You can legally drive in New Zealand for 12 months if you have either a current full driver’s license from your home country in the English language or an International Driving Permit.  You must carry your license or permit at all times when driving and you are only able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country.

Most  of tourist rent a car or campervan to travel around the country.

Buses are the main form of public transport in New Zealand, with some areas also offering trains, ferries and trams.

The tourism high season in New Zealand runs from October through to April. The peak of the high season is from December to February through the summer months. During this full period, it is strongly recommended that you book ahead any tours, accommodations, events and transport, to ensure availability. Outside of these months there is a less of a need to book in advance, except in ski resort towns, Queenstown and Wanaka.

When you’re travelling overseas, it’s recommended to carry some local currency with you.

You can exchange your money at the airport, at local banks and usually at shopping malls.

• If you exchange your foreign currency at the airport, you pay a high service fee and won’t get good exchange-rates, so try to avoid the airport exchange transactions. Take the time to organise your money before you leave.
• Withdraw larger amounts from foreign ATMs to avoid fees adding up.
• Let your bank know which countries you are visiting so they don’t freeze your card on suspicion of fraud.
• Shop around with a prepaid travel card.
• You may still need a traditional credit card for security deposits at for car rentals, hotels.

Hitchhiking is legal in New Zealand and comparatively safe. It is very popular among backpackers travelling around New Zealand, especially in the South Island.

You can save lots of money and you will get to meet the locals – of all types.

Write your next destination on a piece of cardboard the people who are about to pick you up like to know how long they have to put up with you.

There are a lot of friendly people, but be aware of the risk and keep it safe.

Hitchhiking Safety Tips

• Hitchhike in pairs if possible
• Txt to a friend the vehicle registration number and your location
• Don’t be afraid to refuse a lift if you feel the driver is a potential problem
• Never hitchhike at night

Kiwis speak English with an accent. Some say we’re funny, some say we’re cool.

Here are some of our phrases from the many.

Kiwi –  Can refer to a New Zealander, or the country’s national bird or kiwifruit

Bloke – Man, guy

Jandals – Flip flops. e.g. Havaianas

Togs – Swimsuit

Dairy – Convenience store, corner store, mini supermarket

Chilly bin – Cooler bin, esky

Bro – Dude, mate, man

Duvet – Doona

Cuppa – Cup of tea or coffee

Sweet as – No problem, ok, all good

Haka – Not slang, but  it’s something we talk about! Maori war dance, more “famously” known through The All Blacks rugby team.

Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts.

The power outlets only accept flat three or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary.

Australian and New Zealand plugs are the same.

New Zealand cities and towns have excellent water supplies and the tap water is safe to drink. Water from rivers and lakes should be boiled, chemically treated before drinking.

You can visit New Zealand all year round. There’s plenty of sunshine in summer and mild temperature in winter time.

Spring (September – November), Summer (December – February), Autumn/Fall (March – May) and Winter (June – August).

Smoking in New Zealand is prohibited in all hospitality venues, including bars, restaurants, cafes, and casinos.  If you smoke, please remember to smoke outside or at the designated area.

New Zealand has three toll roads, all  on the North Island: the Northern Gateway Toll Road, the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road.

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/roads-and-rail/toll-roads/

Customs and Quarantine Requirements

Please visit the Ministry for Primary Industries (Biosecurity/Quarantine) website for what food, plant and animal items can be bought into New Zealand Please refer to the Customs New Zealand website for a list of any other items that are prohibited to bring into New Zealand.  There are specific cleaning requirements for fishing equipment.

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/

New Zealand offers a wide range of accommodation options from top-class hotels, exclusive lodges, motels, guest houses, bed & breakfast, backpacker hostels and farm or homestays to holiday parks.

You might also like the freedom to discover New Zealand in a campervan. Two, four or six berth vans are available to rent, offering all the comforts of home.

New Zealand weather can be very extreme and changeable, as much you can experience 4 seasons in one day.  We strongly recommend to check the weather forecast frequently.

http://www.metservice.com/

It depends how much time you have available. The more is the better as New Zealand is beautiful. Some travelers spend several weeks whereas others might stay for few months or even more. We recommend that to spend 3-6 weeks here to discover most of the country. It is common to spend more time in the South Island.

It is highly recommended that you purchase a medical insurane in your country prior to your travel to New Zealand as medical services are not free.

Tipping in New Zealand is not common and no one expects you to tip. However, it is always welcomed if you tip for a great service, your waitress will certainly appreciate it.

DOC stands for Department of Conservation. It is the main government organisation charged with conserving the natural and historic heritage of New Zealand. You will use DOC website when booking tracks or great walks.