New Zealand Accommodation - Tourist Info
Driving - please remember
we drive on the proper side of the road - the left hand side! New Zealand
roads generally have light traffic away from cities. Most roads are good
and well signed, however there are may roads in remoter unspoiled wilderness
areas which are unsealed gravel. Speed limits are 100kph (~63mph) on freeways
and main roads and 50kph (~31mph) in towns although the traffic may flow
at a higher speed. On freeways, the slower traffic is encouraged to keep
to the left but passing on the left on a laned freeway is permitted. It is
not permitted to hitch-hike or cycle on the side of the freeways. Speed cameras,
radar guns and laser speed detection devices are widely used by the Police
in traffic enforcement and drink/driving regulations are strict with the
police have a policy of random roadside checks in all areas especially at
night.
Emergency services - Police, ambulance & fire - Dial 111.
Entry - You need a passport valid with for 3 months after your departure
date, fully paid tickets for your return and sufficient funds to keep you
while in New Zealand. You need no vaccination certificates and no visa if
you do not intend to work. During your stay in New Zealand you are covered
by Accident Compensation for any accidents including free medical care but
in exchange you forgo the right of legal action against other parties.
Electricity in New Zealand is 230volts so North American 110volt items
should not be used. The exception being electric shavers for which hotels
provide special outlets. For those visitors from '230volt countries' adapters
to fit local sockets can easily be purchased.
Fishing - New Zealand's unpolluted rivers and lakes and clean unspoilt
coastline make it a fisherman's dream! Trout, salmon and perch have been
introduced and New Zealand has some of the best fly fishing in the world..
A trout fishing licence is required and can be purchased locally for the
day or period required. Big game fishing for tuna, shark and marlin is
particularly good off North Island's Pacific coast. Sea fishing from both
coast and boat are popular. Lake Taupo is famous for it's trout fishing though
many lakes and rivers around New Zealand are well stocked with brown and
rainbow trout. The best time for salmon fishing in the rivers of the Southern
Alps is late summer (January-March). Licences are available from local fishing
tackle shops and experienced fishing guides can be easily hired.
Flights - Most international flights operate in and out of Auckland
and Christchurch, with lesser frequency to and from Hamilton, Wellington,
Dunedin and Invercargill. All major towns have airports with frequent internal
flights by two major airlines - Ansette and Air New Zealand.
Golf - New Zealand has more golf-courses per head than any other country
in the world - approximately 400! And most golf clubs welcome guests. With
New Zealand's temperate climate, golf is a year round sport. Many of the
courses are situated in impressive scenery and often offer unique obstacles
to the round such as hot mud pools or sheep.
Internet Connections. Internet cafes and Internet bureau’s can
be found in all the major cities as well as many of the smaller towns. With
over 700,000 Internet users in New Zealand - connection to your e-mail service
is not far away.
Medical Care. - New Zealand has fully equipped - modern hospitals
in all cities and specialist (cardiac, women’s, children) hospitals
in the major cities. Medical practitioners can be found in every town as
well as the local ambulance service. Pharmacies are wide spread and two or
three can be found in every town. During summer sun protection is highly
recommended.
Money - The New Zealand dollar is worth just over half the US dollar.
ATM machines are widespread and international credit cards widely accepted.
Banks open 930-430, Monday-Friday. Hotels and larger shops will accept travellers
cheques.
Shopping - New Zealand is a modern country where of course all the
necessities of life can be bought locally. For the tourist or vacation visitor
to New Zealand, local crafts offer the best choice for gifts and souvenirs.
You will be spoilt for choice. Handicrafts can be bought in souvenir shops
or directly from the artist's studios. Pottery and woodcarvings are widely
available. In particular, exquisite traditional Maori woodcarvings should
be looked at. Other crafts such as jewellery, hand-weaving, glassware and
bone carvings can found easily. Jewellery is often made from paua shell or
greenstone. Sheepskin, leather and other outdoor clothing are well worth
looking at. In particular, nobody should leave New Zealand without a genuine
rugby shirt! New Zealand food and drink certainly shouldn't be overlooked
- fine wines, cheeses and wonderful honey. With regard to tax, all goods
are subject to 12.5% GST (Goods and Services Tax). The marked price always
includes this tax. In normal outlets tourists must pay GST unless the shop
agrees to export the item directly to you home address in which case GST
will not be charged on goods or carriage. Having souvenirs shipped directly
home also has the big advantage of saving you carrying them for the rest
of your vacation and on the plane home! In major towns there are specific
duty free stores offering souvenirs, tobacco, drinks and perfumes. To shop
in these you will need to have your air ticket and passport. The shop then
arranges for you collect them at the airport on departure.
Telephone and Cellular phones. New Zealand has a modern computerised
telephone exchange system with numerous pay phones accepting credit or phone
cards. A Cellular network covers all the major towns and cities and main
highway areas.
Tipping is not expected for service anywhere. For exceptional service
the tourist may feel it appropriate.
Transport - Our generally rugged terrain in the centre of both Islands
has led to most road and rail development being around the coasts. With our
low population densities away from the main cities, New Zealand has only
around 150Km / 90miles of freeway or motorway but almost 95000 km / 60000
miles of sealed rural main roads. We also have some 4000 km / 2100 miles
of railway network with passenger trains covering the scenic routes as well
as between the major cities. An excellent bus service also travels between
the provincial towns and cities. Passenger, vehicle and rail ferries operate
between the North and South Island several times a day and are rarely disrupted
by weather
Drinking Water from the tap is safe to drink everywhere although bottled,
mineral and purified water is freely available at most convenience stores.