and are subject to change.
| Item |
Limit |
| Cigarettes |
200 |
| Tobacco |
250 grams |
| Cigars |
50 |
| Wine/Beer |
6 (750 ml) bottles |
| Liquor |
1 (1125ml) bottle |
CLIMATE
A temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes New Zealand an ideal year round holiday destination.
The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south is temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August.
In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 70-90F and in winter between 50-60F.
POPULATION
New Zealand is comparable in size to Great Britain and has a population of only 4 million – making it one of the worlds least crowded countries.
LANGUAGE
English is the common and everyday language of New Zealand. New Zealand is a multicultural society and you may hear many other languages spoken, including Maori, which is also an official language of New Zealand.
CURRENCY
New Zealand’s unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and at Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at International airports and most city centers. Traveler’s checks are accepted at banks, hotels and some stores.
BUSINESS HOURS
Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.30pm and ATM’s are widely available.
Most shops and businesses are open 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, as a minimum. Many stores also open Saturdays and some on Sundays. Banks are closed on weekends.
SHOPPING
New Zealand offers a huge variety of shopping from arts and crafts markets, galleries and museum shops to exclusive designer stores. For traditional New Zealand souvenirs look for examples of superb Maori carvings in wood, bone and green stone or jade.
New Zealand potters are recognized as among the world’s finest. The vast wool industry makes it possible to find wonderful hand knitted wool sweaters, beautiful wall hangings and top quality sheepskins.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2008
| Date |
Holiday |
| January 1 & 2 |
New Year |
| February 6 |
Waitangi Day |
| Mar 21 |
Good Friday |
| March 24 |
Easter Monday |
| April 25 |
ANZAC Day |
| June 2 |
Queen’s Birthday |
| October 27 |
Labor Day |
| December 25 |
Christmas Day |
| December 26 |
Boxing Day |
ELECTRICITY
The current is 230 volts and adaptors are required.
DRIVING
In New Zealand, motorists drive on the left hand side of the road. Road distances are measured in kilometers. In urban areas the speed limit is approx 30mph and on the open road is approx 60mph.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Cars, motorbikes and bicycles are all readily available for rent. A wonderful way to see New Zealand is by train or bus.
DRINKING WATER
New Zealand cities and towns have excellent water supplies and in all cases tap water is fresh and safe to drink. Water from rivers and lakes should be boiled, chemically treated or filtered before drinking to avoid upset stomachs.
HEALTH
No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand, although Tetanus is recommended. New Zealand’s public and private hospitals provide a high standard of treatment and service but these are not free to visitors, except as a result of an accident. It is highly recommended that you take out CSA travel insurance before you leave the USA.
NIGHTLIFE
Lively DJ and band scenes, particularly in the larger cities, have given New Zealand’s nightlife a renewed vibrancy. You will find a variety of nightclubs, cabarets, pubs, concerts and live performances to choose from. There are also four casinos in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown.
Most cities stage first class concerts and shows. Theater, orchestral concerts, ballet, rock and jazz are all well represented.
DINING OUT
New Zealand restaurants take their inspiration from regions and countries such as Europe, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Polynesia, Japan and Vietnam. This unique blend of influences has created a mouthwatering range of flavors and food available from cafes and restaurants nationwide.
Distinct New Zealand style dishes are also available from among the many restaurants available throughout the country.
You may also wish to take the opportunity to discover the New Zealand wines which have achieved an international reputation for excellence.
TIPPING
New Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service – even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for extra special service and kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.
The above information has been derived from various sources and Travel Arrangements Ltd is not responsible for the accuracy of the content.
