Useful Information
Animal emblem
Kiwi bird
Area270, 534 sq km
BanksBanks are open from 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, and service all flights at international airports. Some are now also open on Saturdays.
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout New Zealand. ATMs, or automatic teller machines, are widespread, so you don't need to carry lots of cash. Travellers' cheques can be changed at all banks and major tourist facilities. There are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency.
Capital city
WellingtonCurrencyNew Zealand currency has 100 cents to the dollar. Coins come in 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2 denominations. Notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
Daylight saving
Clocks go forward one hour on the last weekend of September for summer. Daylight saving ends at the first weekend of April.
EmergenciesPhone 111 for fire, police and ambulance.
Floral emblem
Silver fern
GSTA Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 12.5 percent is applied to all goods and services. In most cases, this tax is included in the purchase price. Goods and souvenirs bought before leaving New Zealand are exempt if you show your travel ticket or buy from duty-free stores.
LanguagesEnglish and Maori
LocationNew Zealand lies in the Pacific Ocean, 2250km east of Australia.
Population4.121 million (as estimated at January 2006)
Postal services New Zealand Post operates 316 Post Shops throughout the country, providing a full range of services from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with some also opening on Saturday mornings. There are also 700+ post centres, which are scaled-down versions of a Post Shop and are part of an existing business, such as a dairy, chemist or bookshop.
Visitors can pick up mail at Poste Restante counters in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch Central Post Offices, and Post Shops will also hold mail if it is clearly marked. Local mail can be sent fast-post for a slightly higher postal fee. International mail should be posted in the red and white mail boxes.
TipsTips are accepted, but not expected, for good service, particularly in the hospitality industry. Many workers feel good service is part of their job and may decline tips if offered. Don't be offended. Hotels and restaurant bills do not include service charges.
Telephone services
There are 6,500 payphones throughout New Zealand. The blue and yellow Telecom payphones will take phonecards, credit cards, Telecom TalkAway cards, Telecom Calling cards, and some will accept coins too. Telecom payphone cards come in $5, $10, $20 and $50 denominations. Five hundred indoor payphones also offer modem access.
Local calls made from payphones cost 50 cents, regardless of how long you talk. Toll calls are charged at current rates. To direct dial a national (toll) call in New Zealand, dial the national access code, 0, then the area code, then the number. For instance, to call Auckland 123 4567, dial 0, then 9 (the area code), then 123 4567. Area codes are in telephone directories, or dial directory assistance on 018. To place a national call through an operator, dial 010.
To direct dial an international call, dial the international code, 00, then the country code, then the area code, then the number. Eg, to call Sydney, Australia, 123 4567, dial 00, then 61 (the country code), then 2 (the area code) then 123 4567. Country and area codes are in the telephone directory, or dial 0172. To place an international call through an operator, dial 0170.
Telecom accepts American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Diners credit card payments for national and international calls. To place a credit card or transfer charge call through an operator, dial 010 for national and 0170 for international. In emergencies, contact the police, fire department and/or ambulance on 111 from any phone. There is no charge.
Phone Calls - Quick Reference
National directory 018
National tolls 010
International directory 0172
International tolls 0170