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New Zealand Tourism Guide
Driving - please remember we
drive on the proper side of the road - the left hand side! New Zealand roads
generally have light traffic away from cities. Most roads are good and well
signed, however there are may roads in remoter unspoiled wilderness areas
which are unsealed gravel. Speed limits are 100kph (~63mph) on freeways and
main roads and 50kph (~31mph) in towns although the traffic may flow at a
higher speed. On freeways, the slower traffic is encouraged to keep to the
left but passing on the left on a laned freeway is permitted. It is not permitted
to hitch-hike or cycle on the side of the freeways. Speed cameras, radar
guns and laser speed detection devices are widely used by the Police in traffic
enforcement and drink/driving regulations are strict with the police have
a policy of random roadside checks in all areas especially at night.
Emergency services - Police,
ambulance & fire - Dial 111.
Entry - You need a passport valid with for 3 months after your departure
date, fully paid tickets for your return and sufficient funds to keep you
while in New Zealand. You need no vaccination certificates and no visa if
you do not intend to work. During your stay in New Zealand you are covered
by Accident Compensation for any accidents including free medical care but
in exchange you forgo the right of legal action against other parties.
Electricity in New Zealand is 230volts so North American 110volt items
should not be used. The exception being electric shavers for which hotels
provide special outlets. For those visitors from '230volt countries' adapters
to fit local sockets can easily be purchased.
Internet Connections. Internet cafes and Internet bureau’s can
be found in all the major cities as well as many of the smaller towns. With
over 700,000 Internet users in New Zealand - connection to your e-mail service
is not far away.
Medical Care. - New Zealand has fully equipped - modern hospitals
in all cities and specialist (cardiac, women’s, children) hospitals
in the major cities. Medical practitioners can be found in every town as
well as the local ambulance service. Pharmacies are wide spread and two or
three can be found in every town. During summer sun protection is highly
recommended.
Money - The New Zealand dollar is worth just over half the US dollar.
ATM machines are widespread and international credit cards widely accepted.
Banks open 930-430, Monday-Friday. Hotels and larger shops will accept travellers
cheques.
Telephone and Cellular phones. New Zealand has a modern computerised
telephone exchange system with numerous pay phones accepting credit or phone
cards. A Cellular network covers all the major towns and cities and main
highway areas.
Time - New Zealand is 12 hours ahead of GMT, typically 18 hours ahead
of North America. In summer (Oct-Mar) clocks are put one hour ahead.
Tipping is not expected for service anywhere. For exceptional service
the tourist may feel it appropriate.
Drinking Water from the tap is safe to drink everywhere although bottled,
mineral and purified water is freely available at most convenience stores.
Location
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Tourist Essentials |
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Outdoors | Southern Sky
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