FAQ‘s

New Zealand offers a variety of shopping and sightseeing opportunities. Major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch offer vibrant shopping districts with local crafts, designer stores, and markets. For sightseeing, don’t miss the Tongariro National Park, Fiordland, Rotorua, Queenstown, and the famous Hobbiton Movie Set. New Zealand is also known for its scenic drives and outdoor adventure activities.

The official currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). The dollar is subdivided into 100 cents. Banknotes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, while coins come in $1, $2, 10c, 20c, and 50c. Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and exchange outlets.

New Zealand has a temperate climate with mild temperatures. The North Island is generally warmer than the South Island. Summers (December to February) are warm, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F), while winters (June to August) can be cold, especially in the South Island, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C (32°F) in some areas. Be prepared for changing weather, especially in mountainous regions.

To make international calls from New Zealand, you can use a local mobile phone or a public payphone. For dialing internationally, use the exit code 00, followed by the country code and the phone number. Mobile providers like Vodafone, 2degrees, and Spark offer affordable international calling plans, and you can also use internet-based calling apps like Skype or WhatsApp.

New Zealand follows New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), which is UTC +12:00. During daylight saving time, from the last Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April, the time shifts to New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT), which is UTC +13:00.

The official languages of New Zealand are English and Māori. English is widely spoken, but Māori, the language of the indigenous Māori people, is also an important part of the culture and heritage. New Zealand Sign Language is also an official language, especially for the deaf community.

New Zealand is generally a safe country with excellent healthcare services. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical costs. The country has high-quality public and private hospitals. For prescription medication, carry a doctor’s note or the medication’s original packaging. Water is safe to drink in most areas, and outdoor safety is important, especially in rugged terrain or during extreme weather.

The best way to get to New Zealand is by air. Auckland is the main international gateway, with direct flights from major cities around the world. Wellington and Christchurch also have international airports. You can book flights with international carriers like Air New Zealand, Qantas, and other major airlines. Depending on your departure city, you may have a layover in Australia.

Yes, it’s highly recommended to have travel insurance when visiting New Zealand. Travel insurance should cover things like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and potential trip interruptions. Make sure to check if your policy covers activities such as skiing or bungee jumping if you plan on doing adventurous activities.

New Zealand offers several ways to get around, including public buses, trains, and domestic flights between major cities. Many visitors rent cars or campervans for self-drive tours, which is a flexible way to explore the country. For intercity travel, you can also use InterCity buses or ferry services for trips between the North and South Islands.

New Zealand has several public holidays, including New Year’s Day (January 1), Waitangi Day (February 6), Easter Weekend, Labour Day (fourth Monday in October), and Christmas Day (December 25). Some regions also have additional holidays, such as Anzac Day (April 25) to commemorate military history.

New Zealanders are generally friendly and laid-back. It’s important to respect personal space, punctuality, and politeness. Tipping is not compulsory, but appreciated for good service. Māori culture is significant, so be respectful when visiting marae (Māori meeting grounds) and learning about their traditions. Always ask before taking photos in sacred or culturally significant places.

New Zealand has a vibrant festival scene, with major events including Waitangi Day (February 6) celebrating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the Auckland Arts Festival, New Zealand International Film Festival, and Queenstown Winter Festival. The Cultural Festivals in different regions, like the Pasifika Festival in Auckland, also showcase the country’s diverse heritage.