Travel Information
The below information are some key points that you may like to consider/read prior to travelling to New Zealand.
Climate
New Zealand's summer months are December to February, bringing high temperatures and sunshine. Days are long and sunny, nights are mild. The temperature of Auckland during March ranges from approximately 18 – 28°C.
Currency
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZ Dollar). Coins have values of 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 centres. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.
Exchange Rates – Banks should be able to tell you what the current exchange rate is with the NZ Dollar. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand website provides a monthly online summary of the NZ Dollars average value against the US Dollar, the Pound, the Australian Dollar, the Yen and the Euro.
You can calculate the approximate value of about 30 currencies in NZ Dollars on the Bank of New Zealand website. The rate you are offered in your home country is likely to differ slightly.
Banking – Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.
Goods and Services Tax – 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.
Customs
New Zealand has a very strict policy on food being bought into the country. Customs will X ray all luggage on arrival and any food that is found, you will be charged for. Please ensure you dispose of the food before entering the customs area of the New Zealand International Airport.
Dress
The programmes are designed for business/casual wear.
Electricity/Computer Hook Up
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), although most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors/hairdryers only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Please note that power outlets only accept flat three or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. It is each delegate's responsibility to bring their own adaptor to use throughout the meeting.
You will need a RJ45 type plug to be able to connect your laptop into a computer socket in New Zealand, and an adaptor with a flat two or three-point power plug to connect to the power supply. Again it is each delegate's responsibility to bring their own adaptor to use throughout the meeting.
Health and Medical Insurance
We strongly advise you to arrange your own health insurance. New Zealand's public and private medical/hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and service but it is important to note these services are not free to visitors, except as a result of an accident.
Visitors bringing in a quantity of medication are advised to carry a doctor's certificate to avoid possible problems with New Zealand Customs. Doctor's prescriptions are needed to obtain certain drugs in New Zealand.
Language
New Zealand has three official languages of which English is almost universally spoken. The other official languages are New Zealand Maori and New Zealand Sign Language.
Local Time
From 5 October 2008 to 5 April 2009, local time is New Zealand Summer Time which is 13 hours ahead of GMT. New Zealand is the first country to greet the dawn of each new day.
Mobile Phones
Mobile Telephones in New Zealand operate on the digital system; therefore mobile telephones from countries that operate on the analogue system, unless the phone is tri-band GSM, will not work.
You may wish to purchase a prepaid phone card to use when placing calls home. It will help you to avoid the higher rates and access fees charged by the hotel. Be sure to contact your calling card supplier to get the international calling access code.
Passport and Travel Information
New Zealand and the USA have a Visa Waiver Agreement, a US passport holder:
- with return air tickets, or holding a valid onwards ticket to a country the traveller has a right to enter
- who has a passport valid for three months beyond the date you are leaving NZ
- who has proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the visit
- is only wishing to visit for the time granted on arrival
Guests may visit New Zealand for tourism purposes for up to three months without a visa. (If the intention is to stay longer, the traveller should apply for a visitor's visa.)
To be eligible to come to New Zealand as a visitor there are a number of requirements you need to meet before you get here and others you must meet during your stay.
To enter New Zealand you need:
- to be in good health and of good character
- a passport that's valid for at least three months past the date you are to leave New Zealand
- to be a genuine visitor/tourist, in other words you have plans to leave and can prove this
- proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay
- to have the right visa for your visit
For information on requirements for travelling to New Zealand please visit New Zealand Immigration or talk to your local travel agent. For information about New Zealand's visa requirements, please visit Visa Requirements.
Population
Auckland's population is approximately 1.3 million, making it by far the largest city in New Zealand, with one third of the country's entire population.
Smoking
To protect people from the health effects of second-hand smoke, smoking in all hospitality venues, including bars, restaurants, cafes, and casinos, is prohibited in New Zealand. If you smoke, please remember to smoke outside.
Sunburn
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.
Tipping and Service Charges
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.
Transport from the Airport
There are many taxi companies that operate from the Auckland International Airport to the central city however there are a few that we would recommend rather than others.
Co Operative Taxis – 09 300 3000
Corporate Cabs – 0800 733 833
Regency Cabs – 0800 377 8844
If you are traveling as a group and would prefer to travel altogether, Super Shuttles will be able to arrange this for you – 0800 748 885.
All of the above companies will have representation at the airport however listed above are their contact telephone numbers.
Variable Weather
Weather conditions in New Zealand alpine areas can change rapidly and the seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December, January and February. A light jacket or sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler. You can expect some rain, so include a light waterproof jacket or coat. Bring comfortable walking shoes with you.
Water
New Zealand cities and towns have excellent water supplies and tap water is fresh and safe to drink. Water from rivers and lakes should be boiled, chemically treated or filtered before drinking to avoid stomach upsets. Bottled spring water is available for purchase through the hotels or any supermarket in Auckland City.