Basics

The Basics

Time: Local time is GMT +12 (GMT +13 from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March).
Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Oblique flat blade plugs are standard.
Money: Local currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), divided into 100 cents. Most businesses accept MasterCard and Visa, and while Diners Club and American Express are also widely accepted in the main tourist centres, they might have limited acceptance elsewhere. Travellers cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some hotels. ATMs can be found in all towns and cities.

Currency Exchange Rates

NZ$ 1.00 =

A$ 0.81

C$ 0.79

€ 0.50

£ 0.45

US$ 0.74

R 5.70

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: The official languages in New Zealand are English and Maori.
Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens holding a passport endorsed British Citizen, or a passport accompanied by documents that establish right of abode in the UK, do not require a visa for a stay of up to six months. British citizens with passports endorsed British National (Overseas) may stay for up to three months without a visa. In all other cases, a visa is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australian nationals must have a passport valid on arrival for travel to New Zealand. No visa is required.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note: Visitors must be in possession of a return ticket, documents for onward travel and proof of sufficient funds. Visitors must hold per month of stay NZ$400, if holding evidence of pre-paid accommodation. In other cases, visitors must hold NZ$1,000 per month of stay. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond period of stay, or for one month if country of origin has consular representation in New Zealand.
Travel Health: There are no health risks associated with travel to New Zealand. New Zealand's accident compensation scheme (ACC) covers emergency treatment for visitors, but health insurance is recommended to cover any additional charges and for those not entitled to free emergency treatment. Those intending to participate in adventure activities, such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, etc should ensure that their travel insurance covers these types of activities.
Tipping: Gratuities are not expected in New Zealand and service charges are not applied to bills, but it is acceptable to tip at your discretion.
Climate: Christchurch has a fairly dry temperate climate, with warm to hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures range from mild to extremely hot, often moderated by sea breezes blowing in from the northeast. Northwesterly winds, however, are not so kind; hot air blows in with increasing strength and has been known to reach storm force, wreaking havoc on occasion. Winters bring clear, cold days, with temperatures often dropping below freezing level at night, with frost. Snow is a rarity in the city, but falls occasionally in the suburban hills. An unpleasant feature of Christchurch winters is the prevalence of smog, caused by an inversion layer that forms above the city. Rainfalls can be expected any time of year, but are more likely in winter.
Safety Information: New Zealand has a reputation as one of the safest destinations in the world, however sensible precautions against petty theft are still advised.
Local Customs: Quarantine procedures mean that strict bio-security regulations are in place at immigration points into New Zealand. It is illegal to import most foodstuffs, and care should be taken when importing wood products, golf clubs and shoes (which may have soil and dirt attached), and items made from animal skin. The immigration arrivals card has full details.
Business: Business in New Zealand is usually conducted formally and conservatively. Standard business etiquette applies; punctuality is important, business attire is formal (for men and women suits are appropriate), meetings begin and end with a handshake and business cards are exchanged. Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international access code for New Zealand is +64. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0061 for Australia). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)9 for Auckland and (0)4 for the Wellington region. Vodafone offers GSM 900 coverage in and around the main cities and popular holiday areas. Internet cafes are widely available.
Duty free: Travellers to New Zealand over 17 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, or a proportionate mix of these; 1.125 litres or 1 litre spirits or liqueurs, and 4.5 litres wine, port or sherry, or 4.5 litres beer. Goods exceeding the allowances must be declared. Personal effects not dutiable include items such as jewellery, binoculars, portable radios, prams, camping equipment, cameras and video cameras. Prohibited items include concealed firearms, foodstuffs, animals, plants and plant products. It is forbidden to export Greenstone, Maori antiquities and Paua shells (unless they are products manufactured from such shells).