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New Zealand has a reputation as a safe, easy and very friendly country to travel around. But even so, it has different customs, ways of doing things, climate and currency.

Arrivals/passports/visas:
Upon arriving in New Zealand, a New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card must be completed. All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months after the intended departure date from New Zealand. Most visitors to New Zealand do not require visas. However, if you want to stay longer than three months or your country of origin does not have a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand, then you will need to apply for a Visitor’s Visa. Australian citizens and residents with a valid Australian passport do not require a visa or permit to visit New Zealand. For more information visit www.immigration.govt.nz.

International driving licenses and permits:
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you either have a current driver’s licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Visitors to New Zealand must carry their licence or permit at all times when driving. You can only drive the same type of vehicle you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21-years.
For more information visit www.ltsa.govt.nz

Road Rules:
New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road. Drivers give way (or yield) to all traffic crossing or approaching to the right. The speed limit is 100km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas. You will find multi-lane motorways and expressways heading into the larger cities, with a majority of the roads being dual carriageways. Signposting follow standard international symbols and all distances are in kilometers (km). Drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced with random breath testing at anytime.

Cycling and Motorbikes:
Helmets for riders of cycles and motorbikes must be worn at all times. Rear and front lights on cycles are required at night. Motorbikes should have headlights on at all times. Cycling is not permitted on motorways.

Climate and weather:
The Bay of Plenty is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand, renown for its clear blue skies and consistent warm and fine weather. Temperatures reach between 26°C – 32°C in the summer months and average around 12°C in the winter.

New Zealand’s climate is complex and varies from warm and subtropical in the far north to cool temperate climates in the far south. New Zealand has four quite distinct seasons: Spring (September–November), Summer (December-February), Autumn/Fall (March-May) and Winter (June-August).
For more information visit www.metservice.co.nz

Electricity and Water:
Electricity is supplied in New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), the same as in Australia and Europe with three-pin plugs or similar adapters. Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other electric equipment an adaptor or converter is necessary.

Tap (faucet) water is fresh and safe to drink in New Zealand. Water from rivers and lakes should be boiled, chemically treated or filtered before drinking to avoid upset stomach upsets.

Time differences:
New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day – 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). In summer New Zealand uses ‘daylight saving’, with clocks put forward one hour to GMT+13. Daylight saving begins on the first Sunday in October and ends on the third Sunday of the following March, when clocks are put back to GMT+12.

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