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Entry Regulations: A valid passport is required to gain entry into New Zealand. The passport should be valid for 3 months after your expected departure from your destination. Visitors must also be in possession of a return/on-ward airline ticket, on-ward visa if necessary, and proof of sufficient funds of $1000 NZD per person per month. A visa is not needed for stays of less than 3 months. Please check with your country’s Foreign Affairs office to find out about entry requirements for non-Americans. Climate: The weather in New Zealand is changeable throughout the year. The North Island has mild winters and warm and humid summers, the South Island has lower temperatures with cold winters and extensive snowfields and glaciers. Snow falls on all the mountains in winter. The west coast receives the most rain. Summer months are from November to April. Currency: The New Zealand dollar (NZD) is the basic unit of currency. At present the exchange rate is NZD$1.39 for USD$1. Traveler's cheques can be exchanged at banks, major hotels, and some shops. Credit cards are widely accepted. Automated banking machines are widely available. As exchange rates fluctuate each day, please check the current exchange rate near your date of travel. Electricity: The current used in New Zealand is the 230/240V, 50-cycle system. Tip: This system may differ from the one you use at home. If it is different, please purchase an adaptor from a travel store near you, to take advantage of the power ports in your hotel room. Language: English is the main language of New Zealand. The natives speak Maori. Health Requirement: Vaccination certificates are not required of Canadian or American tourists. If you are from another part of the world, please check with a travel medicine professional for more information on possible requirements. There are large, well-equipped hospitals in New Zealand. Airport Facilities and Tax: The main international airport is Auckland Airport. Other airports are Christchurch International and Wellington International. The departure tax is $25.00 NZD. Shopping: New Zealand's best buy include wool products such as hand-knitted sweaters, weavings, sheepskin rugs, woolen jackets, coats and car seat covers. Although not cheap, they are considerably less expensive than many other destinations. Leather clothing and suede goods are of extremely high quality. Victoria Park Market, the most popular market in New Zealand, offers a unique shopping experience in the heart of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Cuisine: New Zealand meals are typically hearty and appetizing with restaurant prices being comparable to those in North America and Western Europe. New Zealand lamb is the most commonly found meat served on the dinner table and is usually prepared as a roast dish with herbs. For more information please visit: |
