GENERAL INFORMATION
You've seen the scenic pictures, read colorful descriptions, talked to people who loved their trip there, and now it is time for you to visit! On this page you'll find valuable General Information for travelling to New Zealand including:
- WEATHER
- MONEY
You need a valid passport!
USA & Canadian citizens can obtain a passport with a certified copy of your birth certificate, naturalization papers, military ID or expired US/Canadian Passport.
USA Citizens - the easiest place to get a passport is through the Post Office - contact your nearest main post office to obtain the necessary forms and apply. (Or on-line at: Down-Loadable Passport Application
Currently USA passports are good for 10 years, and the first one costs $60/adult ($40 for those under 16.) Renewals cost $40. It usually takes about 3-4 weeks after you submit your application, but you can expedite your application for a $35 fee.
Canadian Citizens - visit a passport office or your local travel agents. All the details you need are available at: How to Obtain a Canadian Passport
To Visit NEW ZEALAND:
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your scheduled departure from New Zealand. USA & Canadian visitors staying less than 3 months do NOT need a Visa, but they do need a paid return or onward ticket.
There is a departure tax of $25 NZ Dollars that is collected from all passengers (over 12 years old) upon their departure from New Zealand. (Major credit cards are accepted.)
The seasons in New Zealand (being in the Southern Hemisphere) are the reverse of North America. June is the start of winter & December marks the official beginning of summer. New Zealand has a fairly moderate climate (similar to Northern California); summertime highs rarely go above 80F, and wintertime lows usually don't go below 40F. (Except in the far south, glacier areas and the ski resort of Queenstown.) Being an island nation, New Zealand gets rain all year round, heaviest in winter. But it's a small price to pay for such a lush, green country.
Current New Zealand temperatures (at least for Auckland) can usually be found listed in large daily papers.
The New Zealand Dollar is very low at the moment: $1.00 NZ = 50¢ US!
New Zealand operates on a decimal system ('dollars' & 'cents') like the USA, but the values are not equal to the US Dollar. Though you may want to get a few New Zealand Dollars before you depart, it is not necessary. It is much easier to exchange US Dollars for NZ Dollars once you are there. Most banks in the main cities have a Currency Exchange desk or department. There are even actual bank branches at the main airports that charge only a fraction more than what you'll be charged at a bank in town. Large hotels and shops will often be able to accept US Dollar travelers checks or cash, but will charge you a service fee or a lower exchange rate.
The best form of US 'currency' to exchange is US Dollar travelers checks - you will often get a better exchange rate than with US Dollar cash. (US coins are usually NOT accepted.) MasterCard, Visa & American Express credit card acceptance is common through most of New Zealand. (You can see MasterCard's New Zealand ATM locations by clicking here MasterCard International ) But, we recommend carrying some NZ cash for the local transport, smaller shops and other transactions.
Know the exchange rate before you go. You can usually find the exchange rate for New Zealand listed in the business section of most major daily newspapers.
PRICES: Here are a couple of examples of costs you'll encounter while travelling in New Zealand:
A hotel breakfast: NZ$10- $25 Dinner (3-course, no wine): NZ$20 - $50
Lunch snack/sandwich:NZ$5-$10 Cafe lunch:NZ$10 Big Mac Hamburger: NZ$3.50-$5.00
Cappuccino: NZ$2.50 A postcard stamp to anywhere overseas: NZ$1.00
Kodak Film, 39 exposures: NZ$7.95
Change these prices to US Dollars (about HALF of the NZ Dollar) and you'll see how affordable it is to visit!
TAXES: New Zealand does not have sales tax, but does have "GST" (Goods & Services Tax) of 12-1/2%. Unlike our USA sales taxes, GST is included in all posted store prices. But it is sometimes quoted separately in hotels and restaurants.
TIPPING: New Zealanders traditionally do not depend on tips for their income nor are tips expected for normal service. But as America's influence has grown, a gratuity of 5-10% has become expected in finer restaurants, or when there has been exceptional service.
The current in New Zealand is 230/240 volts.
You will need a voltage converter for your US 110-volt appliances. (Some US hair dryers, irons, etc. are dual voltage; check yours before you invest in a converter.) You will need a plug adapter or any USA appliance. Most hotels/motels provide 110-volt sockets to use electric razors only. (FYI: New Zealand & Australia use the same voltage and plugs.)
VCR/VIDEO Notes: New Zealand does NOT use the same system as the USA. You cannot play your video tapes on New Zealand
VCRs. If you bring your recorder, be sure to bring an ample supply of blank tapes. And, make sure if you purchase pre-recorded tapes in New Zealand that they are made to play on the USA system.
What you can Bring INTO New Zealand
New Zealand is very sensitive about what products are allowed to enter.
You are NOT ALLOWED to bring:
Animals (even pets) or animal materials; plants; 'foodstuffs;' firearms (without a permit); and bone or ivory products. For specific questions contact your local New Zealand Embassy or Consulate.
You ARE ALLOWED to bring, in addition to your personal effects:
Additional goods valued up to $700 NZD (this means no unauthorized importing)
And if you are over 17 years old:
200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250mg of tobacco (or an equivalent mixture)
4.5 liters of wine or beer (= six 750ml bottles) AND one 1,125ml (about 2-1/2 pints) of spirits or liqueur
NOTE: Hard alcohol in New Zealand is expensive. The local Beer and Wine is reasonably priced and quite good.
NZ CONSULATES & EMBASSIES IN NORTH AMERICA:
USA residents east of the Mississippi:
New Zealand Embassy, 37 Observatory Circle., NW, Wash.DC 20008. Tel: (202 328-4800 Fax: (202) 667-5227
USA residents west of the Mississippi (including AK & HI):
New Zealand Consulate-General, 12400 Wilshire Bl., Suite 1150, Los Angeles, CA 90025. Tel: (310) 207-1605. Fax: (310) 207-3605
Canadian residents:
New Zealand High Commission, Ottawa Metropolitan House, Suite 727, 99 Bank St., Ottawa, ONT K1P 6G3. Tel: (613) 238-5991. Fax: (613) 238-5707
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