Time Zone: The time in New Zealand is GMT + 12 hours, Daylight savings GMT +13. Visit World Time Server to check the time in New Zealand.
Business Hours: New Zealand offices and businesses operate Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (except a few small retailers, gas stations, etc.). Stores and shops are usually open from 9am to 5:30pm Monday through Thursday, and until 9pm on Friday nights. In some areas, particularly the suburbs, late night shopping occurs on Thursdays. Shops are also open all day Saturday and Sunday in major cities.
Water Supply: Tap (faucet) water in New Zealand is fresh, treated and is very safe to drink. City water is both chlorinated and fluoridated. To prevent any problems, when traveling in the back-country (trekking etc.), ensure water is boiled or otherwise treated before drinking.
Electricity: Electricity supplied
throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz). Most hotels also provide
110 volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other
equipment, an adaptor or converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage
option. Power outlets only accept flat three or two-pin plugs, depending on
whether an earth connection is fitted.Note:3 Point Adaptors are
usually available for purchase upon arrival at AucklandInternationalAirport, at the shops
prior to clearing customs. Hairdryers: Most
of the properties we use provide hairdryers.
Mobile Phones: New Zealand has both analogue and GSM digital networks. Check with your phone company before leaving home about international mobile roam facilities available in New Zealand. Mobile phones can be rented upon arrival at Auckland International Airport, see www.vodafonerental.co.nz.
Laptops: You will need an RJ45 type plug to be able to connect your laptop into a computer socket in New Zealand, and an adaptor with a flat two or three point power plug to connect to the power supply.
Internet Access: Most hotels and many Guest and Hosted properties offer Internet access. Alternatively, Internet cafes are very popular in New Zealand and available in most major cities and towns. Internet Cafes generally charge around NZ$5 per hour.
Tipping: Tipping
in New Zealand
is not common practice.New Zealanders
do not depend on tips as part of their income. However, tipping in appreciation
of good service is at the discretion of the visitor.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance at time of booking. When booking with Active Downunder we will always offer Travel Insurance and provide a quote upon request. We can purchase on your behalf or you can purchase directly from our Travel Insurance page.
Health Insurance: New Zealand provides a high level of treatment in both public and private hospitals; however, these services are not free, except in the case of an accident. It is strongly advised that you have your own adequate Health Insurance. No vaccinations are required.
Language and People: The two official languages of New Zealand are English and Maori although New Zealand is a predominantly English-speaking nation. Culturally diverse, New Zealand is 75.8% European (Pakeha) in origin, 13.8% of Maori origin, 5.3% of Pacific Island origin, 4.5% of Asian origin. The total population of New Zealand is 4 million.
2008 Public Holidays: New Years Day, Tuesday 1 January Day after New Year, Wednesday 2 January Waitangi Day, Wednesday 6 February Good Friday, Friday 21 March Easter Monday, Monday 24 March Anzac Day, Friday 25 April Queens Birthday, Monday 2 June Labour Day, Monday 27 October Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December Boxing Day, Friday 26 December
2009 Public Holidays: New Years Day, Thursday 1 January Day after New Year, Friday 2 January Waitangi Day, Friday 6 February Good Friday, Friday 10 April Easter Monday, Monday 13 April Anzac Day, Saturday 25 April Queens Birthday, Monday 1 June Labour Day, Monday 26 October Christmas Day, Friday 25 December Boxing Day, Saturday 26 December
Visitor Information: Self drive visitors in New Zealand are faced with a wide range of tourism options and places to visit. To help visitors with these many choices, the New Zealand i-SITE Visitor Centers have been established. Each center is identified by the distinctive i-SITE logo. i-SITE Visitor Centers are the officially recognized provider of reliable New Zealand information, with centers in over 80 locations throughout New Zealand. Accreditation to the network ensures that staff are knowledgeable and provide objective, quality information. Services offered include:
- Information and bookings for accommodation, transport (air, road, rail and ferry), attractions and activities; - Gifts, souvenirs, stamps and phone cards; - Restaurant information; - Local events and entertainment; - Maps and guide books; - Booths at both Auckland and Christchurch airports where you can pick up helpful information upon arrival in New Zealand.
