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Travel Insurance New Zealand

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New Zealand Country Guide

  1. Country Facts
  2. Health
  3. Media
  1. Intro
  2. Geography
  3. People
  4. Travel
  5. Embassies & Visas
  6. Finance
  7. Cities/Regions

Quick Facts

Region: Asia & Oceania
Full Name: New Zealand
Capital City: Wellington
Language Spoken: English (official), Maori (official), Sign Language (official)

New Zealand Travel Insurance

Get travel insurance to New Zealand from Direct Travel Insurance. We offer low cost and high quality travel insurance to New Zealand and most of the world.

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Geographic data

41 00 S, 174 00 E

Elevation Extremes

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Aoraki-Mount Cook 3,754 m

Land boundaries

0 km

Natural hazards

earthquakes are common, though usually not severe; volcanic activity

Natural resources

natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold, limestone

Land use

arable land: 5.54% permanent crops: 6.92% other: 87.54% (2005)

Environmental current issues

deforestation; soil erosion; native flora and fauna hard-hit by invasive species

Climate

Subtropical in the North and temperate in the South. The North has no extremes of heat or cold but winter can be quite cool in the South, with snow in the mountains. The eastern areas often experience drought conditions in summer; the West, particularly in the South Island, has more rain.\nRequired clothing\nLightweight cottons and linens are worn in the North Island most of the year and in summer in the South Island. Mediumweights are worn during winter in the South Island. Rainwear is advisable throughout the year, and essential if visiting the South Island?s rainforest areas.

Time difference

time difference: UTC+12 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends third Sunday in March note: New Zealand is divided into two time zones, including Chatham Island

Population

4,076,140 (July 2006 est.)

Age structure

0-14 years: 21.1% (male 439,752/female 419,174) 15-64 years: 67.1% (male 1,374,850/female 1,361,570) 65 years and over: 11.8% (male 210,365/female 270,429) (2006 est.)

Median age

total: 33.9 years male: 33.2 years female: 34.7 years (2006 est.)

Population growth rate

0.99% (2006 est.)

Birth rate

13.76 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Death rate

7.53 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Net migration rate

3.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2006 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 78.81 years male: 75.82 years female: 81.93 years (2006 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.79 children born/woman (2006 est.)

Business Practices

Business is usually conducted in a somewhat formal fashion similar to the US and most of Europe. Conservative suits are typically worn for meetings, though some businessmen dress in shorts and knee-length socks during summer, particularly in the North Island. Appointments are necessary and punctuality is expected. Calling cards are usually exchanged. Office hours are 0900-1700 Monday to Friday. Legal, regulatory, and accounting systems are transparent. Accounting is based on British and U.S. systems. The New Zealand Society of Accountants has developed Statements of Standard Accounting Practice (SSAP) that are mandatory for its members. All companies listed on the Stock Exchange must comply with the SSAP and issue annual reports and abbreviated half-yearly reports to shareholders. In 1994, the Financial Reporting Act of 1993 came into effect, legally requiring firms to comply with financial accounting standards set out by an Accounting Standards Review Board established by the Act. The mandatory standards vary depending on the type of firm involved. While small companies not listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZSE) may include in their constitutions measures to restrict hostile takeovers by outside interests, domestic or foreign, the NZSE does not permit such measures by companies listed in the NZSE. Foreign-owned or controlled companies are not prevented from participating in industry standards-setting organizations. The primary fact of investment in New Zealand is that foreign investment is welcomed, encouraged, and prominent in the economy.

Crime

Crime is increasing, especially robberies and assaults, but the crime rate is still considerably less than in most of the urban areas in Europe or the US. Police are well trained and professional, but sometimes slow to respond to calls. Visitors should exercise normal caution to guard valuables, including passports, lock their vehicles and properly store valuables and be especially cautious, if going out alone at night.

Hotels

New Zealand has hotels and motels of international standard, moderately priced modern hotels, private hotels and guesthouses. Rates on the whole are cheaper in rural areas, while every city and town has low-cost motels or hotels. Low-cost motels have grown greatly in popularity in recent years, and most have a wide range of facilities; they offer self-catering, and account for 75% of the accommodation. Accommodations may become difficult to arrange around the Olympics in Sydney, Australia in the summer of 2000 when travelers will likely visit New Zealand as a side trip.

Communications

Telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 64 and the outgoing international code is 00. Many hotels provide fax facilities. All main post offices and some hotels have public telex facilities. Post offices are open 0900-1700 Monday to Friday.

Electricity

is a 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Most hotels provide 110-volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. Electricity 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Most hotels provide 110-volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.

