
Planning a trip to New Zealand? This guide will help you prepare by covering essential tips, from what to pack to what to budget for, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Practical Information for Your Holiday in New Zealand
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
1. Visa and Entry Requirements
have a valid passport or travel document, and
hold the right visa or an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).
International visitors require a Visa to enter the country or if you are from a ‘Visa Waiver’ country, (USA is) then you can apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), visit https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/tools-and-information/your-journey-to-new-zealand to see if you qualify. (this can take up to 72 hours to process). We recommend applying 14 days prior to departure. You will also be required to pay an International Visitor Conservation & Tourism Levy (IVL) at the same time of ($100) as of October 1st 2024, which goes towards the upkeep of the tracks, lookouts and toilets in our National Parks.
The NZeTA is $23 if completed online, https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/nzeta; or $17 if you use their free app, for Apple visit - https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/nzeta/id1470900142 . For Android visit - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.govt.mbie.eta.
2. Check your passport
Check that it will not expire until: 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand, or 1 month after the date you plan to leave New Zealand — if your passport was issued by a country that has a New Zealand embassy or consulate that issues passports of that country.
WHAT TO BRING
1. Weather and Clothing
Weather: The climate varies significantly from the North to the South Island. Pack for all seasons, especially if you're traveling between regions.
Clothing: Layered clothing is practical. Include waterproof gear, especially if you plan outdoor activities.
Seasons: New Zealand’s seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. Summer is from December to February, and winter is from June to August.
Sun Protection: New Zealand has some of the highest levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world due to its location near the hole in the ozone layer. This means that even on cloudy days, UV radiation can still be strong, and it’s important to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. The UV index can be particularly high during the summer months, so sun protection is crucial.
Rainfall: The average rainfall varies considerably, from less than 400mm in Central Otago on the eastern side of the Southern Alps, to 12,000mm on the west coast of the South Island. The North Island and the east and north of the South Island is mostly dry in the summer months, and in the winter months it is mostly dry on the west and east coasts of the South Island. Just remember that this is a green land completely unlike Australia, with lush rain forests and many ferns, so bring your rain jacket as chances are you will experience rain somewhere on your trip!
ON ARRIVAL
1. New Zealand Traveller Declaration
Everyone travelling into New Zealand needs to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration.
It is free and you can do it on the online form or the NZTD app. https://www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz/
A declaration needs to be completed for each traveller, including babies and children.
You can start your digital declaration at a time that suits you. The earliest time you can submit your declaration depends on whether you are travelling by air or sea.
Your declaration is linked to your passport and is checked when you arrive at the eGate or by a border officer.
There is a paper declaration form available for travellers who cannot complete it online.
If you are a New Zealand visa or NZeTA holder, you still need to complete an NZTD as well.
2. Agriculture
Please note that you are not permitted to bring ANY food into New Zealand due to agriculture laws.
3. Currency and Payments
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
Payments: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in remote areas.
All major credit cards are recognized and there is EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) available almost everywhere. 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. Trading banks are generally open Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm
Tax: New Zealand has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 15%, which is charged on almost everything and is typically included in the displayed price. 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.
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in New Zealand but is appreciated for exceptional service.
4. Time Zone and Electricity
Time Zone: New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) or New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT) during daylight saving.
Electricity: The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. Plug type I.
GETTING AROUND
Using GPS for Travel in New Zealand
Travelling around New Zealand with the help of GPS is highly recommended due to the country's diverse and often rugged terrain. Here’s how GPS can enhance your travel experience:
1.Driving
Navigation: GPS provides turn-by-turn directions, helping you navigate both urban areas and remote countryside with ease. Apps like Google Maps and Waze are particularly popular.
Traffic Updates: Real-time traffic updates help you avoid congestion, roadworks, and accidents, ensuring a smoother journey.
Route Planning: Plan your route in advance to include scenic drives, rest stops, and points of interest.
