Here’s some key information to help you plan your travel to New Zealand.
New Zealand currency and banking
The currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar, which comprises 100 cents. All major credit cards are recognised and New Zealand has an almost universal EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale) system and an extensive 24-hour cash machine (ATM) network. Traveller’s cheques are also widely accepted. Trading banks are generally open Monday-Friday from 9.00am-4.30pm.
The New Zealand dollar is relatively weak in comparison to major currencies such as British Sterling, the Euro, the Yen, or the US dollar. This makes New Zealand a particularly affordable destination for many travellers. The New Zealand dollar is currently (as at 6 December 2010) worth approximately USD 0.76, GBP 0.48, and Euro 0.57. Check current exchange rates
More about New Zealand’s currency:
Money Matters
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand average exchange rates
Climate
The first thing you need to know about New Zealand's climate is that its seasons are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere.
Summer is December to February
- Autumn is March to May
- Winter is June to August
- Spring is September to November.
Regardless of the season, any time of year is a good time to travel to New Zealand. The country comprises of two long thin islands that run north-south and, as such, there is a noticeable difference in the climates from the top of the North Island, which is sub-tropical, and the bottom of the South Island, which is temperate. Overall however, New Zealand has a very mild climate making it a suitable holiday destination all year round.
Summer - Average maximum temperature: 20°-25°C (68°-77°F)
Winter - Average maximum temperature: 10°-15°C (50°-60°F)
More about New Zealand’s climate:
Key Facts
Regional Variations
Met Service Climate data
Time Zone
New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). In summer New Zealand uses ‘daylight saving’, with clocks put forward one hour to GMT+13. Daylight saving begins on the last Sunday in September and ends on the first Sunday of the following April, when clocks are put back to GMT+12.
What time is it in New Zealand now?
Passports, visas, customs and immigration
Having the appropriate passport and visa before leaving home is the key to a trouble free entry into New Zealand.
Passport and Visa information
Customs and biosecurity
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. When you fly to New Zealand from overseas, it is important to follow New Zealand law. That means you must declare or dispose of at risk goods at our international borders.
More on customs and biosecurity
Airports and Airlines
New Zealand has a comprehensive network of international and domestic airports for both international arrivals and departures, and domestic connections.
New Zealand airports
Airlines that fly to New Zealand
Accommodation
Part of the pleasure of travel is choosing where to stay. Although some Gray Line tours include accommodation options, you can also email a Gray Line team member to organise your accommodation needs in New Zealand.
Types of accommodation in New Zealand
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