Urban Living

New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day. In summer (Dec-Feb) New Zealand has 'daylight saving', with clocks put forward one hour. Daylight saving begins on the last Sunday in September and ends on the first Sunday of the following April.

Money Matters

New Zealand is considered to be a good, value-for-money destination where your spending money can go a long way! Good quality accommodation is comparatively cheaper than many other destinations around the world. New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Coins have values of 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; notes have values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out of New Zealand. However, every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete a Border Cash Report (as detailed on the New Zealand Arrivals Card distributed on all incoming aircraft).

Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.

Goods & Services Tax

All goods and services are subject to a 15 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) included in the displayed price. Visitors cannot claim this tax back, however when a supplier sends a major purchase to a visitor's home address the GST will not be charged.

Tipping and Service Charges

New Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service - even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills

Shopping Hours

Most shops and businesses are open 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, as a minimum. Many stores, particularly in the main tourist centres and resort towns, are also open on Saturdays and Sundays. In the resort towns, such as Queenstown, you will also find most stores open in the evenings. Banks are only open on weekdays (Monday - Friday) from 9.30am - 4.30pm and are closed on weekends. All major cities and towns have shopping malls and/or a central shopping precinct.

What to Buy

New Zealand offers a huge variety of shopping from arts and craft markets, galleries and museum shops to exclusive designer clothing stores. For traditional New Zealand souvenirs look for examples of superb Maori carvings in wood, bone and pounamu (greenstone or jade). You can also find jewellery and ornaments made from the iridescent paua shell (abalone), treasured by Maori for centuries.

The country's vast wool industry makes it possible to find wonderful hand-knitted wool sweaters and top-quality sheepskins. Lanolin skin care products, propolis and honey are amongst other popular New Zealand souvenirs. Sports fans will want to take home supporters clothing from New Zealand's famous rugby team, the All Blacks.

Electricity

Electricity is 240 volts AC, 50 cycle, as in Europe and Australia and three-prong plugs are used. As the plug shape may be different to your own country, an adaptor may be required.

Health

There are no vaccination requirements to enter New Zealand. New Zealand is largely a clean, healthy, disease-free country. Medical attention is of high quality and reasonably priced but you should have health insurance. A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is strongly recommended.

Emergency Services

111 is the phone number to dial for emergency services (i.e. Police, Ambulance, Fire services) in New Zealand.

                                             Print PDF