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New Zealand Travel Tips
 | This beautiful country is suitable for travel throughout the year, but the best months are November to April. The warm summer months prevail during this time with temperatures between 20 and 30 degree Celsius. However, avoid December-end and January as it is holiday season in the country and hotel rates escalate. |
| If you want to ski then visit New Zealand in July or August. |
| For a winter visit do pack a thick waterproof jacket (apart from the obvious woolens) as weather changes rapidly, especially in alpine areas. Also remember that as you move south, it will become colder. In summers, pack sunscreens, sunglasses and mosquito repellents. The summer sun is extremely strong in New Zealand. |
| Your passport should be valid for minimum of three months from the date of intended departure. This is true for most countries. |
| There are three international airports in New Zealand - at Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. Decide on the arrival port once you have chalked out your itinerary. |
| Departure tax differs (maximum of NZ$25) in New Zealand airports. Children below 11 (age may vary) and transit passengers (maximum up to 24 hours) are exempted from this tax. |
| No vaccination certificates are required to enter New Zealand. |
| Follow guidelines when importing wooden products such as golf clubs or shoes and other products made from animal skin. Also, do not import ivory (in any form), firearms, weapons (special permit required from New Zealand police), musk medicines, turtle shell jewelry, carvings etc. made of whale bone (or bones of any marine animal), tiger or rhinoceros derivatives and drugs such as sleeping pills, stimulants, tranquilizers, depressants etc. The mentioned drugs will be allowed in small quantity if accompanied by a medical prescription. |
| Please ensure that on a trip to New Zealand, your travel insurance covers accidents. This is especially required if you intend to indulge in adventurous activities such as bungee jumping, water rafting, jet rides etc. |
| In New Zealand opt for a 2-in-1, 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 travel pass. The 2-in-1 allows one ferry ride and unlimited coach traveling. The 3-in-1 offers unlimited coach journey and one each of train and ferry trip. The 4-in-1 will allow one each of ferry, train and flight journey as well as unlimited coach travel. The passes are valid between 5 and 15 days and each extra day costs another NZ$50. These passes can be availed from accredited travel agent, Toll New Zealand travel center or any Inter-City Coachlines office. You may also contact Tourism New Zealand for other offers. |
| Smoking is banned in pubs, restaurants and wherever indicated. |
| In New Zealand all major credit cards are accepted. Hotels, banks and certain stores will accept traveler's checks too. |
| Banks remain open from Monday to Friday between 9:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. Numerous ATMs are available especially at the main shopping areas. Most hotels and airports will have currency-exchange facility. U.K., U.S., Australian, Canadian, Japanese and German currencies can be changed easily. |
| The visitors' information centers are open seven days a week and you can obtain vital information, book services etc. from them. The local information centers however remain open only five days a week. |
| One of the best ways to see New Zealand's stunning beauty, to explore the nation and understand their lifestyle is to do it on a horseback. Be it the sandy beaches or the adventurous forest trails, a horse back ride is a unique and enjoyable way to experience it all. |
| From health point of view, New Zealand is a safe country. The only concern is the water-borne parasite Giardia, which causes diarrhea. Carry medication and do not drink pond, lake or river water directly. |
| Tourists must carry proof of sufficient funds for return or onward journey. If accommodations have been paid in advance, visitors must have at least NZ$ 400 (for each month of stay). If reservations are to be made on arrival then you must have at least NZ$ 1000 (for per month stay). |
| New Zealand is among the safest countries in the world, but do follow common safety guidelines. Avoid leaving your valuables in the car or flash them in public, walking in deserted areas after dark and so on. |
| A 12.5 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied on all goods and services in New Zealand. GST is included in the mark-up price and no refund can be claimed on it. However, GST is not chargeable on goods and freights if a supplier exports it to the visitor's home address. |
| Tipping is not mandatory in New Zealand. If you appreciate the service then leave a small tip. In restaurants for exceptional services leave a 5 to 10 per cent tip on the check amount. |
| Be very careful when riding on a jet boat. Accidents are common so do follow all safety measures. As per New Zealand state laws, a person cannot sue someone for personal injury. Also the New Zealand Accident Compensation Scheme does not apply to foreign tourists (only certain free emergency services are available). |
| New Zealand traffic drives on the left. Traffic approaching or crossing from the right are always given way. The basic rules to New Zealand driving are available with most car rental agencies. Check with your travel agent if your license is valid in New Zealand. |
| You have to be a minimum of 21 years of age to drive a rented car in New Zealand. In built-up areas speed limit is 50 kph and on open roads it is 100 kph. Make sure that all passengers as well as the driver wear seat belts throughout the journey. Although most countries' licenses are valid in New Zealand, it is recommended that one carries an International Driving Permit. |
| If you have rented a car, be careful while parking in northern Northland (especially Keri Keri peninsula and Cape Reinga) as break-ins are fairly common. |
| In case of emergency call 111. |
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