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Population
4.2 million people, approx 3/4 live in the North Island.
Ethnic mix: European 75.8%, Maori 13.8%,
Pacific Islander 5.3%, Asian 4.5%.
Time Zone
New Zealand leads the world time wise. 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +12) and 19 hours ahead of Pacific Standard time (PST). Daylight Saving (GMT+13) begins on the last Sunday
in September and ends on the first Sunday in April.
 New Zealand Public Holidays
24 Oct 11 Labour Day
25-26 Dec 11 Xmas & Boxing Day
01-02 Jan 12 New Year’s Day
06 Feb 12 Waitangi Day
06 Apr 12 Good Friday
09 Apr 12 Easter Monday
25 Apr 12 Anzac Day
04 June 12 Queen’s Birthday
New Zealand School Holidays
 Primary, Intermediate & Secondary School
16 Jul 11 - 31 Jul 11
08 Oct 11 - 24 Oct 11
20 Dec 11 - 30 Jan 12
06 Apr 12 - 22 Apr 12
30 Jun 12 - 15 Jul 12
29 Sep 12 - 14 Oct 12
Entry Requirements
All visitors require a passport valid for at least 3 months after their planned departure date. Non Australian passport holders
can obtain requirements from the New Zealand Immigration
Service. PO Box 4130, Wellington, New Zealand.
Website www.immigration.govt.nz
Travel Insurance
New Zealand provides a high level of treatment in
both public and private hospitals, however these
services are not free, except in the case of an accident
whereby visitors are covered under the local Accident
Compensation Scheme for personal injury. It is
strongly recommended that you have your own
private travel insurance.
Electricity
230/240 volts, the same as Australia and Europe.
3 prong plugs are used. Appliances designed for
DC supply or different voltages need a transformer.
Goods & Services Tax (GST)
All goods and services in New Zealand are subject to a 15% Goods & Services Tax (GST) included in our prices. Visitors cannot claim a refund on this tax.
Driving
A full New Zealand, Australian, English language or International
Licence is required to hire most vehicles (& must be sighted
at commencement of hire). Min. age 21 years. Motorists
drive on the left-hand side of the road & operate right-hand
drive vehicles. Wearing seatbelts is mandatory. Speed limits are generally 100kph (60mph) on open roads & 50kph (30mph) through towns unless otherwise stated. Fuel prices vary from NZ$2.20 per litre for petrol to approx NZ$1.85 for diesel per litre. Don’t drink & drive! At the time of printing the legal alcohol limit for drivers was 80mg alcohol per 100ml of blood.
Rental cars are not permitted on unsealed roads. We urge
you to fully read your rental contracts before signing as
conditions vary between companies.
Important
Travel Insurance Vs Car Insurance
Personal travel insurance is a contract between the
insurance company & YOU. It is NOT between the
rental car company and the insurance company.
Therefore you’ll need to negotiate a level of
insurance cover with the car company and any
claims will be deducted from your credit card.
It’s then up to you to reclaim it from your travel
insurance company if appropriate.
Banking
There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency
that can be taken in or out of New Zealand, however
amounts of NZ$10,000 or more need to be declared.
Banks operate from Monday to Friday 9am- 4pm and are
willing to change travellers cheques, as are large shops and hotels,
however at a slightly lower rate. Credit cards are accepted throughout the country with Visa & American Express being the most popular. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available.
Climate
New Zealand has a temperate climate. Winter temperatures
(May - Aug) can range from 0ºC to 18ºC (32ºF to 65ºF) &
summer from 9ºC to 26ºC (48ºF to 79ºF). Because of its latitude
and wide ranging altitude, New Zealand’s weather can change
quickly. Days outside of the above averages are not uncommon.
It is recommended that a warm windproof jacket be carried
during all seasons. Note: due to the lack of air pollution it is
easy to burn in the sun, even on relatively cool days.
International Departure Tax
Auckland & Christchurch Airport, this tax is incorporated into the ticket price and will no longer be collected as a separate fee. For all other international airports NZ$25 per adult must be paid on departure.
Accommodation Ratings
Star ratings are approx. only & intended to help you gauge the level and type most suited to your needs. Wherever possible we have used the NZ official Qualmark rating which means properties have undergone a rigorous, independent assessment. As not all properties are Qualmark rated, we have tried to estimate an approx. star rating for the remainder. We stress that this is a guide only. We do not take any responsibility for a change in standards. It is also important that you recognise the difference between styles of accommodation eg. 5 star motels will not have the same level of services or facilities as 5 star hotels. Some properties have a range of styles making them difficult to categorise.
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Stars
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| stars |
Basic, well maintained standard |
| 3 stars |
Comfortable, moderate rating |
| 4 stars |
Exceptionally well appointed establishment |
| 5 stars |
Superior standard & extensive range of services |
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Category
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Description
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Hotel
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Generally has a licensed bar & restaurant or charge back arrangements. Rooms have tea & coffee making facilities and usually a fridge. Some also include self contained apartments. On site management.
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Self Contained & Serviced
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Encompassing a broad range from motels, motor inns, motor lodges, motel apartments, serviced apartments and serviced holiday cottages. Frequently with cooking facilities.
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Guest & Hosted
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Includes Bed & Breakfast, farmstays, homestays, guest houses, boutique lodges. Character accommodation with an emphasis on personal interaction between the guest and the host.
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Exclusive
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Can overlap with Guest & Hosted. Small & exclusive offering the finest of food, wine and facilities, often in remote or spectacular locations. Usually includes meals.
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General Information
