Noble Journeys' New Zealand Travel Tips
Easily accessible, easy traveling within the country, friendly locals – who speak English – excellent roads, lots of activities, this country is a dream for travelers either in groups or on their own. Don’t forget to allow for serendipitous moments!
Entering the country:
At this time, no visa is required. Be sure to have an up to date passport, valid at least 6 months after your entry. Always check with the State Department for updated information.
Customs:
For what you can and cannot bring into NZ, check www.customs.govt.nz
Language:
English, though it may differ in idioms from those you know in the U.S.!
Business hours:
Business hours 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, though some businesses may close at Noon on Saturdays. Shops in tourist areas may be open on Sundays.
Banks 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; some city branches open Saturday mornings.
Pubs generally serve food from noon – 2 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. and drinks are served from noon until late evening.
Safety and security:
NZ is not plagued by crime as in some other countries. But always follow the common sense practices valid anywhere – leave valuables at home, make a copy of your passport and credit cards and carry separately. Major theft problem is from cars, so don’t leave anything of value in plain sight; lock items in the trunk of the car if you must have them with you.
Major annoyance:
Sandflies. In the coastal areas. Cover yourself with insect repellent.
Electricity:
230 V AC; requires 3 pin adaptor plug, same as those used in Australia, but different from those used in England.
Weights and measures:
Metric system.
Currency and Credit Cards:
The NZ dollar is comprised of 100 cents. 10c, 20c, 50c $1 and $2 coins, and $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills. ATMs are available. Travelers checks can be cashed at banks. Check up to date exchange rates at www.oanda.com.
Branches of major banks have 24 hr. ATMs. Travelers checks are accepted as are credit cards, the latter being the best way to have travel money; Diners and American Express are less widely accepted. Remember to advise your credit card bank before you leave the U.S. that you will be traveling in NZ and to accept charges from there; be sure to have your pin number.
Time:
NZ is 12 hrs. ahead of GMT. In summer, daylight saving time is observed.
Accommodations:
They include history-laden guest houses, B&Bs, motels, campsites, farmstays and upscale hotels. There is something for every budget.
Food:
Everything from fish & chips to sophisticated Pacific Rim cuisine. Vegetarians as well as carnivores will find excellent fresh food available.
Insurance:
Travel, medical and emergency evacuation insurance is essential. As the latter, in particular, can cost $50,000 or more, it is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, etc. Purchase a policy covering the entire cost of your trip (land and air) and ask about pre-existing conditions. Noble Journeys recommends, but is not responsible for, policies through Travel Insured Interntional at www.travelinsured.com or (800) 243-3174. Our agency # is 46716.
Shopping:
There are many shops in the towns and cities for contemporary fashions. Great sheepskin items to be found are the beloved ugg boots; woolen sweaters (called “jumpers”), scarves, gloves, etc. are available. Crafts include locally designed jewelry, ceramics, glassware, etc., and there are many art galleries. Excellent Maori crafts include bone and wood carvings; authentic pieces are identified by the trademark toi iho. Abalone shell (paua) is carved into ornaments and jewelry. Pounamu (greenstone, jade or nephrite) is carved into stylized Maori figures; ask a few questions of the shopkeeper to be sure you are buying from a local operator, not from an importer of Chinese or European jade.
5/14/2009