Golf New Zealand
Explore New Zealand and enjoy a round or two in our great Golf Escapes packages!

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Guides / FAQ

Introduction

Visiting New Zealand

Driving in New Zealand

General New Zealand Information

Travel Agents

Using the Website

How do I book online?

Website Owners

Link to our website

Informaion / Answers

Introduction

Visiting New Zealand

When should I visit New Zealand?
When isn’t a good time to see New Zealand?! New Zealand is beautiful year round and has so much to offer in all seasons. With great snow and skiing in Winter – golden beaches and sunshine in summer, beautiful colours and breathtaking scenery in Autumn and Spring. New Zealand offers it all. The best time of year to see New Zealand will ultimately depend on what you want to see and do. Seasonal temperature variation is by about 10 - 15 degrees Celsius between Summer and Winter throughout most of the Country. Refer to our climate indicators for average temperature listings. New Zealand’s seasons are; Summer – December to February, Autumn – March – May, Winter – June to August and Spring – September to November. These are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere.

The highest temperature ever recorded in New Zealand was 42 degrees Celsius in Marlborough, Christchurch and Rangiora (in Canterbury). The lowest temperature ever recorded in New Zealand was –22 degrees Celsius in Ophir, Central Otago.

For current weather information go to the Met Service website.

To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit: multiply by 9, divide by 5 and then add 32.

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Do I need a passport or visa to enter New Zealand?
Every visitor entering New Zealand must have and carry a valid passport, which has a validity of at least three months beyond the date you intend to depart New Zealand. All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the country. It must not be damaged, defaced or excessively worn. It must show a visa or permit if you are required to obtain one.

You do not currently need a visa if you are:

A New Zealand citizen or Resident Permit holder

An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport

An Australian resident with a current Australian resident return visa

A British citizen and or British passport holder who can produce evidence of the right to reside permanently in the UK (you can stay up to six months)

A citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand (you can stay up to three months)
For further information on countries with a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand visit the Visa Free Countries section of the Immigration New Zealand website.

If your country has a Visa-Free agreement with New Zealand you still need to provide:

Travel tickets or evidence of onward travel arrangements

Evidence that your can support yourself in New Zealand (approximately NZ$1000 per month per person).
For full information on Passports, Visa’s and any applications visit the Immigration New Zealand website as this website is updated with the most current rules and regulations on entry to New Zealand.

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Where are the International Airports?
New Zealand has three main international airports those being Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Auckland is the major gateway to New Zealand with services from most continents landing in Auckland with easy and convenient connections onto the other cities and regional locations within the North and South Islands. Some flights from Australia now land in Queenstown, Dunedin, Hamilton and Palmerston North. Check with your Travel Agent or preferred airline for schedule details.
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Quarantine Information for Visitors to New Zealand
For information relating to (MAF) Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries who provide all visitors screening at airports and ports in New Zealand, click Here.
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Mobile Phones (Cell Phones)
Most service providers offer international roaming facilities in New Zealand. It is best to check before departure if your carrier offers this service and the associated costs. Vodaphone in New Zealand have shops at Auckland and Christchurch airports where you can rent a SIM card and/or mobile phone for the duration of your holiday. Some Motorhome companies offer a mobile phone as an optional extra, which you can pre-arrange with your Travel Agent and Kirra Tours.
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When is the best time to go trekking/hiking in New Zealand?
Tracks such as the Abel Tasman and Queen Charlotte Track located at the top of the South Island can be walked all year round, along with the Hollyford Valley Track in the lower South Island. However, the tracks at higher altitudes such as the world famous Milford Track, Kepler and Routeburn are closed in the winter due to snow. You must book well in advance to walk the Milford and Routeburn tracks, which are open between October and April and bookings for these walks generally open in the February prior to the season opening.
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Disabled Facilities
New Zealand law requires that every new building and major reconstruction provide ‘reasonable and adequate’ access for people with disabilities. Most facilities have wheelchair access, but is wise to check when booking. Weka is New Zealand’s disability information website with information for people with disabilities, their families and caregivers.

If you are a tourist from outside of New Zealand and would like to hire a car for your stay, Mobility Parking Permits are available from branches of New Zealand CCS, which are in all the main centres. Addresses are on their website at www.ccs.org.nz. These concessions do not apply in privately owned parking facilities.

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Travelling with children?
New Zealand has a wide range of activities, which cater specifically to families. New Zealand’s spectacular scenery and parks and wilderness areas provide great opportunities for families to get out explore. In additional almost all major towns and cities have activities such as horse riding, snow skiing (winter), dolphin swimming, whalewatching, aquariums, beaches, lakes and much more.