Plug Types

I

Food And Dining

New Zealand has a reputation as a leading producer of meat and dairy produce with lamb, beef and pork on most menus. Venison is also widely available. Locally produced vegetables, such as kumara (a natural sweet potato), are good. There is also a wide range of fish available, including snapper, grouper and John Dory. Seasonal delicacies such as whitebait, oysters, crayfish, scallops and game birds are recommended. New Zealand is also establishing a reputation for French-type cheeses: Bleu de Bresse, Brie, Camembert and Montagne Bleu.

National specialties: ?Kumara (native sweet potato) in Auckland. ?Feijoa (local fruit) and Golden fleshed Zespri Gold kiwi fruit from the Bay of Plenty. ?Battered fish and chips from Gisbourne.
? Pavlova (a large roundcake with a meringue base topped with cream and fruit) from Taranaki. ?Salmon and mussels from Marlborough
? Yams, seaweed and crayfish from Canterbury.
? Whitebait from the West Coast. ?Koura (freshwater crayfish) from Central Otago. ?Bluff Oysters and muttonbird from Southland. Things to know: Many picnic areas with barbecue facilities are provided at roadside sites. Restaurants are usually informal except for very exclusive ones. Waiter service is normal, but self-service and fast-food chains are also available. Some restaurants invite the customer to ?BYO? (bring your own liquor). National drinks: New Zealand boasts world-class domestic wines and beers, some of which have won international awards. A wide range of domestic and imported wines, spirits and beers is available from hotel bars, ?liquor stores? and wine shops.
? Merlot (Auckland and Wairarapa), Chardonnay (Bay of Plenty, Gisbourne, Wairarapa and Canterbury), Pinot Gris and Noir (Auckland, Wairarapa, Marlborough and Central Otago), Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough and Wairarapa).
? New Zealand draught beer and lager. Things to know: Bars have counter service and public bars are very informal. Lounge bars and ?house bars? (for hotel guests only) are sometimes more formal and occasionally have table service. The minimum drinking age in a bar is 18. There is some variation in licensing hours in major cities and some hotel bars open Sunday, providing a meal is eaten. In most hotels and taverns, licensing hours are 1100-2300 except Sunday. Tipping : Service charges and taxes are not added to hotel or restaurant bills. Tips are not expected.

Nightlife
New Zealand has an active and varied entertainment industry. Theaters offer good entertainment ranging from drama, comedy and musicals to pop concerts and shows. Concert tickets can be booked online (website: www.ticketek.com). In large cities, there are often professional performers or guest artists from overseas. Visitors should check ?What?s On? in local papers. There are also cinemas and a small selection of nightclubs in larger cities.

Entry departure requirements

Visa immigration information

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay required by all. Some governments are not recognized by New Zealand and citizens in doubt should check with the New Zealand Immigration Service (see Passport/Visa Information).

Visas

Required by all except the following:
(a)nationals of the EU and nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months, except nationals of the UK who may stay for up to six months and nationals of Australia who may stay indefinitely;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and Vatican City for stays of up to three months;
(c) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours, providing they hold onward or return documentation and are not leaving the airport and are not transiting to or from a South Pacific Island or a national of the Kingdom of Nepal;
(d) those in transit whose next or final destination is Australia and the traveller holds a current Australian visa.
(e) nationals traveling on a UN laissez-passer for stays of up to three months.

Types of visa and cost

Visitor: US$86 Transit: US$94 Student: US$137 Business visitors discussing or negotiating business arrangements and staying for up to three months can travel using a visitor visa.

Validity

Visitor Permit: nine months in any 18 month period. This can be extended by a further three months in certain circumstances. Visitors must then remain outside New Zealand for a period of time equal to that they spent inside New Zealand, before applying for another visa.

Application to

Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or Immigration Service at High Commission); see Passport/Visa Information.

Application requirements

Visitor Permit/Transit Visa: (a) Completed application form. (b) One recent passport-size photo of each person named in the application. (c) Passport valid for three months beyond the date of departure. (d) Proof of sufficient funds for duration of stay, approximately NZ$1000 per person per month, or NZ$400 per person per month when accommodation has been paid for in advance (eg recent bank statements). (e) Onward or return ticket, or declaration by New Zealand sponsor that cost of travel back to home country will be met. (f) Fee (payable in cash or by bank/building society cheque, credit card accepted by some offices, money order or bank draft). Student: (a)-(f) and, (i) Confirmation of placement and payment of fees at an approved educational institution.

Note

Applicants must prove themselves to be in good health (ie not suffering from ill health that may become a burden to the New Zealand health services) and of good character (by providing a police certificate showing a good record. Those applying for a visa may also be asked to undergo an interview and/or a medical examination prior to travel, or by the Immigration Officer at port of entry.

Working days required

Two weeks, but this may vary depending on type of visa required and nationality of the applicant.

Temporary residence

Enquire at the nearest New Zealand High Commission or Immigration Service for details.

