About New Zealand
Aotearoa/New Zealand’s awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind.
New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural, and the honesty, friendliness, and openness of Kiwis will impress you. And the great advantage of New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other!
Population
New Zealand has an estimated population of more than 4 million with the North Islanders making up more than 3 million of the population and the South Islanders more than 1 million. Visit Statistic New Zealand’s web site for up to date information.
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Geography
New Zealand is located in the southern Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,600 km (995 miles) east of Australia. It is comprised of two main islands (the North and South Islands) and a number of smaller islands, with a total land area of 268,021 sq km. New Zealand’s geography includes a range of spectacular landscapes including the mountain range of the Southern Alps. The fiords, rainforests, glaciers and lakes and the coastal plains of Canterbury add to the variety of the South Island scenery, also the volcanic region of the North Island.
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Four Lovely Seasons in New Zealand
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 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC.
You can check on weather conditions in New Zealand on the New Zealand Met Service web site
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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Recommended Clothing
Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities.
In summer a jacket and sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so also include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing.
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Regional Temperatures - Climate Chart
Mean daily maximum/minimum temperatures in Celsius and Fahrenheit
| City |
Spring
Sep, Oct, Nov
|
Summer
Dec, Jan, Feb
|
Autumn
Mar, Apr, May
|
Winter
Jun, Jul, Aug
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Bay of Islands |
|
|
|
|
| Temp (C) |
19/9 |
25/14 |
21/11 |
16/7 |
| Temp (F) |
67/48 |
76/56 |
70/52 |
61/45 |
| Rain Days |
11 |
7 |
11 |
16 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Auckland |
|
|
|
|
| Temp (C) |
18/11 |
24/12 |
20/13 |
15/9 |
| Temp (F) |
65/52 |
75/54 |
68/55 |
59/48 |
| Rain Days |
12 |
8 |
11 |
15 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Rotorua |
|
|
|
|
| Temp (C) |
17/7 |
24/12 |
18/9 |
13/4 |
| Temp (F) |
63/45 |
75/54 |
65/48 |
55/39 |
| Rain Days |
11 |
9 |
9 |
13 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Wellington |
|
|
|
|
| Temp (C) |
15/9 |
20/13 |
17/11 |
12/6 |
| Temp (F) |
59/48 |
68/55 |
63/52 |
54/43 |
| Rain Days |
11 |
7 |
10 |
13 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Christchurch |
|
|
|
|
| Temp (C) |
17/7 |
22/12 |
18/8 |
12/3 |
| Temp (F) |
63/45 |
72/45 |
65/46 |
54/37 |
| Rain Days |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Queenstown |
|
|
|
|
| Temp (C) |
16/5 |
22/10 |
16/6 |
10/1 |
| Temp (F) |
61/41 |
72/50 |
61/43 |
50/34 |
| Rain Days |
9 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
Health and Safety
New Zealand is one of the safest travel destinations in the world, with a relatively low crime rate, few endemic diseases and a first-class healthcare and accident compensation system. However, we recommend you observe the same precautions with your personal safety and your possessions as you would in any other country or at home.
- Keep copies of your important documents, e.g. passport and credit cards, and keep them separate from the originals.
- Keep a record of the description and serial number of valuable items, eg digital cameras.
- Dial 111 in emergencies.
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Keeping Yourself Safe
Crime rates in New Zealand are lower than many other countries, but you can help keep yourself and others safe by following these simple tips:
- If possible, go places with someone you know and trust.
- Be aware of your surroundings when walking and sightseeing.
- Late at night, stay in places that are well lit and with other people. Don’t take short cuts through parks or alleyways. Take a taxi or get a ride with someone you know.
- Drugs and more than moderate amounts of alcohol can lower your awareness and increase your vulnerability.
- In a bar, avoid accepting drinks from strangers and don’t leave your drink unattended.
- If using an ATM withdraw small amounts - preferably during the day - and shield your pin.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.
- Keep valuable items close to your body.
- The police recommend you don’t accept rides from people you don’t know.
- While still relatively safe in New Zealand, we recommend you don’t hitchhike.
- For more tips on driving in New Zealand see Road Rules and Safety
- Lock your accommodation (including camper vans) and secure windows at night.
- Carry a mobile phone and don’t hesitate to dial New Zealand’s emergency phone number if you feel unsafe or threatened - dial 111.
- Carry a basic first-aid kit for use in emergencies.
- The impact of freedom camping on the environment, as well as safety concerns, mean that Tourism New Zealand does not recommend freedom camping in New Zealand.
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Getting Help
The emergency telephone number in New Zealand is 111. It is a free phone call. If you have an emergency and need a quick response from the Police, the Fire Service, Ambulance or Search and Rescue, dial 111.
There are Police Stations in all main towns and cities in New Zealand and in many rural locations. Contact details can be found in local telephone books.
Don’t hesitate to contact the police if you feel unsafe or threatened. And do report any theft and crime to the police immediately.
Keeping Safe Via Text Messaging
New Zealand's two main mobile phone providers offer a text messaging service for visitors.
You can send updates about your location and travel movements via txt to number 7233 [SAFE]. These details are kept on a central database which can be accessed by police if necessary.
Each text message sent to 7233 will be acknowledged by an automated response, which advises you to call 111 and request police assistance if you are in danger.
