The currency of New Zealand is the NZ dollar, which comprises 100 cents and is worth approximately  USD 0.70, GBP 0.40, and EUR 0.50.  The 1, 2 and 5 cent pieces are no longer in circulation, so prices are rounded up or down to the nearest 10 cents. 

All major credit cards are recognized and there is EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale) available almost everywhere, plus there is an extensive 24 hour cash machine network in most towns and small villages. If not, the local petrol station will often fill this void. Travellers Cheques are also accepted, but are becoming less common so many establishments will no longer accept them. Besides, your credit card exchange rate will always be more favourable.
Trading banks are generally open Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm             Currency Converter
 

$50 pp per day for excursions, entrances and souvenirs - excursions are not scheduled everyday.

$60 pp per day for food and drinks - an excellent main course in a restaurant is around $35, taxes incl.

$50 pp per day for car and fuel (petrol is around NZD$1.50 per litre for the moment)

$60 pp per day accommodation

Of course there are many more variables to consider. For example if you are a budget traveller staying in Backpackers and Budget Hotels and hitch-hike everywhere then you could easily live off $50 per day and if you are a MINO (a traveller where 'money is no object') and you stay in exclusive resorts you can easily pay more than $500 per person per day - and that's without all the extras!

The service charge is always included in your restaurant and accommodation bill. However, if you have received excellent service a gratuity is usually given, particularly in restaurants in the larger centres.  It is viewed as an incentive to provide the best possible service, so if they achieve this, the lower paid  workers have come to expect a little more than a verbal thank-you.

Shopping hours in New Zealand vary a great deal but are generally open 9am - 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Most stores in cities are open Sundays for slightly limited hours (usually around 10am - 4pm). Stores catering to tourists are usually open every day, often with extended hours.
 
New Zealand has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 12.5%, which is charged on almost everything and is typically included in the displayed price.
 
Please be aware that unlike many other countries, you cannot claim back tax on any purchases made in New Zealand. The only solution is to make your large purchases at duty free stores. To make a 'duty free'  purchase you will need your passport and airline ticket or boarding pass.

New Zealand has some of the cheapest duty and tax free shopping in the world. There are duty and tax free stores at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch international airports, as well as in many city and tourist centres. It is also possible to make purchases when you ARRIVE in the country, as well as when you depart. Make your purchases before you pass through Passport Control.   Currency Converter