Helpful information
Electricity
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. 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 3 or 2-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.
Banking
Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Automated Teller Machines (ATM's) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.
Currency
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD$). Coins have values of 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; notes have values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out of New Zealand. However, every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete a Border Cash Report.
Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and in most city centres. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand and Travellers Cheques are accepted at most hotels, banks and large stores nationwide.
Shopping
Most shops and businesses are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, as a minimum. Many stores also open Saturdays and some open on Sundays. In major townships and cities you will find most stores open into the early evening.
New Zealand offers a huge variety of shopping from art and craft markets, galleries and museum shops to exclusive designer stores. For traditional New Zealand souvenirs look for examples of superb Maori carvings in wood, bone and pounamu (greenstone or jade). You can also find jewellery and ornaments made from the iridescent paua shell (abalone), treasured by Maori for centuries.
New Zealand potters are recognised as being among the world's finest, and today many fine artisans are also working in stone, wood, glass and metals. The country's vast wool industry makes it possible to find wonderful hand knitted wool sweaters, beautiful wall hangings, homespun yarns and top-quality sheepskins.
Alongside top international fashion in boutique stores in the main city areas, you will also find New Zealand's own award-winning fashion labels, including Zambesi, NomD, Karen Walker and World.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
All goods and services are subject to a 12.5 percent (%) Goods and Services Tax (GST) included in the displayed price. Visitors cannot claim this tax back, but if items are shipped from the store direct to a customer's home - this tax is often waived.
Health Precautions
No vaccinations are required and the health system in New Zealand is good. Medical services are not free to visitors so medical insurance is a must. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere. The most serious potential health risk is from the sun. Ultra Violet rays over the country are particularly high, not only because of the clean, unpolluted atmosphere but also because of the hole in the ozone over Antarctica - which New Zealand is very close to.