2. Hiking and Outdoor Activities
Trail Navigation: GPS devices and apps like AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/ can guide you through hiking trails, ensuring you stay on the right path and avoid getting lost.
Safety: Share your GPS coordinates with friends or family before embarking on hikes, especially in remote areas, to enhance safety.
Offline Maps: Download maps for offline use in areas with poor or no mobile signal.
Some apps offer detailed information on terrain and elevation, which is helpful for planning your rides.
Walking Directions: Use GPS for walking directions between transit stops and your destinations.

3. Points of Interest
Attractions: Use GPS to find and navigate to tourist attractions, including natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural landmarks.
Restaurants and Services: Locate nearby restaurants, gas stations, and other services with ease.
4. Emergency Assistance
Location Sharing: In case of emergencies, you can share your exact GPS coordinates with emergency services, enabling them to find you quickly.
Tips for Using GPS in New Zealand
Keep Devices Charged: Ensure your GPS devices or smartphones are fully charged and carry portable chargers.
Update Maps: Regularly update your GPS maps and software to ensure you have the latest information.
Verify Routes: Double-check routes and be aware of road conditions, especially in remote or mountainous areas.
Offline Access: Download offline maps before traveling to areas with limited connectivity.
Using GPS technology can greatly enhance your travel experience in New Zealand, providing reliable navigation, enhancing safety, and helping you make the most of your journey.
Transportation
1.Driving
New Zealand drives on the left. You must have a current and valid overseas driver's license or international driving permit (IDP) is recommended. Most rental cars have a GPS installed with comprehensive directions for driving within New Zealand.
2. Apps:
We recommend that you download these free apps to help you while on the road: CamperMate for useful information such as real time road warnings, fuel stations, i-Sites (information centres) and Public Toilets, and pretty much everything else including restaurants and wineries!
Gaspy to tell you where the cheapest fuel is in your area.
3. Road Conditions:
Roads in New Zealand can be narrow, winding, and hilly, especially in rural areas.
Speed Limits: The general speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas and 100 km/h on highways. Always follow posted speed limits.
Driving Rules: Always wear seatbelts, and don't use a mobile phone while driving. Drinking and driving laws are strict.
Rental Cars: Make sure to familiarise yourself with the car's features, especially if you're used to driving on the right side.
Scenic Routes: Many roads offer stunning views but require cautious driving. Be prepared for single-lane bridges and occasional livestock on the road.
Rest Areas: Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue. Look for rest areas along highways.

Fuel Stations: Fuel stations can be far apart in remote areas. Keep your tank topped up.
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Health and Safety
Healthcare: New Zealand has a good healthcare system. Travel insurance is recommended.
Emergency Services: Dial 111 for police, fire, and ambulance for medical emergencies.
Safety: New Zealand is generally safe, but it's wise to take usual precautions like securing valuables and being aware of your surroundings.
Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required for New Zealand, but it's good to ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date.
Sandflies and Mosquitos: Sandflies can bite in morning, non-disease carrying mosquitoes can bite in the evenings – so don’t forget to liberally apply insect repellent around those hours.
2. Public Toilets
Public toilets are available practically everywhere and are generally clean and supplied with toilet paper - usually. Every now and then you may find that they are not flush toilets, but what we call ‘long drops’ – you’ll know what I mean when you see one.
3. Communication
Internet and Mobile: Free Wi-Fi is common in cafes and hotels. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for mobile data, this can be purchased on arrival at most airport terminals.
Emergency Numbers: In addition to 111, save the contact details of your embassy or consulate.
Telephone Numbers: New Zealand's telephone numbers comply with the international format of country code, area code then local telephone number. To make a local call (to a number located in the same town or city that you are in) you just need to dial the seven-digit telephone number. For example 123 4567. Please note that sometimes the number you are calling from has the same area code as the number you are calling, but you still need to add the area code. For example, calling from Auckland city to a number on the Whangaparoa Peninsula, you will need to dial 09- 444 4444. This call will cost more than a local call. For the operator, dial 018.
