Helpful Travel Information - New Zealand

Size:

269 000 sq km.

Population:

3 800 000

Capital City:

Wellington

Climate:

The south of New Zealand has a temperate climate while the north is subtropical. Summer's maximum temperature ranges from 20 - 30(C and in winter between 10-15(C. For weather charts and climate information, check out www.metservice.co.nz.

Time zone:

New Zealand operates 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Daylight Saving operates from October to the end of March when clocks go forward an hour.

Driving in New Zealand

To drive in New Zealand you need either an International Drivers Permit or a valid drivers licence from your own country for the same class of vehicle. You need to carry your licence at all times when driving. The standard legal age to rent a vehicle is 25 years old.

Health

Health Insurance: Private health insurance is strongly recommended. You will have to pay medical and hospital fees except in the case of an accident.
Accident Compensation Scheme: In the case of an accident, travellers are covered by the Accident Compensation Scheme which includes some medical and hospital costs. However you should make sure your travel insurance covers accidents. For more info on New Zealand's health service, contact Accident Info Services on 0800 263 345 (from New Zealand).

Banks

Usually open 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. New Zealand banks include Westpac, ANZ and the Bank of New Zealand.
Lost Cards:
VISA: 0-508 600 300
Mastercard: 0800-44-9140
American Express: 1300 132 639

Communications

Telephone: International calling cards are the cheapest way to call overseas. Very few public phones accept coins, so it's a good idea to buy a public call-phone take cards, from newsagents (minimum value of NZ$2).
International area code: 64
To call overseas: 00 + country code
Emergency: Ambulance/Fire/Police: 111
Local operator: 010 International directory assistance: 0172
Post: Usually open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Many post offices offer Poste Restante and hold letters for up to three month. There is no charge for letter mail, but a small charge for holding parcels.