New Zealand Basics

Flying times:

• From Singapore – Approx. 10 hours
• From Los Angeles – Approx. 12.5 hours
• From Dubai – Approx. 19 hours
• From Madrid – Approx. 25 hours
• From London – Approx. 25 hours

Visa Info:

Visitors are required to have a valid New Zealand visitors visa. For more information, visit New Zealand Immigration.

Currency:

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.

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 (GST):

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

Climate:

The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate.

New Zealand’s seasons are the opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere.

Spring: September-November

Summer: December-February

Autumn (Fall): March-May

Winter: June-August

In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30 degrees Celsius and in winter between 10-15 degrees Celsius. You can check on weather conditions in New Zealand on the New Zealand Met Service website.

While these temperatures are the norm, the weather in New Zealand can change unexpectedly as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in. Because of this, you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature, particularly if you’re going hiking or doing other outdoor activities.

Time Zones:

New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).

In summer New Zealand uses ‘daylight savings’, with clocks put forward one hour to GMT+13. Daylight saving begins on the last Sunday in September and ends on the first Sunday of the following April, when clocks are put back to GMT+12.

Clothing:

Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities.

In summer a jacket and sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so also include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing.