Passports and Visas
All visitors require a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after their intended departure. A visa is  not required for most visitors travelling to New Zealand for a stay of less than 3 months. You should  check with your local New Zealand embassy or consulate for the latest information. 

Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within six days prior to arrival. You do not need any other health certificate to enter New Zealand.

Entry Customs
New Zealand is very sensitive about what products are allowed to enter. You are NOT ALLOWED to bring: Animals (even pets) or animal materials; plants; 'foodstuffs;' firearms (without a permit); and bone or ivory products. For specific questions contact your local New Zealand Embassy or Consulate. You ARE ALLOWED to bring, in addition to your personal effects: Additional goods valued up to $700 NZD (this means no unauthorized importing) And if you are over 17 years old: 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250mg of tobacco (or an equivalent mixture) 4.5 liters of wine or beer (= six 750ml bottles) AND one 1,125ml (about 2-1/2 pints) of spirits or liqueur

Clothing
Lightweight clothes are suitable for travellers to the North Island, but warmer clothing is recommended for South Island visitors.
In keeping with New Zealand's relaxed lifestyle, dress is informal on most occasions. A jacket is  recommended only for those intending to visit a better restaurant or evening show. A waterproof jacket  and umbrella is advisable.

Sun Protection
Required in the summer months, especially if visiting the North Island.

Currency
New Zealand Dollars (NZ$). Current exchange rate is approximately £1GBP =NZ$2.97. Please check with  your bank for current exchange rates. Travellers cheques and most major international credit cards are  accepted.

Banking and Business Hours
Many businesses and all banks operate only Monday to Friday. Banking hours are 9.30am to 4.30pm  Monday to Friday and are closed on public holidays. Increasingly, stores in major cities are extending  their hours through to Saturday and Sunday. Those stores catering largely to visitors are open every  day, often with extended hours. Most petrol stations are open every day. 

Shopping
Shopping in New Zea

GST
All goods and services purchased in new Zealand are subject to 12.5% Goods and Services tax. This is  usually included in the price, although some hotels and restaurants may quote prices excluding GST.  

Tipping
New Zealanders do not depend on tips for their income and tips are not expected for normal service, however you may wish to show your appreciation for extra special attention. 

Taxis
Taxis in New Zea

Electricity
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 240 volts via a slant pin outlet. Hotels often provide a  110 volt socket for electric shavers only. For all other equipment, an adaptor and a converter are  necessary. 

Time Zones
GMT + 12 (GMT + 11 from the last week in March to the first week in October)

Driving Laws
New Zealand road rules follow international standards. New Zealand drives on the left side of the road (the same as in the UK and Japan, and opposite to the USA and Europe). 

Medical and Emergency Facilities
Medical and emergency services are available but not free to visitors. Please arrange for insurance coverage before your departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. 

Comunication
Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 64. Outgoing international code: 00. Most public phones take cards purchased from bookstalls; some also accept credit cards, but very few still accept coins.
Fax: Most hotels provide facilities.
Post: Post offices are open 0900-1700 Monday to Friday. Airmail to Western Europe takes four to five days.
Press: The English-language daily newspapers with the highest circulation include New Zealand Herald, The Press, Evening Post and The Dominion.

BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change.

BBC:

MHz 15.36 11.96 9.740 7.145

Voice of America:

MHz 17.73 15.18 11.87 9.525