|
|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
|
When is the Best time to visit New Zealand?Anytime is a good time - New Zealand is a year-round destination because there are really no extremes between Winter and Summer temperatures. Pick your travelling time to suit what you want to do and see. Our seasons run opposite those in the Northern Hemisphere - our warmest temperatures are experienced from December to February but we also have a very warm and settled Autumn. Average Summer temperatures vary between 25 C in the top of the North Island and 18 C in the bottom of the South Island. These temperatures drop to between 15 C and 9 C during the Winter months. However, we have our share of good snowfalls in the mountains, just when we want them for our fantastic skifields.
What clothes do I wear?Except in a few of the more exclusive restaurants and bars in the cities, where men may be required to wear a suit and/or tie, the code of dress is fairly casual. Fashionable clothing and a neat and tidy presentation is generally acceptable everywhere.Outdoors, dress sensibly for the conditions and seasons. At night, the temperatures can drop so a jacket or woollen sweater will be needed for comfort. Bring a light waterproof jacket for those times when we do get rain. If you are planning to visit in the Winter or spend part of your time on outdoor exploration, such as tramping in the mountains, bring appropriate outdoor clothing. If you forget any essential clothing, don't worry. We have plenty to chose from here. Good quality, fashionable clothing is available from a wide variety of clothing stores. Just relax and be comfortable!
Do I need to have any vaccinations?No.
Do I need a passport and visa?Everyone entering New Zealand must hold a valid passport and this must have an expiry date not less than three months after your intended date of departure.
You must get a visitor's visa before you travel to New Zealand, unless you are either:
OR (b) a citizen of an any of the following countries which have visa waiver agreements with New Zealand: 1. For visits up to 3 months
1 Residents of Hong Kong travelling on Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or British National (Overseas) passports. 2 Portugese passports holders must have the right to live permanently in Portugal. 3 Includes US Nationals from American Samoa and Swains Island.
2. For visits up to 6 months.,
Are there any special Customs regulations I need to know about? What can I bring with me?In New Zealand we have very strict Customs Regulations regarding the importation of agricultural products. Prior to arrival, you will have to fill out and sign a declaration that you are not bringing with you any plant material, foodstuff or anything containing animal material or product.You may bring with you 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of loose tobacco or 50 cigars but if you want to bring in a variety, the weight must not exceed 250 grams. You may also bring 1125 millilitres of spirits or 4.5 litres of wine or beer. If you exceed these amounts, you will be required to pay duty. Please declare any excesses or Customs may seize the lot. However, you are allowed to bring in other personal purchases of up to $NZ700 in value (total combined) which will be free of any duty and exempt from GST (Goods & Services Tax).
What are the requirements for hiring a car or RV (campervan)?You must hold a Driver's Licence and be at least 21 years old. Please remember we drive on the LEFT side of our roads and our vehicles are driven from the RIGHT side. Our main roads are all sealed and well marked. Some rural and back-country roads are gravelled but they are generally well-maintained. Speed limits are 50 Km per hour in cities and towns and the open road limit is 100 Km per hour but your common sense and lack of familiarity will mean you may wish to travel more slowly.Remember ... KEEP LEFT! And please don't drive after alcohol consumption. New Zealand has very strict laws regarding drinking and driving.
Electricity supply and electrical appliances - are there any differences?The electricity supply voltage in New Zealand is 230/240 volts AC (at 50 Hertz) and although most major hotels, motor lodges and many other accommodation facilities provide 110 volt outlets which are rated at 20 watts, these are for electric razors. An adapter or converter is required which fits our standard flat two or three-pin sockets. A three-pin socket supplies an earth connection for those appliances which require it. If you are in doubt, travellers' electrical appliance adapter kits, which are usually found in international airport accessory shops and are available through good travel agencies, will provide the necessary conversion items.
Can I use my credit cards/ATM cards in New Zealand?All major international credit cards can be used in New Zealand and travellers' cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. If your credit card is encoded with a PIN, you will be able to withdraw cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs) situated at banks and shopping centres throughout the country.
How safe is drinking water in New Zealand?An underground source at Waikorpupu Springs in Golden Bay has been found to be one of the most pure, naturally occurring sources of water to be found anywhere in the world. New Zealand cities and towns have safe water supplies which are monitored and regularly tested by local authorities. Tap water is fresh. Some water is treated but only with approved and strictly controlled processes.Water in our streams and rivers is generally perfectly drinkable but it should still be boiled, chemically treated or filtered before drinking, simply as a precaution to avoid the possibility of any stomach upsets. If you prefer, bottled water is widely available in stores and supermarkets.
Still have other questions?For more information about New Zealand within this site, click HERE
Or email us at thebest@bonz.co.nz and we'll do our Best to answer them for you.
|
|
CONTACT
BOOKMARK This important page |
| HOME - About Us - Driving Times - Legal - FAQ - Exchange Rates |
|
|
|
