• AUCKLAND (25km): A taxi costs approximately NZ$40 and takes about 30-40 mins. Shuttle costs are approximately NZ$18-nz$25 a single and can become cheaper depending on the number of people in your party and takes around 40 minutes. The bus fare is approximatey NZ$15 one way or NZ$25 return. Travel to the domestic airport is provided free and takes about 5 minutes;
• WELLINGTON (8km): Taxi cost approximately NZ$15-NZ$20 and takes about 25 minutes. Shuttle approximately NZ$10 and takes about 25-30 minutes. Bus fare NZ$5 and takes about 45 minutes;
• CHRISTCHURCH (11km): Taxi NZ$25-NZ$30 and takes about 25-30 minutes. Shuttle approximately NZ$15 and takes about 30 minutes. Bus fare approximately NZ$4 and takes about 35 minutes;
• QUEENSTOWN (7km): Taxi approximately NZ$20 and takes about 15 minutes. Airport Shuttle approximately NZ$9 and takes about 15 minutes. Shoppers Shuttle approximately NZ$5 and takes about 20 minutes;
• HAMILTON (15km): Taxi approximately NZ$30, Shuttle approximately NZ$15;;
• PALMERSTON NORTH (6km): Taxi approximately NZ$12, Shuttle approximately NZ$6;
• DUNEDIN (30km): Taxi approximately NZ$45, Shuttle  approximately NZ$25.

Climate return to General Information page
New Zealand enjoys a range of temperatures approximate to those experienced by Australia’s south eastern seaboard. Free from the influence of any close land mass, yearly temperature variations are small — approximately 10C variation between winter and summer.

The north of the country tends to be sub-tropical and the south, temperate. Mountain ranges extend down much of the length of New Zealand, with the regions lying west of the ranges experiencing much higher rainfalls than those to the east. The drier eastern regions average over 2000 hours of sunshine a year and contain the main wine-growing areas and summer resorts.

Snow is largely confined to the alpine areas of the central North Island and the Southern Alps, though it can fall to low levels in the deep south for a day or so at a time.

Banking/currency return to General Information page
No restrictions apply on the amount of foreign currency that can be taken in or out of New Zealand. All major credit cards may be used for the purchase of goods and services, and travellers’ cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.

Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Provided they are encoded with a PIN number, international credit cards may be used to withdraw cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs), widely available in the main shopping centres and suburban malls. Check with your bank before leaving home whether this facility is available to you. 

Customs and immigration return to General Information page
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: For information on passports, visas etc. please contact the New Zealand Immigration Service  in New Zealand, or in Sydney phone (02)9247 1511 or fax (02)9247 1752

  DUTY FREE GOODS: Visitors to New Zealand may purchase duty-free goods, which are not subject to local taxes, from airport duty-free shops on arrival and departure. Duty-free stores in downtown Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch will deliver purchases to aircraft departure lounges.

Apart from your own personal effects, and as long as you are over 17 years of age, you are allowed the following duty-free concessions.

• 200 cigarettes, or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars, or a mixture of all three not weighing more than 250 grams.
• 4.5 litres of wine or beer (six 750m1 bottles) and one 1125 ml bottle of spirits or liqueur or other beverages.

• Goods up to a total of NZ$700 are free of duty and tax, but goods in excess of this may attract both duty and taxi.

WARNING: Whilst the above information was correct at the time of printing, we strongly recommend you double check all your New Zealand Government Rulings with the correct authority, New Zealand Customs Service , Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry,  New Zealand Embassies or Consulates,  and  New Zealand Immigration Service.

Useful Website: New Zealand Info Center - Information on immigration to NZ, business immigration, farming, horticulture, travel, tourism, accommodation and more.

Clothing return to General Information page
Plan to wear much the same as you would in Australia, but take layered clothes to put on or off as required. Remember, the seasons are more pronounced and the weather is more changeable. You’ll need warmer clothes than at home in autumn and winter. Coastal areas in summer are usually warm enough for you to go out in the evenings without a jacket, but carry a light jumper or jacket in case the weather turns cooler. You can expect some rain, particularly in the west of New Zealand and Fiordland areas, so include a light water-proof jacket or coat.

