| Airport Departure Tax | ElectricityVoltage | Local Time |
| Banking | Exchange Rates | Passports and Visas |
| Climate | Getting to New Zealand | Tipping |
| Currency | Language |
Airport Departure Tax
If departing internationally from Auckland, the airport departure charge is NZ$25.00. This is payable by cash or credit card at the BNZ (Bank of New Zealand) office at the airport after you check in. Many international flights include this tax on your ticket. Children under 12 years of age and transit passengers in New Zealand for less than 24 hours are exempt.
Banking
Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.
Climate
The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August.In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30?C and in winter between 10-15?C. You can check out weather conditions in New Zealand by clicking here.
While these temperatures are the norm, the weather in New Zealand can change unexpectedly as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in. Because of this, you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature, particularly if you’re going hiking or doing other outdoor activities.
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Currency
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Coins have values of 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; notes have values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out of New Zealand. However, every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete a Border Cash Report.
Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres.
Click here for a currency converter tool
All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. How Much Will it Cost? Here is a general guide of what you can expect to pay in New Zealand for a few common items:
(Approximately)A hotel breakfast NZ$10- $35 Dinner (3-course, no wine) NZ$20 - $50 Lunch snack/sandwich NZ$5 - $10 Cafe lunch NZ$10 - $15 A postcard stamp to anywhere abroad NZ$1.50 Big Mac Hamburger NZ$3.95 Cappuccino NZ$3 - $3.50 Kodak Film, 36 exposures NZ$7.95
back to topElectricity/Voltage
New Zealand electricity runs at 230/240 volts (50 hertz). Many accommodation options also have 110 volt AC sockets for use with electric razors.
Power sockets only accept flat three-pin (with earth connection) or two-pin plugs.
Most foreign electrical equipment will require an adapter/converter - available at visitor information centres, tourist shops, appliance stores
Exchange Rates
You can calculate the value of your currency in NZ Dollars using the newzealand.com currency converter on this page. The rate you are offered in your home country is likely to differ slightly.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand provides a monthly online summary of the New Zealand Dollar's average value against the US Dollar, the Pound, the Australian Dollar, the Yen and the Euro.
back to topGetting to New Zealand
Flight time estimates:
Eastern Australia: 3.5 hours
West coast of the United States: 12 hours
East coast of the United States: 19 hours
Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo: 10 hours
London, Amsterdam, Paris: 25 hours
Dubai: 19 hours
Air New Zealand is New Zealand's national carrier and has several services into Auckland, the international gateway to New Zealand. To view schedules, please visit: www.airnewzealand.co.nz
Other airlines that service Auckland:
Aerolineas Argentinas, Aircalin, Air Canada*, Air Pacific, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Vanuatu, American Airlines*, Asiana Airlines, British Airways*, Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates
EVA Air*, Japan Airlines*, Korean Air, Lan Chile, Lufthansa Airlines*, Malaysia Airlines,Mexicana Airlines*, Polynesian Airlines, Qantas Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Tongan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways International, United Airlines*
* Code Share
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Language
English is the common and everyday language of New Zealand. New Zealand is a multi-cultural society and you may hear many other languages spoken, including Maori, which is also an official language of New Zealand.
Local Time
Local Auckland time during July is 12 hours ahead of GMT (GMT +12).
Passports and Visas
For information on requirements for traveling to New Zealand please click here or talk to your local travel agent.
For information about New Zealand’s visa requirements, please click here
Tipping
New Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service – even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.
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