New Zealand Holiday Accommodation

From luxury hotels to stylish country lodges and friendly backpackers hostels, New Zealand offers you a range of holiday accommodation choices for every budget.

It's essential to book your holiday accommodation well in advance, especially during the busy summer period in New Zealand - from November to March.

Wherever possible we have used the New Zealand official Qualmark rating - Qualmark is New Zealand's quality rating system for accommodation and activities & attractions. Properties displaying the Qualmark sign are visited annually by professionally trained assessors.

Such ratings are only a guide and there is a difference between the styles of holiday accommodation, for example 5 star hotels will not have the same level or services as 5 star motels.

Qualmark Accommodation Rating System

The Qualmark system operates on a 1 to 5 star scale:

  Acceptable. Meets customers' minimum requirements. Basic, clean and comfortable accommodation.

  Good. Exceeds customers' minimum requirements with some facilities and services.

  Very good. Provides a range of facilities and services and achieves good to very good quality standards.

  Excellent. Consistently achieves high quality levels with a wide range of facilities and services.

  Exceptional. Among the best available in New Zealand.

Exclusive. In this Exclusive category you'll discover the finest accommodation available in New Zealand.

Applied for: Indicates a property has not been assessed and/or the grade has not been finalised.

Qualmark Activities & Attractions Rating System

Endorsed. Service providers are professional and trustworthy.

Cadabra Accommodation Rating System

To augment the Qualmark system, we have encourage accommodation providers to self ratings.  These ratings give you an indication of accommodation standard, cleanliness and ambience.

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New Zealand Weather

Seasons
The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August.

In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC. You can check on weather conditions in New Zealand on the New Zealand Met Service website.

While these temperatures are the norm, the weather in New Zealand can change unexpectedly as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in. Because of this, you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature, particularly if you’re going hiking or doing other outdoor activities.

Recommended Clothing
Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities.

In summer a jacket and sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so also include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing.

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Driving in New Zealand

Self-driving holidays are one of the most relaxing ways of enjoying New Zealand's landscape. Many of our roads are scenic and traffic is low when compared to international standards.

Although New Zealand is a relatively small country it can take many hours to drive between cities and other destinations of interest. Even when distances are short, hilly or winding terrain or narrow secondary roads can slow your journey. Driving times provided are only approximate.

If you're used to driving in the city, you should take care when driving on the open country roads. New Zealand has a good motorway system but weather extremes, the terrain and narrow secondary roads and bridges require drivers to be very vigilant.

Never drive if you are feeling tired, particularly after you have just completed a long-haul flight.

The following, general information is provided for your road safety:

• Always drive on the left-hand-side of the road and give way to your right.
• All road distances are measured in kilometres.
• When turning left, give way (yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right.
• When the traffic light is red, you must stop. There is no left turn rule as in North America.
• The amber traffic light means stop unless you are so close to the intersection you can’t stop safely.
• The speed limit on the open road is usually 100km/h (approx 60m/h). In urban areas the speed limit is 50km/h. Speed limits are strictly enforced by the police.
• Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts or child restraints at all times, in both front and rear seats.
• During long journeys take regular rest and refreshment breaks.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in New Zealand and strictly enforced by police, with severe penalties for offenders.
• Refer to the Transit New Zealand website (www.transit.govt.nz) for country wide information on New Zealand roads. For up to date information on South Island roads you can also call toll free 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).

International Driving Licences and Permits

You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). After 12 months you are required to convert to a New Zealand licence. This applies to each visit to New Zealand.

In New Zealand all drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their licence or permit at all times when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21 years.

Make sure your driver's licence is current. If your licence is not in English, you must bring an English translation with you or obtain an IDP. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP.

A translation of your overseas licence or permit can be issued by:
• the New Zealand Translation Service, or
• a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, or
• the authority that issued your overseas licence (an international driving permit may be acceptable as a translation).

It is important to note that if you are caught driving without an acceptable English translation or an IDP, you may be prosecuted for driving unlicensed or for driving without an appropriate licence and will be liable for an infringement fee of NZ$400 or up to NZ$1,000 on conviction in court.

The Police also have the power to forbid an unlicensed driver to drive until they have an appropriate licence. If you continue to drive after being forbidden, the vehicle you are driving will be impounded for 28 days, at the vehicle owner's expense. You may also risk not being covered by your insurance in the event of a crash.

Road Rules
New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road. Drivers give way (or yield) to all traffic crossing or approaching from the right.

The speed limit is 100km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas. You will find multi-lane motorways and expressways on the approaches to the larger cities, with most roads being dual carriageways. Signposting follows standard international symbols and all distances are in kilometres (km).