Other locations catering to family groups include Rainbows End Theme Park (Auckland), Splash Planet (Hastings), Marine Land (Napier) and the International Antarctic Centre (Christchurch). Te Papa (Wellington), New Zealand’s interactive national museum, has a range of activities for the whole family to enjoy, including Story Place, a haven for small children.

New Zealand’s network of I-site Visitor Information Centres offer a great source of information for local activities and attractions, which are suitable and fun for a family.

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Tipping
Tipping is not normally expected in New Zealand. If you have been given exceptional service, tipping is certainly acceptable and the amount discretionary. Some restaurants may add a surcharge for weekends and/or public holidays, which will most likely be displayed on their menu.
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What Airlines fly to New Zealand
Many of the worlds major airlines fly directly to New Zealand and will land at Auckland International Airport. Air New Zealand, Qantas and Pacific Blue offer domestic connections to most major towns and cities throughout New Zealand.

Travelling from Australia:
Air New Zealand
Qantas
Emirates
Pacific Blue (Virgin Blue)
Royal Brunei

Travelling from United Kingdom:
Air New Zealand
Qantas
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Emirates
Thai

Travelling from United States
Air New Zealand
Qantas

Travelling from Europe, Asia
Air New Zealand
Qantas
Singapore Airlines
Emirates
Thai
Cathay Pacific

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Accidents and Personal Insurance
Visitors to New Zealand are covered by the ACC scheme, which is a Government-run scheme for personal injury, by accident. Claims may be lodged with the Accident Compensation and Rehabilitation Insurance Corporation (ACC) irrespective of fault. Some medical/hospital expenses and physical disability compensation are covered, but not loss of earnings outside New Zealand. Actions for damages may not be brought, and personal travel insurance should therefore cover accidents. Accident care is subsidized. ACC does not cover any medical treatment relating to illness.
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Driving in New Zealand

What is the cost of Diesel/Petrol?
Petrol prices in New Zealand do vary from cities to towns however currently (Oct 09) the prices were Unleaded $1.57 for Petrol and $0.99 for Diesel.
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Tourist Radio
Tourist Information FM, available in most tourist areas, has been specially established to provide information to visitors 24 hours a day. For English-language broadcasts, tune your radio to 88.2FM. German-language broadcasts are available on the 100.4FM frequency, and Japanese language broadcasts are found on 100.8FM.
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Road Safety
Many of New Zealand’s roads are very scenic and traffic is relatively low in comparison to many international destinations.

Due to New Zealand’s landscape it is easy to underestimate the driving time required as although distances may appear short, the road may be windy and hilly which will reduce your average speed and generally most driving guides work on 80km/h when calculating the time required

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IMPORTANT DRIVING NOTES

In New Zealand, drive on the left-hand side of the road, most rental vehicles will have a sticker reminding you of this important fact.

All distances on signs are displayed in kilometres (Km)

When turning left, give way (yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right.

When the traffic light is red, you must stop. There is no left turn rule as in North America.

The speed limit on the open road is 100km/h (approx 60m/h). In urban areas the speed limit is 50km/h. Be sure to obey all school crossing speed reductions as speed cameras operate regularly throughout New Zealand.

Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times, in both front and rear seats. The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers are wearing their seatbelts.

If you feel tired or sleepy there are many country cafes offering free coffee to tired drivers – look out for signs as you travel.

Do not drink alcohol before driving in New Zealand – drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced.

For further information and up to date road conditions visit the Transit New Zealand website

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International Driving Licences
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver’s licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). After 12 months you are required to convert to a New Zealand licence. This applies to each visit to New Zealand.

Recent law changes mean all drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their licence or permit at all times when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21 years.

Make sure your driver’s licence is current. If your licence is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you, or obtain an IDP. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or and IDP.

Rental Motorhomes may be driven using a standard car license or IDP, no additional license categories are required.

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General New Zealand Information

Can I use my Credit Cards/ATM cards in New Zealand?
All major international credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club can be used in New Zealand and Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. If your credit card is encoded with a PIN number you will be able to withdraw cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs) situated at banks and shopping centres throughout the New Zealand. In addition there are many money exchange booths located in shopping centres (malls) and in the bigger towns and cities.
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When are School Holidays in New Zealand?
New Zealand schools follow a 4-term system. For up to date information on School Holiday periods refer to the Ministry of Education website.
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What clothing should I pack?
New Zealand generally follows an informal dress standard in bars and restaurants on most occasions. We would suggest smart casual clothes, which will be acceptable in most restaurants and nightclubs. If you are planning on eating at fine dining establishments you will need to dress accordingly. You should always pack clothes, which allow you to layer in the event of the weather turning cooler, even in summer. We would suggest packing a light raincoat or poncho for travel all year round. If you are traveling during the cooler winter months then take a warmer jacket layer and consider an under layer for warmth.
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Where can I smoke in New Zealand?
To protect people from the health effects of second-hand smoke, New Zealand has prohibited smoking in public venues including restaurants, cafes and casinos. If you do smoke, please remember to do so outside.
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Important Phone Numbers
Emergency services – FREE CALL (and state police, fire and ambulance) – 111
Local operator – 010
International operator – 0170
NZ directory assistance – 018
International directory assistance – 0172
National direct dialing full area code (with the 0 prefix) and local number
International direct dialing 00 followed by country code, area code and local number

