Customs and immigration

Money

Environment

Services

Customs and immigration

Arrival cards

Every person arriving in New Zealand must complete an arrival card.

Passports

Passports are required for all visitors to New Zealand and must be valid for at least three months after the date the visitor intends to leave New Zealand.

ATA Carnets

An ATA Carnet is a Customs document that facilitates the temporary export of goods overseas, and is valid for up to one year. APAN 2 presenters may wish to apply for a ATA Carnet for exporting professional equipment and goods for use at the conference, especially if the goods you are exporting have a value greater than $NZ 2,000.

You must need apply for a Carnet before you arrive in New Zealand, at the administration agency in your home country. Visit http://www.uscib.org/index.asp?documentID=1582 for a list of agencies.

Customs allowances

If you are over 17 years of age, your duty free allowance is:

• 4.5 litres of wine or beer (six 750ml bottles) and three bottles (or other containers) each containing not more than 1125ml of spirits, liqueur, or other spirituous beverages
• 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars, or a mixture of all three weighing no more than 250 grams
• Other goods to a combined value of NZ $700. Please have purchase receipts available

Agricultural restrictions

New Zealand is free of many insect pests, plant diseases and animal infections that are common elsewhere in the world. We put a lot of effort into minimising the risk of these being introduced.

Substantial fines may be incurred if you arrive with these prohibited materials:

• Animal products including skin, hair, dung, feathers, bone, coral, eggs and sea shells. Some are banned because they can harbour pests and diseases; others are banned because they pose a threat to endangered species.
• Fresh, perishable foodstuffs, such as fruit, vegetables and meat.
• Items manufactured from plant products. These may be carrying viable seeds or insects. Inspection is required to determine the risk.

Departure fee

An airport departure fee of between $20 and $25 is levied when departing New Zealand.

Money

Currency

New Zealand has decimal currency based on dollar and cent denominations.

You can calculate the value of your currency in NZ Dollars using the currency converter at http://finance.yahoo.com/currency. The rate you are offered in your home country is likely to differ slightly.

Banks

Trading banks are open Monday - Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm. Bureaux de Change are open 7 days a week, 9.00am to 9.00pm.

Banking facilities at international airports provide foreign exchange services for international arrivals and departures, including weekends (occasionally closed for late night departures).

Credit cards

All major credit cards are widely accepted throughout New Zealand. Those in common use include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club.

Traveller’s cheques

Traveller’s Cheques can be changed at trading banks, hotels and many other trading establishments.

Taxes

Goods and services in New Zealand are subject to 12.5% Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Tipping

If you enjoy excellent service during your stay in New Zealand you may offer a tip as a reflection of your appreciation, although it is not expected.

Environment

Time

In August New Zealand is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 12).

Climate

August is mid-winter in New Zealand. At this time of the year Queenstown has an average temperature of only 5 degrees Celsius and is often covered in snow. However, Queenstown experiences little rainfall in winter.

What to wear

Very marm, casual clothes are recommended. Even in restaurants and nightclubs, casual clothes are acceptable. As it will be the middle of winter in August 2008 please pack warm winter clothes, thermals and a warm jacket, and layer your clothing.

Language

English is the common language of New Zealanders.

Driving licences

Reciprocal driving rights exist between New Zealand and most other countries. Most rental car companies will ask for an International Driver’s Licence. The driver will need to be 21 years of age.

New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road. Drivers give way (or yield) to all traffic crossing or approaching from the right. The speed limit is 100km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas.

Electricity

Electricity throughout New Zealand is supplied at 230 volts, 50 hertz. Hotels and motels provide 100 volt 20 watt sockets for electric razors only. Most power sockets in use in New Zealand accept three-pin plugs or similar adapters.

Mobile Phones

Check with your phone company before leaving home about international mobile roam facilities available in New Zealand.

Water

All New Zealand cities and towns have excellent public water supplies. Tap (faucet) water is fresh and safe to drink.

Services

Medical and emergency services

All emergency services can be contacted throughout New Zealand by dialling 111. New Zealand's medical and hospital services are both public and private. Please note - medical services are not free to visitors. It is strongly recommended that visitors purchase health insurance.

Postal services

Queenstown Post Office is open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 6.00pm, Saturday 9.00am - 4.00pm, and closed on Sunday. A full national and international service is available.

Email and facsimile services

Most hotels offer the above. There are also several internet cafes and business service centres in Queenstown.

Updated: 18 February 2008