New Zealand

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Geography
New Zealand is situated in the South Pacific, some 1,800 kilometers (1,120 miles) south-east of Australia. The country is about 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from top to bottom and is about 325 km (200 miles) across at its widest point. New Zealand consists of three main islands; North Island, South Island and Stewart Island with a combined land area about the same as the state of Colorado. Total population is about 3½ million with two thirds of the population living in the North Island and most of the rest in the larger South Island. The largest city is Auckland (1 million) toward the top of the North Island, the capital is Wellington at the bottom of the North Island, while the largest South Island city is Christchurch. Other major cities include Hamilton, Rotorua, Dunedin and Invercargill.


Weather Climate and Seasons
As described above, New Zealand is a long narrow country, lying approximately North and South with mountain ranges running spine-like down much of its length.
Overall, the climate is similar to the west coast of the United States, from Washington state to Southern California, with the southern end of the country at about the Canadian border and the northern tip at around Santa Barbara. New Zealand's climate is characterized by a lack of extremes, with warm dry summers and cool wet winters. By continental standards, the yearly temperature range is fairly modest - around 10°C/18°F variation between summer and winter.
Because of its Southern Hemisphere location, New Zealand's seasons are reversed from those of the Northern Hemisphere. The warmer months run from November to April, while skiing is best between July and September.

Language
English is the primary language spoken.

Entry Requirements
All foreign visitors to New Zealand must be in possession of a valid passport. Visas are generally not required for stays of less than 3 months for visitors from most countries. Visas ARE required for those intending to stay longer or to seek employment. It is strongly recommended that you or your clients check with the nearest New Zealand Embassy or Consulate to confirm specific visa requirements.

Electricity
Electrical outlets use a 3-pin plug similar to Australia. Current is supplied at 220-240 volts, 50 hertz. Leading hotels supply 110 volt outlets for razors or other small appliances. Visitors should, however, travel with suitable adapters for safe operation of appliances such as hairdryers. These are widely available at travel stores and many department stores.

Facilities and Tipping
Practically all rooms in Hotels and motels are equipped with complimentary tea and coffee making facilities. Visitors should be aware that New Zealanders do not rely on tipping or gratuities for their incomes. Service charges are not added to restaurant or hotel bills. Tipping is appreciated, but not obligatory in restaurants. Tipping is not expected elsewhere.


Goods and Services Tax (GST)
All goods and services purchased in New Zealand are subject to 12.5% Goods and Services Tax. The tax is almost always included in the display price. Whilst visitors cannot claim a refund of GST, stores do not charge the tax on goods shipped by them to a residential address outside the country

Health, Medical and Emergency
New Zealand's public and private medical and hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and service. However these are not free except as a result of an accident. In the case of an accident, some medical and hospital costs may be covered under New Zealand's Accident Compensation Scheme. You are, therefore, strongly advised to arrange comprehensive health and travel insurance.
In New Zealand, the emergency number for fire, police or ambulance is 111.

Recommended Clothing
New Zealander's dress casually for most occasions, particularly when travelling. When travelling in our late spring and summer, cotton and cool washables are best and a sweater or medium weight jacket for cooler weather or evenings is advisable. During late fall and winter, warmer clothing, gloves and heavier all season jackets or coats are recommended.
Comfortable walking shoes and a light rain coat are a must for all seasons since rain can be expected at any time of the year and many of New Zealand's activities or attractions involve outdoor participation.

Shopping
Malls in cities, tourist stores in city centres and in key visitor centers such as Queenstown and Rotorua, are open seven days.
Other stores are generally open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday through Friday with one late night until 9.00pm (usually Friday) and also Saturday morning.
New Zealand has some of the most competitive duty free shopping anywhere. Duty Free stores offering a wide range of goods, including New Zealand made apparel, foodstuffs and souvenirs are located at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch International airports. These stores also maintain "off airport" outlets, however goods must be uplifted from the airport on departure from New Zealand.

Banks, Foreign Exchange, Travellers Cheques
Banks are open 9.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday and closed weekends and bank or public holidays. Banking facilities are available at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch airports for all arriving and departing international flights.
Travellers cheques may be readily cashed at bureaux de change and most shops and stores including hotels.
All major credit cards are accepted in New Zealand.