New Zealand - All You Need To Know Before You Go
- Helen
- Feb 5, 2019
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 2, 2019
Travelling to any new country will generate questions about what is different in your destination of choice and what you need to know when you arrive.
New Zealand is a small, yet first world, country which many people feel they have a good understanding of, despite not having visited (I know I did).
Despite this, as with any country, there are cultural, practical and generally useful things it is good to know for when you do visit.
A little practical information will make for a smoother and absolutely stress free visit!
In the next few paragraphs, let me enlighten you to some of the useful facts about New Zealand you might need: including the customs, culture, cities, climate, how to get around and more!
What You Need To Know When You Visit New Zealand
- Visa Requirements
Depending on where you come from, you may need to obtain a Visa to enter New Zealand, although some countries are able to travel into New Zealand Visa free (coming from the UK, I was free to enter without a Visa and entitled to stay for up to 6 months).
To check if you will need a visa, review the New Zealand Immigration website which has all the information you need and how to apply if you do.
Regardless of whether you need a Visa or not, you will need to be able to show that you have onward travel plans made (departing before the time of your permitted stay expires) and that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while in the country upon arrival.
- Customs & What To Declare
New Zealand is a small country that prides itself on protecting it's environment, ecology, safety and economy.
As such, New Zealand Customs at immigration are stringent, with some items you may think harmless strictly forbidden to be imported or which must be declared if they are permitted.
Unsurprisingly, items such as weapons and recreational drugs are prohibited, will be strongly questioned and probably land you in a holding cell as you step off the plane!
However, also check carefully that you are not bringing in (often innocently) other items that you need to declare or very often dispose of before you enter the country.
These include:
- certain foods, particularly fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, poultry, honey and more besides!
- plants or seeds
- wooden items
- herbal medicines
- used sports shoes or equipment.
Some medicines are also forbidden, including pseudoephedrine (found in common decongestants).
If you have any of these things with you on arrival in New Zealand they must be declared (you are given a form to complete).
If you are found with anything that has not been declared then Customs are very hot on either giving you an on the spot fine or prosecuting further.
If in doubt at all then I would say declare it!
For a full list of prohibited or restricted items on entering New Zealand, see their official Customs website.
New Zealand's Money Matters
The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZ$).
Coins come in values of 10, 20, 50 cents and 1 or 2 dollars.
The notes (which are colourful and well designed!) come in values of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars.
Credit cards are accepted very widely, particularly Visa and Mastercard - in fact some tourist sites I visited declared themselves as 'cashless' and would only accept card payments.
TIPPING - this is not obligatory or expected but is at the discretion of the customer if service is good.
SERVICE CHARGES are not added to bills at hotels or restaurants.
GOODS & SERVICE TAX (GST) is a tax for all goods and services in New Zealand, charged at 15% and included in the displayed price. This tax is not reclaimable.
Official Languages of New Zealand
New Zealand has three official languages.
English and Maori are the two official spoken languages and New Zealand Sign Language is also officially recognised.
English is the most common language spoken, used in the courts, schools, parliament and public sector services.
Maori (which became officially recognised in 1987) and New Zealand Sign Language have special status under the law and both can be legally used in official or legal situations with interpreters provided.
The Maori language is taught in the schools from a young age.
When you arrive in New Zealand you will instantly notice the use of both English and Maori.
Official signs and displays are often provided in both English and Maori, as Maori is very much ingrained into the daily life.
To really get by, it can be helpful to know at least a handful of common Maori words that you will see and hear:
- Aotearoa - the Maori name for New Zealand and used widely
- Kia Ora - a widely used greeting - translated it means to wish a person good health. This is commonly used as a way to say hello, but also can be used with different inflection to say thanks or well done.
- Morena - Good morning
- Haere Mai - Welcome - you will see this on welcome signs and as you enter a new town or city.
Travelling Around New Zealand
By car, coach, train or plane, getting around New Zealand can be quite straight forward.
Within main cities, such as Wellington and Auckland there are good inner city transport options, such as bus or train which are convenient and easy to navigate.
In smaller towns and cities, however, you might find local public transport that is infrequent or just unavailable!
Travelling between cities or regions in New Zealand is best by car, or failing that by coach or plane.
Bus services that offer good coverage of the main towns and cities in the country include the InterCity network or there are options aimed more towards the backpacker, such as KiwiExperience.
These both offer affordable travel card and hop on and off options.
Domestic flights in New Zealand are a good choice too.
Affordable flights can be found with airlines such as Air New Zealand or Jet Star, serving most of New Zealand's cities (want to know how to find the best deals on flights? Read this!).
Driving In New Zealand
One thing to know about driving in New Zealand, is that they drive on the left hand side of the road, with the driver seated on the right in the car (in the same way as the UK and Japan).
If you are travelling around New Zealand then driving is one of the most convenient ways to do so, affording greater freedom and ability to reach areas poorly serviced by public transport.
