Auckland International Airport
Agricultural Restrictions: New Zealand’s isolation has kept it free of many animal and plant diseases. To maintain this position, restrictions are imposed on the importation of certain animal and plant materials. Before arrival you will be asked to complete a declaration stating whether you have any foodstuffs, plant or animal material with you or in your baggage. Before entering New Zealand, you will pass through an agriculture check. Officers may check your baggage and some articles may need to be fumigated before they are returned to you.
For further information, visit www.maf.govt.nz or write to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, PO Box 2526 Wellington, New Zealand.
Customs Allowances: Visitors over 17 years are permitted to arrive with 200 cigarettes, 4.5 litres of wine or beer; 1125 ml of spirits or liqueur. Goods costing more than NZ$700 may attract duty and tax.
Departure Tax: Departure tax of NZ$22 payable at the airport.
Duty-Free Shopping: 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 will deliver purchases to aircraft departure gates.
Banking and Traveller’s Cheques
Trading bank hours are 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Banking facilities are also available at Auckland International Airport.
Traveller’s cheques can be issued and cashed at banks, and also at bureaux de change, hotels and shops in cities and towns.
Driving
Most rental car companies require an international driver’s licence. The driver must be at least 21 years of age.
Commercial Business
Hours are Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm
Climate
Located on a similar latitude to San Francisco or Athens, the Auckland region enjoys a temperate climate with a typical summer (November to March) temperature range of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit), and winter range of 10 to 17 degrees Celsius (50 to 63 degrees Fahrenheit).
Electricity
New Zealand’s electricity is supplied at 230 volts, 50 hertz, although hotels and motels provide 110 volt-20 watt sockets for electric razors only.
Emergency Services
111 is the emergency number for Police, Fire and Ambulance.
Geography
The Auckland region straddles an isthmus that narrows to 1.8 km at one point. To the south and west of the city lies the Manukau Harbour opening to the West Coast and Tasman Sea; to the east, the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf; and to the north west of the city is the Kaipara Harbour – New Zealand’s largest harbour.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
New Zealand has a 12.5% goods and services tax known as GST. Overseas visitors cannot claim it back. Some stores may waive GST if you show onward or return air tickets.
Health and Medical Facilities
No vaccination certificates are required.
There are no snakes or dangerous wild animals in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s public and private medical and hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and care.
Medical services are not free to visitors. Travel and health insurance for delegates and partners is strongly recommended.
Mobile Telephones
New Zealand operates on a 900 or 1800 MHz frequency network as do most countries with the exception of Canada and USA. Mobile telephones from these countries will not operate in New Zealand.
You can purchase a New Zealand compatible phone or SIM card upon arrival.
Money
New Zealand currency comprises New Zealand dollars ($) and cents. Notes are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins are $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c.
Major international credit cards are accepted throughout New Zealand.
There are no restrictions on the value of foreign currency that can be imported or exported into or from New Zealand.
Postal Services
You can buy stamps and post items at Post Shops. Stamps can also be purchased from stationers and convenience stores. Look for red, black and white post boxes to post letters. Hotels also provide postal services.
Shopping
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm, Late nights Thursday or Friday to 9pm
Most central city shops as well as shops in Parnell and Newmarket and large suburban shopping malls are open all day Saturday and Sunday.
Victoria Park Market in Victoria Street, Auckland Central is open 10am – 6pm daily.
Aotea Square Markets run from 10am – 6pm, Fridays and Saturdays.
Telephone Directory Services
Most phone boxes are card phones. Phone cards can be bought at convenience stores and service stations.
Dial 018 for directory assistance. New Zealand’s international code is +64.
Time
New Zealand is close to the international date line and is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. In early October every year, all clocks in New Zealand are put forward one hour, extending the hours of daylight. Clocks are put back again in March.
Tipping and Service charges
Tipping is not expected, but you may wish to tip for extra special service or kindness.
Visas
Currently travellers from more than 50 countries do not require a visitor’s visa for stays of less than three months. For further information about visas, please visit www.immigration.govt.nz
Water Supply
New Zealand cities and towns have excellent public water supplies. In all cases tap (faucet) water is fresh and safe to drink.