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What is New Zealand’s Electrical Voltage?
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), although most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Please note that power outlets only accept flat three or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. (Australian electrical appliances fit New Zealand sockets without an adaptor)
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Which is New Zealand’s Capital City?
Wellington located at the bottom of the North Island and is the New Zealand’s capital city. It is home to New Zealand’s Parliament, known as the ‘Beehive’, The National Archives, National Library and Old Government Buildings (also the second largest wooden building in the world). Wellington is also home to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand with an array of displays including many interactive features making this a must see activity.
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General Shopping/Business Hours
Office and businesses operate Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm; some airlines have longer hours. Petrol (gas) stations often open 24 hours, stocking food and newspapers. Shops are usually open 9am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday, with late shopping usually Thursday or Friday. Many supermarkets, grocery stores, some large retail chains, most shopping malls and markets also operate Saturdays and Sundays; large supermarkets are often open 24 hours. Local convenience stores – dairies – usually open 7am-7pm daily.
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New Zealand’s Currency
The currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar and it is divided into 100 cents. Currently available are coins in denominations of 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 and notes: $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. International currency can be changed at most hotels and in many of the towns and cities Foreign Exchange booths will exchange cash and travellers cheques.
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Goods and Services Tax (GST)
GST (Goods and Services Tax) is applied on all products in New Zealand and is currently 12.5%. Unless otherwise stated all prices include GST. All visitors to New Zealand have to pay GST and the tax is non-refundable when leaving New Zealand.
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New Zealand Weights and Measures
New Zealand operates on the metric system.
1m (metre) = 1.1 yards
1km (kilometre) = 0.62 miles
1ha (hectare) = 2.5 acres

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Public Health Services
Public and private health facilities have a high standard of treatment and care. Larger hotels often have a local doctor on call; otherwise, doctors and other medical services are listed in the front of the telephone directory. It is highly recommended that you purchase adequate Travel Insurance prior to travelling to fully cover you in the event of any unexpected illness as medical services are not free.
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Sun & UVSkin Protection
Due to New Zealand’s high level of ultraviolet radiation it is highly advisable to wear sunglasses and/or a hat if spending time in the sun, and to use sunscreen (SPF30+) even if the day is overcast, or if skiing. Most network news services provide a ‘burn time’ each day that advises the duration with exposure to the sun before your skin will start to burn.
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New Zealand Post
New Zealand Post has branches in all towns and cities offering postal services for nationally and internationally. You can also obtain stamps from newsagents, supermarkets and local convenience shops.
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New Zealand Public Holidays
Many shops and businesses will close on public holidays, all banks close on every public holiday. You will find major shopping centre’s/malls will open every day besides Christmas Day and Good Friday. The public holiday dates are:

2010:

New Year Holidays 1 & 2 January

Waitangi Day 6 February

Good Friday 2 April

Easter Monday 5 April

ANZAC Day 25 April

Queen’s Birthday 7 June

Labour Day 25 October

Christmas Day 25 December

Boxing Day 26 December

2009

New Year Holidays 1 & 2 January

Waitangi Day 6 February

Good Friday 10 April

Easter Monday 14 April

ANZAC Day 25 April

Queen’s Birthday 1 June

Labour Day 26 October

Christmas Day 25 December

Boxing Day 26 December

Note that if a public holiday falls on a weekend day, it may be observed on the following Monday.
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Travel Agents

Travel Agent Reservations
Kirra Tours provides a private system for affiliated Travel Agents to quickly create and submit itineraries on behalf of their customers. These agents can login from Here. If you would like to register your Travel Agency, go Here.

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Searching for a Travel Agent?
Click Here to see a list of our preferred Travel Agents within Australia. You can order your Kirra Tours brochures online and also take these to your local Travel Agent to make any reservations.
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Using the Website

How do I book online?
Check out the How do I book online? Article.
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Website Owners

Link to our website
If you would like to add a link from your website to our website, we provide some examples that you can use Here.
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