New Zealand Travel Information

If you're visiting other parts of New Zealand, aside from Queenstown, there are some important facts you'll need to know.

The information listed on this page outlines some key travel information that will be of use to you when travelling around the country, or planning your arrival into or departure from New Zealand. Find out about departure fees, what to wear in New Zealand, what language to speak, when to tip and much more.

Browse the information below or follow the supplied links for more information.

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Arrival, Departure & Customs Information

Agricultural restrictions
New Zealand is free from many animal and plant diseases. Restrictions are imposed on the importation of some animal and plant materials to maintain this situation. A declaration must be filled out before arrival in New Zealand. Detailed information is available from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), PO Box 2526, Wellington or www.maf.govt.nz.

Customs allowances
A detailed leaflet, "New Zealand Customs Service Advice to Travellers", is available by contacting the New Zealand Customs Service, PO Box 2218, Wellington, New Zealand or www.customs.govt.nz

Departure Tax
An airport departure fee of between $20 and $25 is levied when departing New Zealand. Children under 12 years of age or transit passengers are exempt.

Passports
Passports are required for all visitors to New Zealand and must be valid for at least three months after the date the visitor intends to leave New Zealand.

Visas
Most nationalities do not require visas to visit New Zealand. Check with the New Zealand Immigration Service, PO Box 3705, Wellington or www.immigration.govt.nz or by calling the National Contact Centre on +64 9 914 4100.

Money & Banking

Credit Cards
The practice of payment by credit card is widely accepted throughout New Zealand. Those in common use include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and JCB.

Money
New Zealand has decimal currency based on dollar and cent denominations. Banks: Trading banks are open Monday - Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm. Bureaux de Change are open 7 days a week, 9.00am to 9.00pm. Banking facilities at international airports provide foreign exchange services for international arrivals and departures, including weekends (occasionally closed for late night departures).

Taxes
Goods and services in New Zealand are subject to 12.5% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Important: Any income earned within New Zealand during a visit is liable to tax.

Travellers Cheques
Travellers Cheques can be changed at trading banks, hotels and many other trading establishments.

Tipping
If you enjoy excellent service during your stay in New Zealand it is perfectly in order to offer a tip as a reflection of your appreciation.

New Zealand Geography, Culture & Climate

Climate
The north of New Zealand is sub-tropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. You can check weather conditions on www.metservice.co.nz

Geographic size
New Zealand is similar in geographic size to the State of Victoria in Australia, California in the U.S.A., and Great Britain.

Language
English is the common language of New Zealanders. Japanese is spoken in some restaurants and hotels and by some tour guides; translators are available.

Population
New Zealand has a population of 4.1 million. Around 13% of the population is Maori. These people came to New Zealand in a series of migrations about 1000 years ago.

Time
New Zealand is close to the International Date Line and is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight Saving Time – an advance of 1 hour per day - is observed from early October to late March.

What to wear
New Zealand's relaxed lifestyle lends itself to an informal style of dress. Even in restaurants and nightclubs, casual clothes are acceptable.

Wildlife
There are no snakes or dangerous wild animals in New Zealand. The only poisonous creature is the very rare Katipo spider.

Utilities & Services

Driving licences
Reciprocal driving rights exist between New Zealand and most other countries. Most rental car companies will ask for an International Driver’s Licence. The driver will need to be 21 years of age.

Electricity
Electricity throughout New Zealand is supplied at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Hotels and motels provide 100 volt 20 watt sockets for electric razors only. Most power sockets in use in New Zealand accept three-pin plugs or similar adapters.

Medical and emergency services
All emergency services can be contacted throughout New Zealand by dialling 111. New Zealand's medical and hospital services are both public and private. Please note - medical services are not free to visitors. It is strongly recommended that visitors purchase health insurance.

Water
All New Zealand cities and towns have excellent public water supplies; tap (faucet) water is fresh and safe to drink.