Welcome to New Zealand 😊

Quick Facts About New Zealand

Money and Finances

The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). Coins come in denominations of 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2. Notes are available in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

ATM Network

ATM networks are extensive throughout New Zealand, particularly in major cities and tourist destinations.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in New Zealand, with Visa and Mastercard being the most commonly accepted. AMEX is less commonly accepted, particularly in smaller towns and less popular tourist destinations.

Internet and Phones

New Zealand has an average internet speed of 20 Mbps for both uploads and downloads. There is no government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The major telco companies in New Zealand are Spark, Vodafone, and 2degrees. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around NZD 40 per month. There are no significant sim compatibility issues.

Dialling to New Zealand

To call New Zealand from another country, dial +64 followed by the area code and phone number. The area codes used within the country are 03 for the South Island, 04 for the Wellington region, 06 for the central North Island, 07 for the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, and 09 for the Auckland region.

Transport Around New Zealand

Air Travel

New Zealand has several major airports including Auckland International Airport, Wellington International Airport, and Christchurch International Airport. These airports offer both domestic and international flights.

Train Travel

The inter-city train network in New Zealand consists of three main routes: Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific, and TranzAlpine. A one-way journey on the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth costs around $150 and takes about 4.5 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

New Zealand's major cities have local train systems, including the Auckland metro and Wellington metro. These systems provide transportation within the city limits.

Buses

New Zealand has an extensive bus network, with several companies offering both inter-city and regional services. A one-way journey from Auckland to Wellington with Intercity costs approximately $50 and takes around 11 hours.

Rideshare

Uber and Ola are the primary rideshare companies operating in New Zealand, with average fares varying depending on the location and time of day.

Driving by Car

Driving in New Zealand is relatively easy, with good quality roads and well-maintained highways. The speed limit varies depending on the location, but is generally 50-100 km/h. New Zealand drives on the left-hand side of the road.

Local Customs

In New Zealand, tipping is not a common practice, but it is appreciated for exceptional service. Locals usually greet each other with a handshake or a 'Kia ora' (Maori greeting). It is common for people to speak with strangers and strike up conversations. Men and women address each other using first names and it is considered polite to use someone's first name when addressing them.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

New Zealand has a publicly funded healthcare system, called the 'National Health Service'. Basic medical treatment is free for citizens and eligible residents, while more specialized treatments may require payment. A visit to a general practitioner can cost around $50-$80 NZD. It is recommended for travelers to have travel insurance, as medical expenses can be quite high for non-residents.

COVID Situation

New Zealand has been widely praised for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with strict border controls and a national lockdown helping to control the spread of the virus. As of June 2021, there have been very few cases reported in the country, and life has largely returned to normal.

Common Health Risks

While New Zealand is generally a safe country, there are still some health risks to be aware of. Lyme Disease is not present in New Zealand and the country is free from mosquitoes that carry malaria and dengue fever. However, there are some risks from exposure to UV radiation, especially during the summer months. Water-borne diseases such as giardia and cryptosporidium can be contracted from untreated water sources. The consumption of shellfish and other seafood can also pose a risk if contaminated.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In New Zealand, the legal drinking age is 18 years and the sale of alcohol to minors is strictly prohibited. However, there are some areas in New Zealand where the sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited.

Recreational Drugs

The recreational use of cannabis and other party drugs is illegal in New Zealand. Possession, cultivation, and distribution of drugs can result in severe punishment.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no legal restrictions on pre-marital relationships in New Zealand, but cultural and religious norms may still apply.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

New Zealand is one of the most progressive countries in terms of LGBTQ rights. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2013, and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is prohibited.

Firearms / Guns

New Zealand has strict gun laws and ownership requires obtaining a license. The use of firearms in self-defense is legal only in extreme situations, and the country has a voluntary gun buyback program.