Both drivers and passengers must wear a safety belt in both the front and back seats. All children under the age of five must be properly restrained by an approved child restraint when travelling in cars or vans.

Get plenty of sleep before a long drive. Take regular breaks - one every two hours and when you get sleepy.

Do not drink alcohol before driving in New Zealand; drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced.

Cycling and Motorbikes
• Helmets for riders of cycles and motorbikes must be worn at all times.
• Rear and front lights on cycles are required at night.
• Motorbikes should drive with a headlight on at all times.
• Cycling is not permitted on motorways.

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New Zealand Nightlife

Food and Wine
New Zealand's 'Pacific Rim' cuisine style takes its inspiration from regions and countries such as Europe, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Polynesia, Japan and Vietnam. This unique blend of influences has created a mouth-watering range of flavours and food available from cafes and restaurants nationwide.

For dishes that have a distinctly New Zealand style look out for lamb, pork and venison; salmon, crayfish, Bluff oysters, paua (abalone), mussels and scallops; kumara (sweet potato); kiwifruit and tamarillo; and pavlova, our national dessert, made from meringue and lashings of fresh whipped cream topped with fresh fruit or berries.

While the main centres support a few elegant, silver-service restaurants, the trend is towards more relaxed cafe-bar dining. There is a wide variety of international food available including Japanese, Indian, Halal, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Malaysian, and Thai. There are more than 900 Asian restaurants throughout New Zealand.

While you are here, take the opportunity to discover more about New Zealand wines . Our whites wines, particularly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, have achieved an international reputation for excellence - and the reds are catching-up fast!

Alcohol
Most night-spots, restaurants and cafes serve liquor seven days a week. You can purchase alcohol from liquor outlets (beer, wine and spirits) and some supermarkets (beer and wine only) seven days a week. Legally you must be 18 years old to buy alcohol or consume it in a public place, and you may be asked for a photo-ID.

Night Life in New Zealand
Lively DJ and band scenes, particularly in the larger cities, have given New Zealand's night life a renewed vibrancy. You will find a variety of night-clubs, cabarets, pubs, concerts and live performances to choose from, and there are also four casinos, in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown.

Smoking
To protect people from the health effects of second-hand smoke, smoking in all hospitality venues, including bars, restaurants, cafes, and casinos, is prohibited in New Zealand. If you smoke, please remember to smoke outside.

Shows
Most cities stage first-class concerts and shows. Theatre, orchestral concerts, ballet, rock and jazz are well represented. For information on upcoming shows and events, visit the Ticketek or It's on in New Zealand websites.

Entry Requirements

All visitors require a passport valid for at least 3 months after their planned departure date.  Non Australian passport holders can obtain requirements from the New Zealand Immigration Service. PO Box4130, Wellington, New Zealand.  Website www.immigration.govt.nz.

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New Zealand Health And Safety

Health Insurance
New Zealand provides a high level of treatment in both public and private hospitals, however these services are not free, except in the case of an accident whereby visitors are covered under the local Accident Compensation Scheme for personal injury,  It is strongly recommended that you have your own private health insurance.

Your Safety
New Zealand is one of the safest travel destinations in the world, with a relatively low crime rate, few endemic diseases and a first-class healthcare and accident compensation system. However, we recommend you observe the same precautions with your personal safety and your possessions as you would in any other country or at home.

Getting Help
The emergency telephone number in New Zealand is 111. It is a free phone call. If you have an emergency and need a quick response from the Police, the Fire Service, Ambulance or Search and Rescue, dial 111.

There are Police Stations in all main towns and cities in New Zealand and in many rural locations. Contact details can be found in local telephone books.

Don’t hesitate to contact the police if you feel unsafe or threatened. And do report any theft and crime to the police immediately.

Keeping Safe Via Text Messaging
New Zealand's two main mobile phone providers offer a txt messaging service for visitors.

You can send updates about your location and travel movements via txt to number 7233 [SAFE]. These details are kept on a central database which can be accessed by police if necessary.

Each text message sent to 7233 will be acknowledged by an automated response, which advises you to call 111 and request police assistance if you are in danger.
Police and the New Zealand tourism industry encourage you to use this service as another way of letting people know where you are and what you are doing while in our country.

Keeping Your Possessions Safe
Follow these commonsense precautions to help keep your possessions safe:
• Always lock your accommodation or vehicle and keep windows secure when unattended, and at night.
• Hand your room key to reception rather than carrying it with you.
• Never leave valuables in parked vehicles.
• Don’t leave maps, luggage or visitor brochures visible in your vehicle.
• Store valuables securely, ideally in a safe at your accommodation.
• Try and park campervans in designated areas.
• Never leave bags, backpacks, wallets or cameras unattended in any public place, especially airports, ferry terminals or railway stations.
• If any of your possessions are stolen or valuable items misplaced, advise local police as soon as possible.

