New Zealand Travel - Ten Tips
10 Tips for Travelling in NZ - Make Holidays Trouble-free
Sep 25, 2009
With its agriculture-based economy, New Zealand has stringent biosecurity laws. Any kind of food, plant or animal material must be declared. Best advice is not to bring such items.
Food and Plant Items Must be Declared
The following classes of goods must be declared:
- Food of any kind
- Plants or parts of plants (alive or dead)
- Animals (alive or dead) or their products
- Equipment used with animals
- Equipment such as camping gear, golf clubs and used bicycles
- Biological specimens
(Reference: New Zealand Customs Service)
Smoking is Banned in Public Areas
Smoking is forbidden in all restaurants, bars, theatres, stores, civic buildings, banks and other business premises.Smoking is banned from some public areas, parks and children’s playgrounds.
Driving in New Zealand
New Zealand drivers drive on the left-hand side of the road. Drivers turning left give way to oncoming traffic. At roundabouts and intersections etc drivers give way to their right. While all main thoroughfares are well-maintained with many twin-lane and easily negotiated highways, drivers should also be prepared for narrow, winding roads in various parts of the country. Highway speed limit is 100km/hr unless roadside notices indicate otherwise. Travellers should check with their travel agent to make sure their drivers licence is acceptable in New Zealand.
Health and Safety in New Zealand
While there are no major health risks in New Zealand, water should be boiled or chemical purifiers used before drinking from natural sources such as lakes, streams, ponds and rivers. Vehicles should be locked when unattended, and as in other parts of the world, caution should be exercised when outside at night. Hitch hiking alone is not recommended. Stay between flags on beaches. All NZ beaches are not safe for swimming, particularly on the West Coast where strong currents and rips are a feature.
New Zealand Weather
New Zealand has a mostly temperate climate with relatively mild temperatures, moderate rainfall and abundant sunshine. The designated summer months of December, January and Febuary are the most popular tourism months.
NZ weather conditions can change swiftly. Never go into wilderness or mountain areas without sufficient preparation. Travellers should make sure someone knows their destination and expected time of return. Take warm, appropriate clothing and an emergency food supply; check weather forecast before embarking.
NZ Electricity Supply
New Zealand electricity supply is 230/240 volts (50 hertz). Many hotels and motels provide 199 volt AC sockets (20 watts).
NZ Currency
- Bank hours: 9:30am – 4:30am Mon-Friday.
- All major credit cards are widely accepted.
- New Zealand’s unit of currency is the NZ dollar with the smallest denominator being the 10c coin and the largest the $100 note.
- Currency exchange facilities are available in most hotels and airports.
- All goods and services in New Zealand are subject to 12.5% Goods & Services Tax. At retail level GST is included in the displayed price.
Tipping in New Zealand
Tipping is optional in New Zealand.
Public Conveniences can expect to be found at:
- Information and Visitor centres
- Public libraries
- Service stations
- Rail and bus stations
- Public parks and playgrounds
A Guide to Costs in New Zealand
Most national parks, beaches and scenic areas may be entered without charge. Some museums, art galleries and national parks charge an entrance fee. Accommodation rates vary with the below being a guide only ($NZ).
- Backpackers: $15 - $40 pp per night
- Self-catering motel $60 - $120+ per night
- Standard hotel room $80 - $175 per room night
- Premier hotel room $150 - $400 + per room per night
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