Discover NZ

Aotearoa is the name Maori, the first NZ settlers, gave New Zealand when they first arrived on these shores more than 1,000 years ago. Aotearoa can be broken up into ‘ao’, meaning ‘cloud’, ‘tea’, meaning ‘white’, and ‘roa’, meaning ‘long’, and can thus be translated to ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’. According to Maori legend, the great Polynesian navigator Kupe and his family left their homeland Hawaiki in a canoe. After a long journey Kupe’s wife Hine Te Aparangi spotted the islands of New Zealand lying beneath a long cloud. Kupe therefore named New Zealand Aotearoa or Land of the Long White Cloud.

Airports

Key international airports are located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Limited Australian flights land at Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown and Dunedin.

Alcohol

The legal age limit for consuming alcohol in New Zealand is 18. Anyone who looks under 25 years of age will be required to produce proof of age before buying alcohol.

Climate

The climate is temperate, except Northland, which is subtropical. Average maximum summer temperatures are 20 – 30°C and in winter, 10 – 15°C. The seasons occur in reverse of the Northern Hemisphere seasons. Outside of alpine areas, temperatures generally do not fall below freezing.

Clothing

Conditions can change rapidly – always keep a sweater handy for sudden changes in weather. Rain can occur at any time, so bring a waterproof jacket, plus warm clothing for winter visits.

Currency

New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$), comprising coins of 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; and notes of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Major credit cards can be used and travellers cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some retail stores. Most banks are part of Cirrus or Plus.

Driving

Cars, campervans and small campers that lie somewhere between the two are readily available for hire. Minimum hire ages vary from 21 to 25 and you’ll need to provide a valid driver’s licence (in English) from your home country or an International Driver’s Permit. See www.nzta.govt.nz.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 230/240 volts (50 hertz). Most hotels also provide 110 volt a/c sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors. For most other equipment an adaptor is necessary. Power outlets accept only flat 2- or 3-pin plugs. Use an RJ 45-type plug to connect your laptop to a computer socket and an adaptor with a flat 2- or 3-point plug to connect to the power supply.

Environment

New Zealand is known as ‘clean and green’ for good reasons! A growing number of tourism operators are benchmarking with the globally recognised sustainable travel and tourism brand Green Globe New Zealand. Tourism New Zealand’s official mark of quality, Qualmark, has established Enviro certifications for operators and accommodation providers.

Etiquette

New Zealanders are generally friendly, obliging and polite. They are egalitarian by nature and New Zealand has no formal class structure.

Food

Abundant fresh, locally grown produce, including wonderful seafood and wines, is always available. Don’t leave New Zealand without sampling some of the local delicacies on offer around the country.

Important Phone Numbers

Emergency Services (police, fire, ambulance) 111
Local Operator 010
International Operator 0170
NZ Directory Assistance 018
International Directory 0172

Insurance

Most visitors are not eligible for publicly funded health services. Those covered by reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the UK are entitled to publicly funded health care for immediately necessary treatment only. Travel insurance is recommended.

Internet

Internet access is widely available in internet cafés and public libraries for an hourly charge. Hotels, hostels and holiday parks often have internet access, including wireless access, for their guests’ use.

Language

English is the major official language. Maori is the second official language. New Zealanders are generally understanding if you do not speak English and will appreciate any effort made.

Mobile Phones

New Zealand has analogue and GSM digital networks. International mobile roaming is available with some providers. The main mobile phone providers in New Zealand are Vodafone, Telecom and 2Degrees.

Passports and Visas

Passports are required for all visitors and must be valid for at least three months after the date the visitor intends to leave. Visas are not required for most visitors staying less than three months. For longer stays, a Visitor Visa may be required. For more information and to check requirements,visit the New Zealand Immigration Service website. www.immigration.govt.nz

Population

New Zealand has a population of approximately 4.3 million people, mostly of British descent. New Zealand’s indigenous Maori make up around 14% of the population. Other European cultures and people of Asian and Pacific Island descent have become an increasingly large proportion of the population.

Postal Service

Post Shops (or smaller agencies run in conjunction with another business) are available in most centres. Most post shops open 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and Saturdays. Some post shops are open on Sunday mornings. www.nzpost.co.nz

Phoning Home

A prepaid international calling card is usually the cheapest option, though you could rent or buy a cell phone for convenience and flexibility.

Prices

New Zealand is a good value destination, particularly for visitors from Australia, Europe and the United States of America. Visitors can spend as little as NZ$65 per day or as much as they like. As a general rule, a main meal may cost NZ$15 to NZ$45. A night’s accommodation will cost anywhere from around NZ$15 (for a hostel dorm bed) to NZ$300 and beyond.

Public Holidays

There are trading restrictions on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and before 1pm on Anzac Day. Banks generally close on public holidays, but many shops remain open. Confirmed bookings, especially for accommodation, vehicle rental and Cook Strait ferry sailings, are essential if you’re travelling during public holidays. See the list of public holidays on this page. Some establishments, such as cafés, may charge a holiday surcharge of 10% to 20%.

Shopping

In resorts and cities, shops open seven days, 9am to 6pm, with late nights on Thursdays and Fridays. Smaller centres may have more restricted hours.

Smoking

Smoking indoors is prohibited in all hospitality venues and public buildings in New Zealand. If you want to smoke, you will have to take your cigarette outside. The legal age limit for purchasing cigarettes in New Zealand is 18. www.moh.govt.nz/smokefreelaw

Telephones

Public phones can be operated with phonecards purchased from convenience stores and information centres. Some public phones accept credit cards but few accept coins. The international dialling code for New Zealand is +64. National area codes are listed in the front of phone directories. 0800 and 0508 numbers are free within New Zealand. 0900 numbers will incur an additional charge.

Time Differences

New Zealand standard time is Greenwich Mean Time +12 hours; ahead of all other OECD countries. From the last Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April, New Zealand is on daylight saving time of GMT +13 hours. Find out the correct time and date at www.timeanddate.com.

Tipping

Employees in New Zealand do not depend on tips for income. Tipping in appreciation of good service is at your discretion.

Transport

New Zealand is well served by air transport, rail and ferry networks. Coaches are comfortable and cost effective. For independence, visitors may hire a campervan or rental car.

Visitor Information Network

As you’re travelling, look out for i-SITE Visitor Information centres, which you’ll find in most places throughout the country. Here you’ll find friendly staff who are happy to help with information, advice and bookings. See www.i-site.org.nz for a list of i-SITE visitor centres.