HIV entry requirements

No Test Required

Departure tax

Up to NZ$25 (depending on airport) plus NZ$5 security tax; children aged under 12 are exempt (except at Wellington where only passengers under two years of age are exempt and passengers aged two to 11 pay NZ$10).Transit passengers are exempt for 24 hours.

Embassies

New Zealand Immigration Service in the UK

Mezzanine Floor, New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4TE, UK
Tel: (09069) 100 100 (visa information and immigration service; calls cost ?1 per minute).
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1545.
Website: www.immigration.govt.nz

New Zealand High Commission in the UK

Second Floor, New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4TQ, UK
Tel: (020) 7930 8422.
Website: www.nzembassy.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700.

New Zealand Embassy in the USA

37 Observatory Circle, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 328 4800.

Travel Advice

If you are visiting remote areas, travelers should ensure that their journey details are made known to local authorities or friends/relatives before setting out. New Zealand weather can be treacherous, especially in winter.
Most visits to New Zealand are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand

US Department of State

Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/NewZealand.html

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD; symbol: NZ$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of NZ$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of NZ$2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign or local currency.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1630.

Currency exchange

Exchange facilities are widely available throughout New Zealand.

Credit cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services that might be available.

Travellers cheques

Can be exchanged at official rates at trading banks, large hotels and some shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Australian Dollars.

City/RegionCity/Area codeFollowed by
Antarctica(0)2+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Auckland and upper North Island(0)9+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Central North Island(0)7+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Lower North Island(0)6+ 7 digit subscriber nr
South Island (incl. Chatham and Stewart Islands)(0)3+ 7 digit subscriber nr
Wellington(0)4+ 7 digit subscriber nr
  1. Health Information
  2. Recent Disease Outbreaks
  3. Hospital Database

Dental care

A high standard of dental care is available in New Zealand

Medication Availability

Medication is available via pharmacies throughout New Zealand

Blood supplies

Blood supplies are considered safe and screened to international standards

Medical facilities

Quality medical care is widely available, but waiting lists exist for certain types of treatment.

General caution

Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary.

Specific concerns

New Zealand's damp climate may trouble persons suffering from arthritis, rheumatism, and sinusitis. The U.S. Transportation Department reports that the passenger cabins of aircraft destined for New Zealand are treated with a residual pesticide before passengers board.

Immunization

All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.

Disease risk summary

The incidence of communicable diseases in most areas is such that they are unlikely to prove a hazard to the international traveler greater than that found in his or her own country. There are, of course, health risks, but in most areas the precautions required are minimal. High levels of immunization coverage have reduced the incidence of diseases such as measles and diphtheria. Influenza risk extends from May to October.

Entry requirements

None.

Recent disease outbreaks

No recent disease outbreaks

NameAddress
Hospital RoadOtahuhu Auckland
Artemis Medical & Surgical Center2 Pupuke Road Takapuna Auckland
Ascot Integrated Hospital90 Greenlane Road Remuera Auckland
Auckland Obstetric Care26 Claude Road Epsom Auckland
Auckland Public HospitalPark Road, Auckland
Boulcott Hospital666 High Street P.O. Box 31-459 Lower Hutt
Bowen HospitalChurchill Drive Crofton Downs Wellington
Chatham Islands Health CentreP.O. Box 21 Chatham Islands
Christchurch Public HospitalRiccarton Ave Christchurch
Dunedin Hospital201 Great King Street Dunedin
Hawkes Bay HospitalOmahu Road Hastings
Lake District HospitalDouglas Street Frankton Queenstown
Lakeland HealthPukeora Street Rotorua
Mairangi Medical Centre2 Penzance Road Mairangi Bay Auckland 10
Mercy Integrated Hospital98 Mountain Road Epsom Auckland 1030
North Shore Hospital (Waitemata Health)Shakespeare Road Takapuna Auckland
Palmerston North Public Hospital (Midcentral Health)Ruahine Street Palmerston North
Waikato HospitalPembroke Street Hamilton
Wakefield HospitalFlorence Street Newtown Wellington South 6039
Wellington Public HospitalRiddiford Street Wellington

New Zealand's media scene is very liberal. The broadcasting sector was deregulated in 1988.
Press: The English-language daily newspapers with the highest circulation include the New Zealand Herald (website: www.nzherald.co.nz), the Dominion Post, Otago Daily Times, and The Press.
Radio: Public broadcaster Radio New Zealand runs three networks: National Radio, Concert FM and The AM Network. Radio New Zealand International, Niu Mai is maori-owned and Radio Works' stations include Radio Pacific. Television: State-owned Television New Zealand (TVNZ) operates TV1 and TV2. TV3 and Prime TV are private networks. Sky TV is a pay-TV operator. Maori Television is public.