Year Round Destination
When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
You can visit New Zealand at any time of the year. Summer and winter temperatures
vary by only about 10'C over most of the country, making New Zealand an
ideal holiday destination all year round.
There are 4 quite distinct seasons - Spring (Sept-Nov),
Summer (Dec-Feb), Autumn/Fall (Mar-May) and Winter (June-Aug). In summer
there's plenty of sunshine, and activities in and around the water include
rafting, snorkelling, diving and kayaking. You'll find snow on the mountains
in winter and excellent skiing. Away from the mountains, New Zealand winters
are mild and temperatures generally do not fall below freezing.
Weather/Climate
What's the climate like?
New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. This
means that the warmest months are December, January and February, while
the coldest are in June, July and August. Don't let cold months put you
off - winters tend to be short and generally fairly mild.
What clothes should I take?
Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are
acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots. 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 light jacket or sweater should be included
in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit the high country.
You can expect some rain, so include a light waterproof jacket or coat.
Pack warm winter clothing if visiting between May and September. Layer
your clothing.
Entry Requirements
Do I need a passport or visa to enter New
Zealand?
All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at
least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the country.
Most visitors who intend to stay for less than
3 months do not require a visa. If you want to stay longer than three months,
or your country of origin does not have a visa waiver agreement with New
Zealand, then you will need to apply for a Visitor's Visa.
If you need more information look at the New Zealand
Immigration
Service website.
Money matters
Can I use my credit cards/ATM cards in New Zealand?
All major international credit cards can be used in New Zealand and travellers'
cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. If your credit card
is encoded with a PIN number you will be able to withdraw cash from automatic
teller machines (ATMs) situated at banks and shopping centres throughout
the country.
Health and Safety
Are there any poisonous animals in New Zealand?
New Zealand has no snakes or dangerous wild animals, making it safe for
visitors to enjoy outdoor activities.
Is it safe to drink the water in New Zealand?
New Zealand cities and towns have excellent water supplies and in all cases
tap water is fresh and safe to drink. Water from rivers and lakes should
be boiled, chemically treated or filtered before drinking to avoid stomach
upsets.
Electricity
What is the voltage of electricity supply in New
Zealand? Do I need to take a converter?
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz),
although most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20
watts) for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter
is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Please note that
power outlets only accept flat three or two-pin plugs, depending on whether
an earth connection is fitted.
Renting a car in New Zealand
What rental car agencies are in New Zealand?
The main international companies such as Avis, Hertz and Budget operate
in New Zealand. There are also local rental companies such as Maui Rentals.
New Zealand gateways
Where are the international airports located in
New Zealand?
New Zealand's international airports are at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Some flights from Australia also land at Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown
and Dunedin.
Trekking / Hiking information
When is the best time to go trekking/hiking in
New Zealand?
Tracks such as the Abel Tasman, Heaphy and Queen Charlotte Sounds Walkway
located at the top of the South Island can be walked all year round. However,
those tracks at higher altitudes such as the world famous Milford Track,
Kepler and Routeburn are closed in the winter due to snow. You must book
the Milford and Routeburn tracks between October and April.
Should I go on a guided walk or an independent
walk?
If you like hot showers and other home comforts, you should book a guided
walk. But if you don't mind "roughing it a bit" then try independent
walking, carrying your own pack and staying in basic huts or tents.
If you wish to walk the popular Routeburn and Milford
Tracks, you will need to obtain a booking through the Department of Conservation's
Great Walks Booking Office. Fax +0064-3-2498 515 or email greatwalksbooking@doc.govt.nz
for further information.
Accommodation
What types of accommodation are available in New
Zealand?
You'll find a choice of different types of accommodation from top-class
hotels, exclusive lodges, motels, guest houses, and farm or home stays
to holiday parks and backpacker hostels in New Zealand. You might also
like the freedom to discover New Zealand at your own pace in a campervan.
Two, four or six berth vans are available to rent, offering all the comforts
of home including a shower, refrigerator and microwave.
Do I need to pre-book accommodation?
It's a good idea to book at least your first two nights in advance, especially
during the busy summer period in New Zealand - from December to February.
What is a "Farmstay"?
Farm and home stays are an ideal way to get to meet local people and experience
a slice of New Zealand rural life. Depending on the kind of farm, you may
get the chance to share home cooked meals with your hosts and to join in
with milking cows, shearing sheep, lambing, kiwifruit harvesting or whatever
else is happening on the farm.
Which international hotels chain operate in
New Zealand?
Hyatt, Southern Pacific, Sheraton and Pan Pacific are found in the main
centres and resort areas. Room rates range from NZ$200 to NZ$1000+ per
night.
New Zealand culture
Where is the capital of New Zealand?
Wellington is the political, banking and financial centre for New Zealand.
The Parliament building known as the "Beehive" is one of the
city's top attractions. The National Archives, National Library and Old
Government Buildings (the second largest wooden building in the world)
are located nearby and are open to casual visitors free of charge.
What is a "Kiwi"?
The Kiwi, New Zealand's national emblem, is a bird that can't fly, has
hair-like feathers and a long, slender bill which it uses to pull worms
and insects out of the ground. Found only in New Zealand, it is active
at night in the wilderness areas of the country. Be sure to visit one of
the many Kiwi houses where you can watch them under special "nocturnal"
lighting.
New Zealanders often refer to themselves as Kiwis,
and the term is also used as a short form for the famous kiwifruit. On
the stock exchange, the New Zealand Dollar is also referred to as the Kiwi.
New Zealand night-life
What kind of night-life is available in New Zealand?
Lively DJ and band scenes, particularly in the larger cities, have given
New Zealand's night life a renewed vibrancy. You will find a variety of
night-clubs, cabarets, pubs, concerts and live performances to choose from,
and there are also two casinos, in Auckland and Christchurch, which are
open 24 hours a day.
Activities for the whole family
What types of activities are available for the
children?
If you are thinking about visiting with your family, you can be confident
that New Zealand has a wide range of activities to keep your children happy.
New Zealand's parks and large areas of unspoilt
wilderness mean it is the ideal place to expand your children's appreciation
of wildlife and the outdoors. Horse riding, snow activities, whale watching,
fruit picking and wildlife centres and zoos are just some of the choices
available.
If you are visiting the larger centres, you will
find a range of themed attractions including Rainbow's End (Auckland),
Fantasy Land (Hastings), Marine Land (Napier) and the International Antarctic
Centre (Christchurch). Te Papa, New Zealand's interactive national museum,
has a range of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Links
http://www.tranzrail.co.nz/
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/visit/
http://www.newzealandvacations.co.nz/
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