New Zealand Travel Tips - New Zealand time, weather, prices, visitor visa, safety

Date and Time in New Zealand:

Time Difference:
New Zealand is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Daylight saving:
From the first Sunday in October until the first Sunday on or after 15 March (GMT+13)

New Zealand Weather:

New Zealand has a mild climate, but it can get very cold at times,
especially in the South Island during the night and in the mountains
Average day-time temperatures:
Summer: (December, January, February) 16-30 Celsius (61-86F.) Winter: (June, July, August) 4-15 Celsius (39-59 F.)
New Zealand weather forecast on metservice.com
New Zealand climate, historical averages
When do I go?

The Sun is very strong in New Zealand -- Use Sunblock!
The peak ultraviolet radiation period is between early October and late March, especially between 11am and 4pm.
Use sunblock and do wear a hat!
Cancer Society Products

Do you need a visitor visa to enter New Zealand?

Quick visa check
Passports must be valid for at least three months past the date you are to leave New Zealand.

New Zealand Driving Rules:

We drive on the left side of the road.
More about driving in New Zealand on our Transport Page.
NZ Road Code
TIP: When in the South Island, drive clockwise around the island to avoid crossing the scenic coastal roads for the majority of the panoramic roadside stops. And when you’re driving, your passenger gets unobstructed sea views out the side window.
Christchurch to Christchurch in 19 days

Travel Costs and Prices in New Zealand:

- Mid-range accommodation from $150 - $300 per night for two.
  Do I have to make reservations?
- For a quality meal in a café or restaurant, you can expect to pay:
   Breakfast main: Up to $25
Lunch main: $20 - $30  Dinner main: $25 - $45
- Cappuccino $5.00 , Latte Coffee $5.50
- Good bottle of wine from $20 in shop ($40 in restaurant).
- Car Rentals from $70 per day for a Sedan.
                      from $150 per day for a 2 berth Campervan.
- Petrol $2.09 per litre, Diesel $1.50 per litre.
TIP: Lunches and lunch specials are often fantastic value for half the price you would normally pay for dinner.

Car Parking in the Central Business Districts of the main cities can be expensive:
About $4+ per hour in Auckland City during the day and up to $30 for overnight parking in a parking garage.
TIP: If possible, avoid hiring a vehicle when staying in and exploring Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Or make sure you book accommodation with parking, then put your comfortable shoes on and mingle with the locals aboard the local public transport.
Security TIP: Don't leave any visible valuables in your vehicle.

Money and Payments in New Zealand:
All major international credit cards are accepted in New Zealand.
Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are located at banks and shopping centres throughout New Zealand.
Westpac Currency converter

Airports

Auckland Airport:
Voted among the top ten airports in the world, Auckland Airport is located 21km south of downtown Auckland. More..

Christchurch Airport:
Located 12 km north-west of the city, Christchurch International Airport is New Zealand’s second largest, boasting over 6 million passenger movements in the 12 months to June 2010. More..

Wellington Airport:
More..

Is New Zealand safe for visitors?

- Visitor Safety - New Zealand Police

- It is safe to drink tap water in New Zealand.
- There are no dangerous or poisonous animals in New Zealand.

Sandflies (they bite) can be a nuisance:
Especially on the South Island's west coast. We use Aeroguard insect repellent, or citronella oil, coils and candles.

How to reduce your contribution to global warming:

- Rent fuel efficient cars.

- Once at your destination, take public transportation, walk, bike.

- Turn off unnecessary lights in your room and request that linens and towels not be washed every day.

- Stay at eco friendly accommodation.

- Avoid energy guzzling activities

- Patronize organic vineyards, restaurants and cafes.

Miscellaneous:

Renting Cell Phones and SIM Cards in New Zealand:
- Vodafone Rentals

Electricity in New Zealand is 230/240 volts.

New Zealand Itineraries:
Christchurch to Christchurch in 19 days
Auckland to Auckland in 9 days
Auckland to Christchurch in 37 days

New Zealand Map
Google Map

New Zealand is roughly the same size as Italy or the UK.
How much time do I need?

Accommodation tariffs are at a peak from Christmas till March.
Where do I go?

How To Buy And Sell A Car, Motorhome Or Campervan In New Zealand? Click Here

New Zealand's Best Beaches
New Zealand's Top Hot Spotz

Do you have a question? Email us -- Hotspotz Forum

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New Zealand roads
We have many winding, narrow roads, so allow
plenty of time as your journey may take longer
than you expect. (Average 80km per hour)