New Zealand Travel Facts

All visitors to NZ need to be carrying a passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date. Many people will qualify for a visa-free entry, but depending on your country of origin, some will need to apply for a visa before travelling. You can obtain visa requirements from the NZ immigrations service. – www.immigration.govt.nz

NZ has a mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall, and many hours of sunshine. Winter temperatures (June-August) can range from 0° to 18° (32°F-65°F) and Summer temperatures (December–February) 9°to 26° (48°F-79°F) Because NZs latitude and wide ranging altitude, NZs weather can change very quickly. Days outside of the above averages are not uncommon. It is recommended that a warm windproof jacket is carried during all seasons.

Note: Due to the lack of air pollution it’s easy to burn in the sun, even on relatively cool cloudy days.

There is no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be taken in or out of NZ. However, every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 cash in or out of the NZ is required to complete a border Cash Report.

Foreign currency can be easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres. NZ banks are open from 09:30am to 16:30pm Monday to Friday. Some branches are open during the weekend.

Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at the banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit card and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home. Credit cards are accepted throughout the country. Travellers cheques in any of the major currencies (British Pounds. Euro, USD and AUD) can be exchanged into NZ$ on arrival and are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.

A full NZ, Australian, English language or International Licence is required to hire most vehicles (& must be sighted at commencement of hire) Min age 21 years. Motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road and operate right hand drive vehicles. Wearing seatbelts is mandatory. All children aged 7 years and under must be placed in a child or booster seat at all times.

Speed limits are generally 100kph (60mph) on open roads and 50kph (30mph) through towns unless otherwise stated. Rental cars are not permitted on unsealed roads. We urge you to fully read your rental contracts before signing as conditions vary between companies.

NZ provides a high level of treatment in both public and private hospitals. However these services are not free, except in the case of an accident whereby visitors are covered under the local Accident Compensation Scheme for personal injury. It is strongly recommended that you have your own private travel insurance.

Personal travel insurance is a contract between the rental company and the insurance company. Therefore you’ll need to negotiate a level of insurance cover with the car company and any claims will be deducted with your credit card. Its then up to reclaim it from your travel insurance company if appropriate.