New Zealand – Guidebook

New Zealand is a land of awesome beauty and truly remarkable contrasts. Nowhere else can you discover spectacular mountains, lakes, forests and beaches in such a small area. Stunning landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and a pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural and the honesty, friendliness, and openess of Kiwis will impress you.

Climate
Opposite to the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February and the coldest June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30°C and in winter between 10-15°C.

• Winter - June to August
• Spring - September to November
• Summer - December to February
• Autumn - March to May

Currency & Banking
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Coins have values of 5, 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. Banks are open Monday to Friday 9.30am-4.30pm. Automatic 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 4 digit pin encoded. Check your bank before leaving home.
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Customs & Dress
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 light jacket or sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing.

Departure Tax
NZ$25 departure tax is payable locally on leaving Auckland, New Zealand.

Electricity
Current is 230 volts, although plugs are different from the UK, so an adaptor would be required.
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Languages
English is the common and everyday language of New Zealand. New Zealand is a multicultural society and you may hear many other languages spoken, including Maori, which is also an official language of New Zealand. The Maori people are the indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand) and first arrived here in waka hourua (voyaging canoes) from their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki over 1000 years ago. Today, Maori make up over 14 percent of the population. Their language and culture has a major impact on all facets of New Zealand life.

Communication Guide
An attempt by a visitor to use Maori greetings will almost certainly elicit a delighted response from both Maori and Pakeha (European) New Zealanders.

• Kia ora Hello
• Kia ora tatou Hello everyone
• Tena koe Greetings to you (said to one person)
• Tena koutou Greeting to you all
• Haere mai Welcome
• Nau mai Welcome
• Kei te pehea koe? How's it going?
• Kei te pai Good
• Tino pai Really good
• Haere ra Farewell
• Ka kite ano Until I see you again (Bye)
• Hei konei ra See you later

Local Taxes
All goods and services are subject to a 12.5 percent Goods & 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.

Location
Located in the south west of the Pacific Ocean, this unique country contains a diverse range of landscapes and climatic conditions extending throughout two major islands, the North Island and the South Island, and a third smaller island, Stewart Island. The choppy Cook Strait divides the North and South Islands, while Foveaux Strait separates the South Island from Stewart Island.
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Safety in the Water
Given New Zealand's subtropical climate, it is no surprise that New Zealanders like to spend so much of their leisure time in the water. However water can conceal hazards. We recommend that you visit Water Safety New Zealand's website, www.watersafety.org.nz for advice on how to stay safe on New Zealand's beaches and waterways. Beaches with potential hazards are often patrolled by lifeguards, who put up yellow and red flags - Water Safety New Zealand recommend that between these flags is the safest place to swim on these beaches.

Vaccinations & Health
No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand, although Tetanus is recommended. We strongly advise you to arrange your own health insurance. New Zealand's public and private medical/hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and service but it is important to note these services are not free to visitors, except as a result of an accident.

Visas & Entry
No visa is required by UK passport holders to visit New Zealand.
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