GENERAL
INFORMATION TIME ZONE
BANKING
New Zealand is 12 hrs ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+12) and 19 hrs ahead of Pacific Standard time (PST). Daylight Saving (GMT+13) begins on the last Sunday in September and ends on the first Sunday in April.
POPULATION
Approximately 4.5 million; about three quarters live in the North Island. Ethnic mix: European 74.6%
HEALTH INSURANCE
New Zealand provides a high level of treatment in both public and private hospitals, but these services are not free except in the case of an accident whereby visitors are covered under the local Accident Compensation Scheme for personal injury. It is strongly recommended that you have your own private travel insurance.
Māori 15.6%, Asian 12.2% Pacific Islander 7.8%.
GOODS & SERVICES TAX (GST)
All goods and services in New Zealand are subject to a 15% Goods & Services Tax (GST) included in our prices. Visitors cannot claim a refund on this tax.
ELECTRICITY
New Zealand’s electricity supply runs at 230/240 volts, and we use angled two or three pin plugs. 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.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
22 Oct 18
Labour Day
26 Dec 18
Boxing Day
25 Dec 18 1-2 Jan 19 6 Feb 19
19 Apr 19
22 Apr 19
25 Apr 19 3 Jun 19
Christmas Day New Year’s Day Waitangi Day
CLIMATE
Good Friday
Easter Monday Anzac Day
Queen’s Birthday
NEW ZEALAND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Primary, Intermediate and Secondary School 9 Jul 18 – 20 Jul 18
1 Oct 18 – 12 Oct 18
18 Dec 18 – 1 Feb 19
New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall, and many hours of sunshine. Winter temperatures (June to August) can range from 0° - 18° (32°F - 65°F) and summer temperatures (December to February) 9° - 26° (48°F - 79°F). Because of New Zealand’s latitude and wide ranging altitude, New Zealand’s weather can change very quickly. Days outside of the above averages are not uncommon. It is recommended that a warm windproof jacket is carried during all seasons.
There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be taken in or out of New Zealand. However, every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 in cash on 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. New Zealand banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Credit cards are accepted throughout the country.
PRICING GUIDE
The prices featured in this brochure are intended as a guide only. The prices have been calculated using the lowest available daily price at the time the brochure was produced and may change due to exchange rate fluctuations, availability, taxes and seasonal surcharges. Ask your travel agent for the best price available, other room types or travel dates.
DRIVING
A full New Zealand, Australian, English language or International Licence is required to hire most vehicles (and must be sighted at commencement of hire). Min. age 21 years. Motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road and operate right-hand drive vehicles. Wearing seatbelts is mandatory. Speed limits are generally 100kmph (60mph) on open roads and 50kmph (30mph) through towns unless otherwise stated. Fuel prices vary from NZ$2.14 per litre for petrol and approx NZ$1.50 for diesel per litre. Don’t drink and drive! At the time of printing the legal alcohol limit for drivers aged 20 and over was 50mg alcohol per 100ml of blood. Rental cars are not permitted on unsealed roads. We urge you to fully read your rental contracts before signing as conditions vary between companies.
Note: Due to the lack of air pollution it is easy to burn in the sun, even on relatively cool and cloudy days.
15 Apr 19 – 26 Apr 19 8 Jul 19 – 19 Jul 19
30 Sep 19 – 11 Oct 19 (Guideline only)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All visitors to New Zealand need to be carrying a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date. Many people will qualify for visa-free entry, but depending on your country of origin, some will need to apply for a visa before travelling. You can obtain visa requirements from the New Zealand Immigration Service – www.immigration.govt.nz
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GENERAL INFORMATION
The New Zealand Book 2018 - 19 | New Zealand Dollars
IMPORTANT
Travel insurance vs car insurance - personal travel insurance is a contract between the insurance company and YOU. It is NOT between the rental car company and the insurance company. Therefore you’ll need to negotiate a level of insurance cover with the car company and any claims will be deducted from your credit card. It’s then up to you to reclaim it from your travel insurance company if appropriate.
