Williment New Zealand Experience

General information

Accommodation

New Zealand offers all levels of accommodation options from mid range 3 star – 5 star top-class hotels, exclusive lodges, motels, bed & breakfasts to camping grounds and backpacker hostels.

Banking/money

The NZ dollar is the basic unit of currency, divided into 100 cents; Coins: 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2. Notes: $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

Banks open Monday-Friday (except public holidays), from 9.00am - 4.30pm. Automatic teller machines are readily available and cash can be withdrawn 24 hours a day. Use of EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) is common. All international credit cards are accepted. Travellers' cheques may be changed at banks, hotels and large stores in the main cities and tourist areas.

Business Hours

Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm. Petrol stations are often open 24 hours. Shops are usually open 9am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday, with late night shopping on Thursday or Friday. Many supermarkets, grocery stores, some large retail chains, shopping malls and markets also operate Saturdays and Sundays; large supermarkets are often open 24 hours. Local convenience stores are usually open 7am-7pm daily.

Children’s activities

If you are thinking about organising a school group tour or visiting with your family, you can be confident that New Zealand has a wide range of activities to keep children happy.

New Zealand's parks and large areas of unspoilt wilderness are ideal places 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 children’s attractions including Rainbow's End (Auckland), Splash Planet (Hastings), Marine Land (Napier) and the International Antarctic Centre (Christchurch). Te Papa in Wellington, is New Zealand's interactive national museum and has a range of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Climate

In general the climate is temperate. The warmest months are December to March with average maximum temperatures of 20 - 30 degrees. Winter spans from June to August with average maximum temperatures of 10-15 degrees. Outside alpine areas temperatures rarely fall below zero. The far north is sub-tropical and the south is temperate.

Clothing

Conditions can change rapidly so layered clothing is best. Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night- spots. 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.

Departure Tax

Departure tax is not included in airfares. A tax of currently NZ$25 is payable by all international travellers (12 yrs and over) upon departure. This can be paid at the airport in cash or by credit card. Some regional airports also have a small fee payable on domestic flights.

Electricity Supply

New Zealand's AC electricity supply operates at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels also provide 110 volt, 20 watt AC sockets for electric razors.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

All goods and services purchased are subject to Goods and Services Tax, currently 12.5%. This tax is usually included in the advertised price. Good bought from Duty Free shops are exempt.

Nightlife

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 five casinos, in Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown.

Prices

Below is a general guide of what you can expect to pay in New Zealand for some common items:

A hotel breakfast NZ$15 - $30

Restaurant Dinner (main only) NZ$20 - $40

Lunch snack/sandwich NZ$5 - $10

Cafe lunch NZ$10 - $20

Big Mac Hamburger NZ$3.95

Cappuccino NZ$3.00

Kodak Film, 36 exposures NZ$9.95

Public Holidays

Many businesses and all banks close on public holidays. All shops and banks are closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday except for a few convenience stores and some petrol stations.

Sunburn

Due to New Zealand's high level of ultraviolet radiation it is highly advisable to wear sunglasses and/or a hat if spending time in the sun, and to use sun block even if the day is overcast, or if skiing.

Tipping and Service Charges

New Zealand employees do not depend on tips for their income. If you wish to leave a tip for excellent service this is perfectly acceptable, but is not expected. Service charges are not added to hotel or restaurant accounts.

Visitor Information

Over 100 official Visitor Information Network locations can be found throughout New Zealand providing free and comprehensive local knowledge.

Water Supply

Tap water is fresh and safe to drink throughout the country. Water sourced from rivers and lakes should be boiled or treated before drinking.

Weights and Measures

New Zealand has used the metric system since 1975, though it is common to hear people referring to the imperial system for distance, height and weights.