Vaccinations
• No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand.

Safety Precautions
Although there are no snakes or dangerous wild animals in New Zealand, you should be aware of the following:

• Variable Weather - Weather conditions in New Zealand alpine areas can change rapidly. Be prepared for cold wet weather if you plan to walk in our National Parks, whatever the time of year.
• Sandflies - In wetter areas, particularly in Fiordland, sandflies can be pests, but are effectively controlled by use of an insect repellent.
• Giardia - Giardia is a water-borne parasite that causes diarrhoea. To avoid contracting it, it is best not to drink water from lakes, ponds or rivers without first boiling, chemically treating or filtering it.
• Sunburn - New Zealand's clear, unpolluted atmosphere and relatively low latitudes produce sunlight stronger than much of Europe or North America, so be prepared to wear hats and sun block if you plan to be out in the sun for more than 15-20 minutes.

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Important Dates in New Zealand

New Zealand School Holidays

Primary, Intermediate and Secondary School
15 Dec 07 – 06 Feb 2008
19 Apr 08 – 27 Apr 2008
05 Jul 08 – 20 Jul 2008
27 Sep 08 – 12 Oct 2008

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New Zealand Language

English is the common and everyday language of New Zealand. New Zealand is a multi-cultural society and you may hear many other languages spoken, including Maori, which is also an official language of New Zealand.

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Money Matters in New Zealand

International Departure Tax
This is applicable to all passengers 12 years and over.  $25 is to be paid at the time of departure from the following cities in New Zealand – Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, Hamilton, Palmerston North and Dunedin.

Children 2-11 years pay $10 when departing Wellington.

Currency
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Coins have values of 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; notes have values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out of New Zealand. However, every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete a Border Cash Report.

Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres.
All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.

Credit cards with "Smart Card" technology
Smart cards are payment cards that carry an embedded microchip allowing them to store encrypted, confidential information, and carry multiple applications from different industries alongside debit, credit, or prepaid payment applications. Please note these cards, which often have no magnetic strip, are not accepted everywhere in New Zealand. You may experience problems using these cards, and we therefore recommend you contact you card provider for further information before arriving in New Zealand.

Goods and Services Tax
All goods and services are subject to a 12.5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) included in the displayed price. Visitors cannot claim this tax back, however when a supplier ships a major purchase to a visitor's home address the GST will not be charged.

Tipping and Service Charges
Tipping in New Zealand is not obligatory - even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for good service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.

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New Zealand Population

New Zealand has a diverse multi-cultural population of 4 million people, the majority of whom are of British descent. New Zealand's indigenous Maori make up around 14% of the population, Pacific Islanders 5.3% and Asian 4.5%.  Approximately 3/4 live in the North Island.

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New Zealand Services and Utilities

Electricity
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.

For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Please note that power outlets only accept flat 3 or 2-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.

Mobile Phones
Check with your phone company before leaving home about international mobile roam facilities available in New Zealand.

Laptops
You will need a RJ45 type plug to be able to connect your laptop into a computer socket in New Zealand, and an adaptor with a flat two or three-point power plug to connect to the power supply.

Public Call Phones
Most public call-phones take cards purchased from bookstalls and newsagents, with a minimum value of NZ$2. Some public call-phones also accept credit cards, but very few accept coins.

New Zealand phone numbers appear online in the White Pages (alphabetical listings) and Yellow Pages (business category listings).

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Shoppingin New Zealand

Shopping Hours
Most shops and businesses are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, as a minimum. Many stores also open Saturdays and some open on Sundays. In resorts you will find most stores open in the evenings. Some banks in shopping malls are open on weekends.

What to Buy
New Zealand offers a huge variety of shopping from arts and craft markets, galleries and museum shops to exclusive designer stores. For traditional New Zealand souvenirs look for examples of superb Maori carvings in wood, bone and pounamu (greenstone or jade). You can also find jewellery and ornaments made from the iridescent paua shell (abalone), treasured by Maori for centuries.

New Zealand potters are recognised as among the world's finest and today many fine artisans are also working in stone, wood, glass and metals. The country's vast wool industry makes it possible to find wonderful handknitted wool sweaters, beautiful wall hangings, homespun yarns and top-quality sheepskins.
Alongside top international fashion in boutique stores in the main city areas, you will also find New Zealand's own award-winning fashion labels, including Zambesi, NomD, Karen Walker and World.

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New Zealand's 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 in April of the following year, when clocks are put back to GMT+12.