New Zealand Travel Tips

New Zealand has everything the world has to offer within a compact country. From snow capped mountains to golden sandy beaches, from fast flowing rivers to crystal clear lakes. New Zealand is a country of beauty and diversity in both scenery and culture. For people looking to travel to New Zealand, some of its main attractions are the stunning scenery, clean green environment and economic and political stability. New Zealand is an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. New Zealanders are considered to be entrepreneurial, inventive and hard working. New Zealand offers modern technology, progressive policies and an economy based on diversification, quality exports and farming. The visitors must know about some following travel tips to travel in New Zealand:

• Agriculture Restrictions: Because of the importance of agriculture and horticulture to the New Zealand economy, animal products, fruit, plant material or foodstuffs that could contain plant or animal pests and diseases may not be brought into the country. Heavy fines may be imposed on people caught carrying these prohibited materials, so it is suggested that visitors place any questionable items, particularly fruit, in the bins provided before approaching the immigration area on arrival at a New Zealand airport.

• Clothing: Be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature and take several layers of warm clothes with you, in summer as well as in winter. Air-conditioning on aircraft can be lowered for comfort, so we recommend you fly with a jacket or some other warm clothing. New Zealand has a relaxed informal lifestyle. In summer, light clothing is usually sufficient for the day, however have a jacket at hand. Always pack a waterproof jacket. During winter, and between May and September, always pack warm clothing.

• Credit cards, Cheques & Cash: All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand and traveler's Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. ATMs (automated teller machines) are plentiful, available 24 hours a day and can be found near banks, at airports, shopping Centres and even some petrol stations.

• Driving: Most foreign driver licences are acceptable in New Zealand (check with your travel agent). New Zealanders drive on the left, give way to all traffic crossing or approaching from the right. Most rental car companies will provide a short list of the more important rules.

• Electricity: 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 only. For all other equipment, an adaptor / converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option.

• Exchange Facilities: Most airports and hotels have currency exchange facilities; however we recommend buying enough New Zealand dollars to cover your expenses for the first few days.

• Health Risks: There are no major health risks in New Zealand. However you should be aware of Giardia, which is a water-borne parasite that causes diarrhoea. To avoid it, do not to drink water from lakes, ponds or rivers without first boiling, chemically treating or filtering it.

• Insurance: While the Accident Compensation Scheme covers visitors for personal injuries caused by accident, this does not include loss of earnings outside of New Zealand.

• Passports: Passports are required for all visitors to New Zealand and must be valid for at least three months beyond the date the visitor intends leaving the country.

• Safety: New Zealand is considered one of the safest destinations in the world. New Zealanders are hospitable and happy to help visitors. However, do not leave valuables (especially your passport, cash or cameras) in parked cars or campervans, particularly at scenic spots or trail-heads for popular tramps.

• Smoking: New Zealand is a paradise for non-smokers. 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.

• Telephones: Most public call phones take cards purchased from bookstalls and newsagents, with a minimum value of $2. Some public call-phones also accept credit cards, but very few still accept coins.

• Time Differences: New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day. It is 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). In summer New Zealand has daylight saving, when clocks are put forward one hour to GMT +13. 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 GMT +12.

• Tipping: Tips in New Zealand are optional and are generally given in appreciation of extra good service. You should tip 5-10% of the bill in a restaurant (not in a simple café) if you feel you have received exceptional service.

Weather New Zealand has a largely temperate climate. You can visit New Zealand at any time of the year. Summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 10C/50F. Away from the mountains, New Zealand winters are mild and temperatures generally do not fall below freezing.