Police and the New Zealand tourism industry encourage you to use this service as another way of letting people know where you are and what you are doing while in our country.
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Keeping Your Possessions Safe
Follow these commonsense precautions to help keep your possessions safe:
- Always lock your accommodation or vehicle and keep windows secure when unattended, and at night.
- Hand your room key to reception rather than carrying it with you.
- Never leave valuables in parked vehicles.
- Don’t leave maps, luggage or visitor brochures visible in your vehicle.
- Store valuables securely, ideally in a safe at your accommodation.
- Try and park camper vans in designated areas.
- Never leave bags, backpacks, wallets or cameras unattended in any public place, especially airports, ferry terminals or railway stations.
- If any of your possessions are stolen or valuable items misplaced, advise local police as soon as possible.
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Accidents and Health Insurance
With a little care and common sense, your visit to New Zealand should be accident-free. If you are injured here, you may need the help of the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) - New Zealand's accident compensation scheme.
In New Zealand, you cannot sue anyone for compensatory damages if you are injured. Instead ACC helps pay for your care - and that means paying towards the cost of your treatment and helping in your recovery while you remain in New Zealand.
You still need to purchase your own travel and medical insurance because ACC does not cover everything. ACC only covers treatment and rehabilitation in New Zealand, and usually you must pay part of the cost yourself. If you have a serious injury, with long-term effects, you may also be eligible to be assessed for lump-sum compensation once the injury is stable.
The ACC does not pay any additional costs resulting from an accident, for example delayed or curtailed travel costs, travel home, treatment at home and loss of income in your home country.
We strongly advise you to arrange your own health insurance. New Zealand's public and private medical/hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and service but it is important to note these services are not free to visitors, except as a result of an accident.
Visitors bringing in a quantity of medication are advised to carry a doctor's certificate to avoid possible problems with New Zealand Customs. Doctor's prescriptions are needed to obtain certain drugs in New Zealand.
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Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand.
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Safety in the water
Given New Zealand's subtropical climate, it is no surprise that New Zealanders like to spend so much of their leisure time in the water. However water can conceal hazards. We recommend that you visit Water Safety New Zealand's web site for advice on how to stay safe on New Zealand's beaches and waterways. Beaches with potential hazards are often patrolled by lifeguards, who put up yellow and red flags - Water Safety New Zealand recommend that between these flags is the safest place to swim on these beaches.
Other advice includes having an adult watching over children at all times, to listen to advice from life guards, never swim or surf alone, learning to recognise rip currents, always using safe equipment, never swimming or surfing when tired or cold, considering other surf users and staying out of the water if in doubt.
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Safety Precautions
Although there are no snakes or dangerous wild animals in New Zealand, you should be aware of the following:
- Variable Weather - Weather conditions in New Zealand alpine areas can change rapidly. Be prepared for cold wet weather if you plan to walk in our National Parks, whatever the time of year.
Sand flies - In wetter areas, particularly in Fiordland, sand flies can be pests, but are effectively controlled by use of an insect repellent.
- Giardia - Giardia is a water-borne parasite that causes diarrhoea. To avoid contracting it, it is best not to drink water from lakes, ponds or rivers without first boiling, chemically treating or filtering it.
- Sunburn - New Zealand's clear, unpolluted atmosphere and relatively low latitudes produce sunlight stronger than much of Europe or North America, so be prepared to wear hats and sun block if you plan to be out in the sun for more than 15-20 minutes.
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Smoking
To protect people from the health effects of second-hand smoke, smoking in all hospitality venues, including bars, restaurants, cafes, and casinos, is prohibited in New Zealand. If you smoke, please remember to smoke outside.
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Life and Leisure
Getting away from the crowds is never a problem in New Zealand. Even those living in the major centres are often within less than a twenty minute drive to open and untouched countryside. As a result many New Zealanders enjoy a range of outdoor pursuits with most weekends and holidays spent in the outdoors. New Zealand is also home to many fine wineries, which can be found in both the central North Island and the South Island.
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Money/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.
For the most up to date exchange rates visit www.xe.com
All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and at major shops and stores.
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Salaries Tax and Annual leave
Salary and Wage earners have an amount of tax (PAYE) approx. 33% up to $60k and 39% above, deducted from their wages and salary by their employer, which is then forwarded to the IRD (Inland Revenue Dept) on a regular basis. All employees must have a tax IRD number that can be obtained from the IRD department.
Annual leave is typically 4 weeks with 11 statutory holidays per year.
Goods and Services Tax or GST is a consumer tax on the purchase or sale of goods and services supplied within New Zealand. The current GST rate is 12.5%. Most goods and services are purchased GST inclusive.
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Transport
New Zealand has a good range of transportation including air, train, buses, taxis and rental cars. All drivers must have a driver's license. If you have an international driving license or permit you can drive in New Zealand, however you will need to apply for a New Zealand drivers license within 12 months of arrival.
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Accommodation
The price and quality of rental homes vary and it is advisable that you visit the property personally before signing a Tenancy Agreement also known as a lease.
If buying a home it is advisable that you take time to look around and become familiar with the market. Prices for homes in New Zealand vary considerably and a lot depends on where they are located.
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Acknowledgement Statement
Red Kinetics Resources NZ Ltd acknowledges Tourism New Zealand for the excerpt of About NZ page contents. Visit www.newzealand.com for more information about New Zealand.
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