The roads in New Zealand are not generally busy but there are few motorways and even the 'highways' are predominantly single lane roads.
The highways can also be hilly and quite windy, so allow time for your journeys.
Having said that, much of the driving in New Zealand takes you through incredible and beautiful landscapes and surroundings which you would not want to rush through!
Population, Crime & Lifestyle
New Zealand is not a big country in terms of it's population size.
Across the North and South Islands the population currently stands at just under 5 million, equating to 0.06% of the world population!
There is current growth in this figure, however, with the population in New Zealand currently growing at a rate of about 1.4-2% a year.
This smaller population does mean that this is not a country that is by any means overcrowded and perhaps contributes to the general laid back and friendly attitude you will find in most New Zealanders.
The ethos of this small nation is easygoing and accepting.
In New Zealand you will find tolerance of differences in culture, communities and general diversity!
The crime rates in New Zealand are also low, although, like anywhere crime does happen. In 2018, however, murder rates in the country were reported at a 40 year low.
In the 2018 Global Peace Index, comparing 162 countries for rates of violence, New Zealand was deemed the world's second safest country (after Iceland).
The Big Cities!
The capital of New Zealand is Wellington, found on the south coast of the North Island.
Auckland, however, located at the top of the North Island is New Zealand's largest city, with the greater proportion of the population found there.
Christchurch, on New Zealand's South Island is the third largest city in New Zealand.
Of course, Christchurch was sadly hit by an earthquake in 2011 and did experience a drop in population size following this, but the city is currently continuing to rebuild and attract people back.
Wildlife
Good news for anyone with a phobia of snakes, spiders or other venomous creatures - New Zealand has no dangerous creepy crawlies, snakes or other wildlife to be aware of!
New Zealand does however have a number of unique birds, fish, insects and wildlife which it works hard to protect and where they are becoming endangered has put measures in place to prevent their becoming extinct.
One example of this is of course the Kiwi - a flightless bird unique to New Zealand.
Although not an official symbol of the nation, the Kiwi is often seen to represent the country and New Zealander's proudly name themselves, 'Kiwi's' after them.
The Climate
The climate in New Zealand is largely temperate but does vary depending on where you are and the time of year.
While the north of the country experiences subtropical summers, the South Island alpine regions can get very cold in winter (sub zero temperatures).
Wellington city is also lovingly referred to as 'windy Wellington' by it's residents due to the strong winds it can experience.
On the whole, however, the country experiences relatively mild temperatures with lots of sunshine, in between a moderate amount of rainfall, which all helps contribute to the greenery and beauty of this land.
Earthquakes & Volcanoes!
Earthquakes are a very real risk in New Zealand. New Zealand sits in what is known as the 'Pacific basin ring of fire' where many earthquakes and volcanoes do occur.
Over 15,000 earthquakes are picked up in New Zealand each year, but only 100 - 150 of these are large enough to be felt.
Of course, one of the most notable recent big earthquakes in New Zealand was in Christchurch on the South Island in 2011.
The risk of a large earthquake is significant over large parts of New Zealand and it is something that authorities take very seriously with stringent building regulations.
The population are regularly advised and educated about how to prepare for and act should an earthquake occur.
New Zealand also has a lot of active volcanoes, with five of the six main regions of these found on the North Island.
Mount Taranaki on the west coast of the North Island is thought to be the highest risk of eruption in coming years.
The city of Auckland, however, is built on a volcanic field, with 50 volcanoes around the Auckland region. Technically any of these could erupt at any time.
It is said that ash has coated Auckland from a volcano on average once every 400 years in the past 12,000 years and the last big volcano in the Auckland region was 600 years ago... (just saying!).
Finally... The Haka!!
One thing many people know about New Zealand (particularly those who follow rugby) is the Haka dance that has become synonymous with the nation!
Just for fun then, here is a bit more about the Haka!
Traditionally the Haka was a war challenge performance deeply rooted in Maori heritage.
It involves a series of body slaps, foot stamps and facial expressions that would prepare and demonstrate readiness for battle.
Today the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team have made the Haka internationally recognised as they perform this ritual at the start of each of their games. In this way the Haka is now known internationally as a symbol of New Zealand identity.
Despite this, it remains crucial to the people of New Zealand that the Haka and it's origins are treated with respect and not overly commercialised.
Having said that, seeing the Haka performed live is quite an awe-inspiring spectacle so if you do get the chance then take it.
So, now you know it all - all you need to know before you go to New Zealand!
New Zealand is an incredible country to visit - the land and sea are beautiful, the people are welcoming, laid back and friendly, it is generally safe and you won't regret your choice of destination.
Anything else you would want to know about travelling to New Zealand?
Let me know in the comments or get in touch.
**To make my travels possible and affordable I do so through international house-sitting, using both Trusted Housesitters and Kiwi Housesitters**
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