New Zealand Backpackers

.
.

.
.
.
.
.

1. What is the New Zealand Language?

Although English (well, the Kiwi version anyway!) is the most widely used; Maori, is also an official language of New Zealand.

With New Zealand being a multi-cultural society, you will no doubt find many other languages spoken, especially those of the Pacific Islands, and Asian countries.

2. Where are the International Airports located in New Zealand?

Most international flights land at Auckland, the country’s largest city located in New Zealand’s North Island. There are also international airports located in Wellington (at the bottom of the North Island) and Christchurch (located halfway down the East Coast of the South Island).

3. What are New Zealand’s seasons?

Just to be different, New Zealand’s seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. We have listed below average temperatures you can expect to experience during your trip, but please be aware that these can vary, with temperatures in summer often reaching into the high 20C range in various parts of the country.

Summer;      December, January, February

Autumn;       March, April, May

Winter;         June, July, August

Spring           September, October, November

Average Seasonal Temperatures (Celsius)

Summer        Autumn         Winter           Spring

Low     High   Low     High   Low     High   Low     High

Upper North Island       11      24          8        21          3        16           7        19

Lower North Island       11      24          8        20          3        15           7        19

Upper South Island       12      23          8        19           2        13           7        18

Lower South Island        8       23          4        17          -1       10           3        17

4. What Clothes should we bring?

New Zealand’s clime and regions range from tropical to alpine climates. Added to which the weather can be unpredictable. Our advice would be to pack for all seasons; look at layering your clothing. Even in summer a light jacket or sweater should definitely be included.

To get an idea of the average temperatures you could expect, please refer to the chart in “What are NZ’s Season’s”

Overall, the dress code is casual –T-shirts, sweaters etc. Smart casual is acceptable in most restaurants; Men are generally not expected to wear a jacket and tie to dinner apart from some of the more top upmarket restaurants and bars. (The bouncer will let you know if you’re inappropriately attired!).

5. Banking?

We do have such institutions, and most are open between the hours of 9.30am and 4.30pm.

It would be worth checking with your own bank to see if they have a reciprocal agreement with any of the banks based in NZ to make getting extra money out that much easier.

There are also plenty of ATM (Automatic Teller Machines) scattered around all cities and most towns that will accept international bank and credit cards.

We have stopped using blankets and beads in favour of a more internationally recognised currency system that is based on the decimal system;

Coins;    $0.10, $0.20, $0.50, $1.00 & $2.00

Notes;   $5.00, $10.00, $20.00, $50.00, $100.00

(Also, possibly in a higher denomination but I’ve never seen them!)

You can also pay with credit card, traveller’s cheques. Money Exchange facilities are available at most banks, hotels and airports.

6. Credit Cards?

Most New Zealand businesses will take your cash by any means that is easiest for you; thus, they do accept most major international credit cards such as American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diners.

If your bank/ credit card is encoded with a PIN number and have an international acceptance mark on it, you will be able to withdraw money from any ATM (Automatic Teller Machine). We suggest you confirm this with your own bank before visiting.

7. What are the Shopping Hours?

Most stores and shops open between 9.00am and 5.30pm Monday though to Friday. The opening hours may vary slightly over the weekend.

Supermarkets (grocery stores) can often open for longer hours depending on their location. In the major cities you will probably find a number that are open 24 hours.

The above is a guideline only as many towns, cities and tourist spots will vary their opening hours to suit demand.

8. Is there a Goods and Services Tax (GST)?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. All goods and services purchased in New Zealand attract a 12.5% GST (Goods & Service Tax). This is usually included in the displayed price.

Kiwis tend to refer to GST as the Grab & Snatch Tax.

9. Do we have to pay Departure Tax?

If you choose to leave this wonderful country of ours, of course we’re going to charge you for the decision! The Departure Tax is NZ$25.00.

10. Tipping ?

Great news; unlike many other countries, New Zealand does not consider tipping to be a mandatory practice, or expected for anything other than extra special service received!

There are generally no service charges added to bills in hotels or restaurants. The only exception to this rule is in eateries that open during national holidays. This was recently introduced by the Government, so when dining on one of these days, expect to pay 10-15% more than the listed price.

11. Can we E-Mail during our holiday tour?

You can email easily from the numerous internet cafes that abound throughout the country. In addition, most accommodation also offers internet access.

Our suggestion would be, when in a new location with the desire to get that internet “fix”, you visit the local I-site (information kiosks easily located, and clearly signposted, in most town and cities) who will either let you either utilise theirs, or direct you to the nearest internet service.

12. Postal Services?

After recently having retired our carrier pigeons, pony express, mail runners and the ineffective “message in a bottle’ delivery methods, we have developed a system we are quite proud of that effectively and efficiently delivers mail and parcels both nationally and internationally; we call it New Zealand Post and have locations in nearly every town and city throughout the country. In the more remote areas, the general store often will have a post shop service.

13. What if I become ill?

We have medical centres and hospitals (both public and private) throughout the country. Medical services are not free to visitors to the country, unless as the result of an accident.

Although our medical consultation/ hospitalisation fees are significantly lower than most countries that charge for these services, we strongly recommend you take out personal travel insurance just in case.

14. Sun protection?

New Zealand has one of the quickest burn times in the world; around 10 minutes in summer, even at just 20c degree, on a cloudy day.

If you have sensitive skin, you can get sunburnt, so be sure to use a high SPF sunscreen and cover up with. Just a note on SPF ratings; always go for the highest you can find.

Kiwis have it inbred in them to slip, slop, slap (Slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat) from a very early age. With good reason.

15. What is the voltage?

230/ 240 volts, 50 hertz.

Most accommodation will provide 110 volt ac sockets (20 watts) for razors only. For all other equipment you will need an adaptor/ converter if you want to operate anything else. You’ll need to remember that the power outlets in NZ only accept flat 2 or 3 pin plugs.