KIA ORA - WHAT YOU  NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR VISIT TO NEW ZEALAND

IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL 111 FOR POLICE, FIRE OR AMBULANCE

SMOKING:

All indoor venues and facilities in New Zealand are smoke free. This includes hotels and hotel rooms, bars, clubs and restaurants. Some venues offer designated smoking areas outside - check with venue staff for directions.

CLIMATE:

Weather in New Zealand can change unexpectedly. Be prepared and understand what you can expect from different seasons below.

CLOTHING:

Layered clothing is the key to staying comfortable. As it will be autumn, wear two layers.

https://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/new-zealand-climate-and-weather/

CURRENCY:

Our currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). You can use all major credit cards, with Visa and MasterCard accepted most widely. Virtually all shops accept electronic debit and credit card payments, which have overtaken cash as the most common way to pay in New Zealand. ATMS are available 24 hours a day in numerous locations

HEALTHCARE:

Public and private medical clinics and hospitals provide a high standard of treatment and care. Medical treatment isn’t free for visitors - make sure that you have travel and health insurance before you visit. You should bring a list of any medications you take, in case of emergency. You do not need a vaccination certificate.

KEEPING YOURSELF SAFE:

New Zealand is a relatively safe country, but crime does still occur, and it pays to be careful. 

• Don’t walk alone at night or in isolated areas.
  
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
  
• Keep a close eye on cameras and mobile phones.
  
• Make sure you lock your hotel room in day & evenings
  
• Don’t leave valuables unattended in cars. 
  

New Zealand’s current national terrorism threat level is medium. A terrorist attack is assessed as feasible; the governments counter-terrorism priority is to ensure the safety and security of New Zealanders and visitors to our country. Learn more here: https://dpmc.govt.nz/our-programmes/national-security-and-intelligence/national-security/counter-terrorism 

OUR PEOPLE AND CULTURE:

Visitors are often drawn to New Zealand for our diverse and dramatic landscapes - from fiords to rainforests, and ocean beaches to volcanic cones. But what makes the visit so special for many is the people they meet. We’re a friendly and outgoing people, and take pride in looking after visitors, making them feel included, and showing them the best, the country has to offer. New Zealand’s indigenous first people, the Māori, have a strong belief in manaakitanga or hospitality - a concept that New Zealanders have embraced as part of the visitor experience, we offer. Learn more about Māori culture and values here:

https://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/about-new-zealand/maori-culture.html

BIOSECURITY:

New Zealand has very strict biosecurity rules to stop plant and animal diseases or pests from entering the country. You need to declare any food, animal or plant items you bring into New Zealand when you arrive. This also applies to food from the aeroplane. Penalties for false declarations can include fines or prosecution. For more information, visit https://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/travel-and-recreation/arriving-in-new-zealand/items-to-declare/ 

MOBILE AND INTERNET:

Most New Zealand mobile phone networks offer contracts and pre-paid options for visitors - visit a store on arrival and they’ll take you through the options. You can also hire or buy mobile SIM cards from supermarkets, convenience stores, petrol stations or phone retailers. 

Alternatively, check with your existing phone provider for international roaming options. Major mobile phone providers are Vodafone or Spark or 2 Degrees. Learn more about mobile and Internet access in New Zealand at https://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/internet-and-wifi-access-in-new-zealand/

OUR ECONOMY:

New Zealand has a market economy, and free-market reforms since the 1980s have removed many barriers to foreign investors. We trade with over 160 markets around the world. Primary industries such as agriculture are major contributors to our gross domestic product. With a small population and an efficient food production system, we export around 90 percent of what we produce. New Zealand is increasingly being seen as a refreshing source of great business ideas. Its pioneering history and distance from major markets have created a strong culture of innovation and creativity. Now New Zealand is ready to capture the world’s imagination and attention at a new level, through the success of its many innovative, cutting-edge businesses.

EARTHQUAKES:

New Zealand sometimes experiences earthquakes, but rarely if ever in Auckland. Learn how to keep safe, and what to do during and after a quake, at the link below:

https://www.eqc.govt.nz/be-prepared

ELECTRICITY:

New Zealand’s electricity supply runs at 230/240 volts, and we use angled two or three-pin plugs. You may need to bring an international adaptor with you or buy one on arrival in New Zealand.