NEW ZEALAND – GENERAL INFORMATION
 |
NEW
ZEALAND
GENERAL INFORMATION
(3.2025)
GEOGRAPHY
Credit: Central Intelligence Agency
HISTORY
The Polynesian Maori reached
In that same year, the British began the
first organized colonial settlement. A series of land wars between 1843 and
1872 ended with the defeat of the native peoples. The British colony of
THE PEOPLE
People from a wide
range of European countries have arrived since Captain James Cook to make up
75% of the population while Maori
make up about 10%. The Maori first
arrived on the shores just over 1,000 years ago at the close of the last
millennium. Today, the Maori have
adopted western lifestyles but have actively been encouraged to keep alive
their culture, language and art. Other ethnic groups have arrived from
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS
Should a visitor be invited to a formal Maori
occasion, the hongi (pressing of noses) is common. Casual dress is widely acceptable. New
Zealanders are generally very relaxed and hospitable. Stiff formality is rarely
appreciated, and, after introductions, first names are generally used. Smoking
is restricted where indicated. It is banned in pubs and restaurants as well as
on public transport or in public buildings.
LANGUAGES
English is the
common and everyday language of
GOVERNMENT
Constitutional monarchy since
1907.
TIME ZONE
ELECTRICITY
Electricity is supplied throughout
Please note that power outlets only accept
flat 3 or 2-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.
CLIMATE
The seasons:
- Spring:
September-November
- Summer:
December-February
- Fall:
March-May
- Winter:
June-August
Clothes to Wear:
Dress is informal and relaxed on most
occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and
nightspots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a
few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities.
LOGISTICAL
Entry and Exit
Requirements:
If you are going to visit New Zealand,
please take the time to tell the US-Consulate in Auckland about your trip. If
you check in, they can keep you up to date with important safety and security
announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with
you in an emergency.
Embassy and High
Commission Locations:
29
Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon
Tel:
(644) 462-6000
Fax:
(644) 471-2380
http://newzealand.usembassy.gov/
High Commission of
Level
11, 125 The Terrace
Tel:
(644) 473-9577
Fax:
(644) 471-2082
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/new_zealand-nouvelle_zelande/index.
aspx?lang=eng
Health:
Information on
vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water
precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for
international travelers at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or via the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of
infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health
Organization (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/topics/infectious_
diseases/en/. The WHO website also contains additional health information
for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.
Banks and Currency:
New Zealand
Dollar (NZD; symbol: NZ$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of NZ$100,
50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of NZ$2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10
cents.
Exchange facilities are widely available throughout New
Zealand.
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely
accepted. ATM’s are common.
There are no restrictions on the import and export of
either local or foreign currency, subject to declarations for cash amounts of
NZ$10,000 upon departure or arrival.
Banking Hours: Mon-Fri
09:30 am-04:30 pm, except public holidays.
Communication:
Country code: 64.
Mobile
Telephone: roaming agreements exist
with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.
There are Internet cafes in cities and smaller town
central business districts. Travelers may access the Internet at many hotels
and youth hostels.
Airmail to the USA may take up to 10 days. Post office hours: Mon-Fri
9am-5pm and Sat 9am-12:30 pm in some larger towns.
Cell
Phone Usage:
Please contact your cell phone provider to
determine whether your contract includes coverage in the country you are
visiting. Depending on your contract you may have to add international services
and/or country specific services.
ENTERTAINMENT
Food and Drink:
New Zealand has a reputation as a leading producer of meat and dairy
produce with lamb, beef and pork on most menus. Venison is also widely
available. A variety of fish is available, including snapper, grouper and John Dory. Seasonal delicacies such as
whitebait, oysters, crayfish, scallops and game birds are recommended. New
Zealand is also establishing a reputation for French-type cheeses: bleu de Bresse, brie, camembert and montagne bleu.
Restaurants are usually informal except very exclusive ones.
Waiter service is normal, but self-service and fast-food chains are
available. Bars have counter service and public bars are very informal. Lounge
bars and ‘house bars’ (for hotel guests only) are sometimes more formal and
occasionally have table service. There is some variation in licensing
hours in major cities and some hotel bars open Sunday, providing a meal is
eaten. In most hotels and taverns, licensing hours are 11am-11pm except Sunday.
National
specialities:
• Kumara (native sweet
potato) in Auckland
• Feijoa (local fruit)
and golden-fleshed Zespri
Gold kiwi fruit from the Bay of Plenty
• Battered fish and chips from Gisbourne
• Salmon and green-lipped mussels from Marlborough
• Paua (abalone) from Stewart Island
• Toheroa (clam) from Ninety Mile Beach
National drinks:
New Zealand boasts world-class domestic wines and beers, many of which
have won international awards. A wide range of domestic and imported wines,
spirits and beers is available from hotel bars, ‘liquor stores' and wine shops
• Merlot (Auckland and Wairarapa), Chardonnay (Bay of Plenty, Gisbourne,
Wairarapa and Canterbury), Pinot Gris and Noir (Auckland, Wairarapa,
Marlborough and Central Otago), Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough and Wairarapa)
• New Zealand draught beer and lager
Nightlife:
Lively DJ and band
scenes, particularly in the larger cities, have given
Shopping:
Most shops and businesses are open 9am to
5pm, Monday to Friday, as a minimum. Many stores also open on Saturdays and
some open on Sundays. New Zealand offers a huge variety of shopping from arts
and craft markets, galleries and museum shops to exclusive designer stores. For
traditional New Zealand souvenirs look for examples of superb Maori carvings in wood, bone and pounamu (greenstone or jade). You can
also find jewelry and ornaments made from the iridescent paua shell (abalone), treasured by Maori for centuries. New Zealand potters are recognized as among
the worlds finest and today many fine artisans are also working in stone, wood,
glass and metals.
The country's vast wool industry makes it
possible to find wonderful hand-knitted wool sweaters, beautiful wall hangings,
homespun yarns and top-quality sheepskins. Alongside top international fashion
in boutique stores in the main city areas, you will also find New Zealand's own
award-winning fashion labels.
BAGGAGE
Baggage rules for international and domestic
air travel have changed much in recent years, differ from carrier to carrier
and these days even may cover your on-board bags. Checking luggage may cost a
separate fee or may be free depending on your personal status with the carrier.
We therefore encourage you to read your ticket’s small print and/or contact
your carrier for exact rules.
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. If you feel
your coach driver and tour guide provided excellent service, we can recommend
tipping US$1-$2 per person per day for driver and US$5 per person per day for
guide, equivalent in local currency.
LAUNDRY
Most
hotels will arrange affordable laundry services for guests.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
In some countries you must refrain from
photographing sites such as Military bases and industrial installations. Also
be aware of cultural sensitivities when taking pictures of or near churches and
other religious sites. It is always courteous to ask for permission before
taking photographs of people.
USE
OF DRONES
The use of drones is being legislated by
many countries. In some cases drones are already forbidden and their
unauthorized use may carry severe penalties. If you plan to travel with a drone
please contact the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit.