General Information

Arrival Information

Auckland 

Auckland Airport is located 20kms from Auckland City.  

Wellington 

Wellington Airport is located 7kms from Wellington City.  

Find accommodation in Wellington

Christchurch 

Christchurch Airport is located 11 kms from the City.  

Time Differences

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 saving’, with clocks put forward one hour to GMT+13. Daylight saving begins on the first Sunday in October and ends on the third Sunday of the following March, when clocks are put back to GMT+12.

Seasons

The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south is temperate. The warmest months are January, February, March and the coldest are June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC. You can check on weather conditions in New Zealand on the New Zealand Metservice.

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. 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. 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.

Exchange Rates

You can calculate the value of your currency in NZ Dollars using the currency converter on the website www.newzealand.com. The rate you are offered in your home country is likely to differ slightly. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand provides a monthly online summary of the New Zealand Dollar's average value against the US Dollar, the Pound, the Australian Dollar, the Yen and the Euro.

Banking

Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.

Goods and 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 ships a major purchase to a visitor's home address the GST will not be charged.

Ferry Services

The Bluebridge Ferry that travels across the Cook Strait between the North and South Island (between Wellington and Picton) travels daily. The normal adult price is around $50-65 (price can vary depending on season and events). The cost of the Bluebridge Ferry is not included in Stray hop-on, hop-off passes. Please book your space on the Bluebridge Ferry with your driver when you're on your way to Wellington or Picton.

READ OUR BLOG: New Zealand through the eyes of a Brit – Part 1: Your Introduction to Kiwi-Land!

Getting through New Zealand customs is a unique experience in itself. Sam Berwick tells you how to navigate your way safely to the other side.