Departure charges return to General Information page
An airport user fee of NZ$25 is pay able by all passengers aged 12 and over departing via the international airports.   Children aged 2—11 leaving from Wellington pay NZ$10, and children over five pay NZ$25 ex Palmerston North.

Disabled facilities return to General Information page
The law requires that every new building and major reconstruction provide reasonable and adequate access for people with disabilities. Every motel and hotel must have units with accessible facilities.

Driving return to General Information page
A full international, Australian or New Zealand licence is all you require to hire most vehicles in New Zealand. (most car rental companies set a minimum hiring age of 21 years)..

Electricity return to General Information page
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz, the same as in Australia.

Exchange Rates return to General Information page

Banks should be able to tell you what the current exchange rate is with the New Zealand dollar. The Reserve Bank Of New Zealand provides a monthly on-line summary of the New Zealand Dollar's average value against the US Dollar, the Pound. the Australian Dollar, the Yen and the Euro. In January 2002, the Australian Dollar bought approximately NZ$1.22 and the USA Dollar bought approximately NZ$2.40.

General insurance & safety return to General Information page
New Zealand is one of the safest destinations in the world, so visitors can often forget to be on guard, but occasionallv they do become victims of petty crime and, very rarely, serious offences. You are advised to observe the same precautions with your personal safety and possessions as you would in any other country or at home. Always lock unattended vehicles and do not leave cameras and other valuables exposed to view. Also, do not leave baggage unattended in a public area and use hotel safes for valuables. We recommend you invest in comprehensive travel insurance before departing.

Goods and services tax return to General Information page
Nearly all goods and services purchased in New Zealand are subject to a 12.5 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is usually included in the displayed price. Visitors cannot claim refunds on this tax, although when a supplier agrees to export a major item to a visitor's home address, GST is not charged on either the goods or the freight.

Health insurance return to General Information page
New Zealand’s public and private medical/hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and service. However, it is important to note that these services are not free, and it is strongly advised that you arrange your own health insurance. Visitors to New Zealand are covered against personal injury under the Accident Compensation Scheme and arc entitled to claim, irrespective of who is at fault. Benefits include some medical and hospital expenses but do not include loss of earnings outside New Zealand. The law prohibits visitors taking action for damages in New Zealand courts. We therefore recommend your travel insurance policy covers all accidents.

Time difference return to General Information page
New Zealand is two hours ahead of Australia virtually all year. It is three hours ahead, or one hour ahead for a couple of weeks either side of the day-light saving period due to the different dates applied in each country. In New Zealand daylight saving ends for the summer on 21 March 2002, beginning again on 3 October.

Tipping & service charges return to General Information page
New Zealanders do not depend on tips or gratuities for their income, and tips are not expected for normal service, even in restaurants and pubs. however, tipping in appreciation for extra special service, attention or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Service charges are not normally added to hotel or restaurant bills.

Holidays return to General Information page
National Public Holidays:

2002 New Zealand Public Holidays

New Year                1-2 January      2002

Waitangi Day           6 February       2002

Good Friday             29 March         2002

Easter Monday         1 April             2002

ANZAC Day             25 April            2002

Queen's Birthday      3 June             2002

Labour Day              28 October       2002

Christmas Day         25 December   2002

Boxing Day              26 December   2002

2003 New Zealand Public Holidays

New Year                1-2 January      2003

Waitangi Day           6 February       2003

Good Friday             22 April           2003

Easter Monday        1 April              2003

ANZAC Day             25 April            2003

Queen's Birthday      2 June             2003

Labour Day              27 October       2003

Christmas Day         25 December   2003

Boxing Day              26 December   2003

School Holidays:return to General Information page

2002

Primary/Secondary  29 March-14 April

Primary/Secondary  29 June-14 July

Primary/Secondary  21 September-06 October

Primary                   20 December 2002 -28 Jan 2003  

Secondary               07 December 2002 -28 Jan 2003

2003

Primary/Secondary   12-27 April

Primary/Secondary   05-20 July

Primary/Secondary   20 September - 05 October