International Calls: To call home to, say, New York in the United States from anywhere in New Zealand you need to dial our international access code (00) followed by the country code for the United States (1) followed by the area code for New York (212) followed by the seven-digit telephone number. For example 00 1 212 123 4567.
Language: English is the predominant language but learning a few basic Māori phrases can be respectful and appreciated.
4. Food and Dining
Cuisine: Try local specialties like lamb, seafood, and the famous pavlova dessert.
Dining Out: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service.
Alcohol: The legal drinking age is 18. Bars and restaurants will ask for ID if you look under 25.
5. Cultural Tips
Kiwis are what we call ourselves, but they are also the national bird - a cute fluffy brown flightless bird about the size of a chicken, with a very long beak for sniffing underground for bugs and worms. They are nocturnal, so chances of seeing one in the wild are less than remote. However, the larger tokoekas kiwi is diurnal, so the fortunate may see one along tracks and beaches on Stewart Island, Fiordland and Haast.
Language & Accent: New Zealanders have their own accent which is similar to, but less pronounced than the Australian accent. As in any country there is a wide diversity in the way individuals speak but in general terms New Zealanders are quick talkers who are able to achieve this increased pace by not fully pronouncing the vowels or, indeed, some of the consonants as well. Hence New Zealand becomes "Noozilan". If you can't understand what someone is saying just ask them to repeat what they have said more slowly. New Zealanders naturally also have a few words all of their own, such as: howzit (how are you?) to be crook (to be ill); dairy (a convenience store); a do (a party or occasion); bach - pronounced "batch"(a holiday home), bar-be (BBQ), chilly bin (cool box) and jandals (beach sandals). If you are fortunate to stay at a farm, you will quickly become acquainted to quite a few more, I'm sure!
Māori Culture: Respect Māori customs and traditions. Learn a few basic phrases in Māori. Māori is the native language of New Zealand's friendly indigenous people (the Māori) and although it is not commonly spoken as a first language, Māori can be seen every day in place names and heard on the radio and television, in the marae (a Māori meeting house) and increasingly in schools. Many of the place names have a 'wh' in them, which are pronounced more like an 'f' but without the top teeth coming down onto the bottom lip. So Whakatane becomes pha-ka-tun-eh.
Here are a few Māori words you may see or hear during your time in New Zealand.
haere-mai | Welcome |
haere-ra | Goodbye |
kai | Food |
kia ora | Hello |
kumara | Sweet potato |
mana | Prestige, respect |
pa | Fortified village |
tapu | Sacred |
wai | Water |
whanau | family |
Whare | House |
koha | Tip or donation |
pakeha | European or white person |
|
|

Etiquette: New Zealanders are generally friendly and laid-back. Basic politeness is appreciated.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, including restaurants and bars.
7. Environmental Responsibility
Sustainability: New Zealand is committed to environmental conservation. Follow the 'Leave No Trace' principles and respect wildlife habitats.
Recycling: Use recycling bins and reduce plastic waste by carrying reusable bags and bottles.
8. Shopping and Souvenirs
Local Markets: Explore local markets for unique crafts and produce.
Duty-Free: New Zealand has a variety of duty-free shops at the airports for last-minute purchases.
Shopping hours: 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. Restaurants usually close their kitchens around 8pm on a weekday and usually later on the weekend.
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-frees tores. To make a 'duty-free' purchase you will need your passport and airline ticket or boarding pass.
9. Important Contacts
Embassies and Consulates: Keep a list of your country's embassy or consulate in New Zealand.
Tourist Information Centre’s: Located in most cities and towns, offering maps, brochures, and local advice.
By planning ahead and packing the right items, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip to New Zealand. Don't forget to prepare for all kinds of weather and activities to make the most of your adventure.
Let us help you plan an unforgettable journey in New Zealand!
Comments