Entry & Departure
Passports and 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.
Currently
travelers from more than 50 countries, including the USA, do not require
a Visitor's Visa for stays less than three months.
You do
require in addition to your passport:
Customs
There are
strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of drugs, steroids,
weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. If you
are unsure about anything declare it to Customs upon arrival.
Tax free/Duty free
Visitors
to New Zealand may purchase duty-free goods, which are not subject to
local taxes, from airport duty free shops on arrival and departure.
Duty-free stores in downtown Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch will
deliver purchases to aircraft departure lounges.
Apart from your own personal effects, and as long as you are over 17
years of age, you are allowed the following duty-free concessions:
-
200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars, or a mixture of
all three weighing no more than 250 grams
-
4.5 liters of wine or beer (six 750ml bottles) and one 1125ml bottle
of spirits, liqueur or other beverages
Goods up
to a total of NZ$700 are free of duty and tax, but goods in excess of
this may attract both duty and tax.
Departure tax
A
departure tax of NZ$25 has to be paid at the airport when you leave New
Zealand. Please note this tax is not included in your ticket price.
Practical Information
Language
English is
the common language of New Zealand. However, as New Zealand is a
multicultural society, you may hear other languages spoken including Te
Reo Maori, the official language of New Zealand. The vast majority of
New Zealand place names are of Maori origin. A Maori phrase you’ll be
sure to hear and see is Kia ora which means hello.
Time Differences
New
Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 17
hours ahead of EST or 20 hours ahead of PST. In summer New Zealand uses
‘daylight saving’, with clocks put forward one hour to EST+18/PST+21.
Daylight saving begins on the first Sunday in October and ends on the
third Sunday of the following March, when clocks are put back to
EST+17/PST+20.
Currency & Banking
New
Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Coins have
values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; notes have values of $5,
$10, $20, $50 and $100.
There is
no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in
or taken out of New Zealand. However, every person who carries more than
NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete a
Border Cash Report.
Foreign
currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de
Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city
centers.
All major
credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travelers Checks are accepted
at hotels, banks and some stores.
International credit cards and ATM cards will work in New Zealand as
long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before
leaving home.
Taxes
All goods
and services are subject to a 12.5% Goods and Services Tax (GST)
included in the displayed price. Visitors cannot claim this tax back;
however when a supplier ships a major purchase to a visitor's home
address the GST will not be charged.
Tipping
New
Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service - even in restaurants
and bars. However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at
the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do
not add service charges to their bills.
Electricity
230/240
volts, 50 Hz, 3 pin plugs. The power supply is 220/240 volts AC. Sockets
accept three-flat-pin plugs so an adaptor is needed. 110v appliances
will need a voltage converter.
Health & Safety
Insurance
Before
your visit you should arrange sufficient medical and travel insurance.
Ensure the policy is adequate to cover costs for ambulance or helicopter
rescue, emergency surgery, or transportation home. Accidents (but not
illnesses) are covered by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC),
which ensures that residents and tourists alike are not charged for any
medical treatment required as a consequence of an accident suffered in
New Zealand. This covers both physical and psychological damage. In
cases of minor injuries you may have to contribute to the cost of the
initial doctor’s visit. The ACC scheme means you can’t sue anybody for
damages.
We offer
comprehensive travel insurance policies to cover every eventuality – ask
your Aspire Down Under consultant for more details.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from, or visited a
yellow fever infected country or zone within six days before arrival. No
other health certificate is required to enter New Zealand.
Water
It is safe
to drink tap water anywhere in New Zealand. Bottled mineral water is
available throughout the country.
Weather Safety
New
Zealand's clear, unpolluted atmosphere and relatively low latitudes
produce sunlight stronger than much of Europe or North America, so be
prepared to wear hats and sun block if you plan to be out in the sun for
more than 15-20 minutes.
Weather
conditions in New Zealand alpine areas can change rapidly. Be prepared
for cold wet weather if you plan to walk in our National Parks, whatever
the time of year
Beach Safety
Beaches
with potential hazards are often patrolled by lifeguards, who put up
yellow and red flags - Water Safety New Zealand recommend that between
these flags is the safest place to swim on these beaches.
Driving in New Zealand
New
Zealanders drive on the left hand side of the road. The steering wheel
is on the right hand side of the car. The maximum speed limit in cities
and towns is 50 km/h (30 mph) and on country roads and highways, 100
km/h (62mph) unless signs indicate otherwise. Strict drink-driving laws
apply. Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times.
Visitors may drive in New Zealand on a valid overseas driver’s license
for the same class of vehicle or an International Driving Permit.
Licenses must be carried when driving. If the driver's license is not in
the English language, the visitor must carry a translation with the
permit.
