FAQs for your Luxury New Zealand Vacation

New Zealand Weather: What to Expect 

New Zealand’s weather can be wonderfully unpredictable—temperatures can swing by as much as 20 degrees Celsius in a single day. Weather-related incidents are a primary cause of tourism accidents and one of the main reasons we always recommend professional guides if you’re exploring the backcountry, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the trails. 

Here’s a quick seasonal snapshot: 

• Summer (Jan–Mar): Warm to hot, 15°C to 35°C+ 
• Autumn (Apr–Jun): Changeable, 5°C to 20°C 
• Winter (Jul–Sep): Cool and snowy in some regions, -5°C to 20°C 
• Spring (Oct–Dec): Fresh and variable, 10°C to 25°C 

Keep in mind, these are general guides—climate shifts mean Mother Nature likes to keep us on our toes. You’ll experience colder temperatures in alpine areas and in the early morning, so pack accordingly. 

What to Wear on Your New Zealand Vacation 

New Zealand style is relaxed and informal on most occasions. Think smart casual for most dinners and evenings out—ties are rarely needed. Even in summer, a light jacket or sweater is a wise addition, in case the evenings turn cool or you’re heading to higher altitudes. Rain is always a possibility, so a sleek, lightweight waterproof jacket is a must. 

For visits between May and September, pack warm winter clothing. The classic Kiwi approach to cool weather clothing is layering: a breathable base layer (Icebreaker is a favourite), a cosy mid-layer, and a windproof outer shell. Start your day bundled up and shed layers as the temperature rises. 

Passport and New Zealand Visa Essentials 

To visit New Zealand you’ll need a passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date. Most visitors staying under three months don’t require a visa, but if you’re planning a longer stay or come from a country without a visa waiver, you’ll need to apply for a Visitor’s Visa. 

Since October 2019, most travellers also need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), which includes the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. 

For more details and to apply online, please visit the official NZeTA website. 

New Zealand Money, Credit Cards and Cash Access 

You’ll find that all major international credit cards are widely accepted throughout New Zealand. If your card has a PIN, you can withdraw cash from ATMs conveniently located in cities and towns. 

Smart cards with embedded microchips are also accepted almost everywhere you’ll go. 

Traveller’s cheques are no longer used in New Zealand. 

New Zealand Power Points and Communications 

New Zealand runs on 230/240 volts with the same angled two- or three-pin plugs as Australia. Most hotels provide 110-volt sockets for electric razors, but for other devices, bring a universal adapter or converter unless your equipment supports multiple voltages. 

Will I Be Able to Use My Mobile Phone in New Zealand? 

Before you travel, check with your mobile provider about international roaming options. Alternatively, we can arrange local SIM cards or mobile phones for you. Keep in mind, coverage can be patchy in remote areas, but if you need guaranteed connectivity, we can provide satellite phones. 

Driving in New Zealand 

Driving in New Zealand can be a joy, especially in scenic areas, but it requires attentiveness. Roads can be narrow, winding, and weather conditions can change quickly, creatin challenging conditions. 

Here are some important New Zealand road rules you should know: 

• Always drive on the left side of the road. 
• Observe speed limits: max 100 km/h on open roads, 50 km/h in towns, and slower around schools. 
• Stop at red lights; an amber light means stop unless you are so close to the intersection it is unsafe to do so. 
• Never overtake on double yellow lines - these indicate that it's too dangerous to overtake. 
• Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers at all times. 
• Never drink and drive - Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in New Zealand and the penalties are strict. 
• Road signs use international symbols; distances are in kilometres. 
• Driver’s Licences and Hiring a Car in New Zealand 
• To hire a car, you’ll need a driver’s licence in English. A foreign language driver’s licence must be accompanied with an accredited translation of the licence. 

Internet and WiFi in New Zealand 

Staying online while travelling in New Zealand is straightforward with a little preparation. Chances are that you’re arriving in New Zealand with a mobile phone, tablet or laptop – or a mixture of all three. Free WiFi hotspots are common in cities but less so in rural areas, so we recommend purchasing a local data plan for seamless connectivity throughout your trip.

New Zealand Time Zones 

New Zealand is one of the first countries to greet the new day, sitting 12 hours ahead of GMT. During summer, daylight saving time moves clocks forward to GMT+13 (from late September to early April), then back to GMT+12 for the rest of the year. 

Tipping and Service Charges in New Zealand 

Tipping isn’t expected here, even in fine dining or bars. That said, if you receive exceptional service, a gratuity is always appreciated. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills. 

Airport Check-in and Baggage 

For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours prior to departure. For domestic flights, we recommend 1 hour (some airlines, like Jetstar, are strict about late arrivals). 

Domestic baggage allowance is typically one bag up to 23kg per person. If your domestic flights are linked to international tickets, your international baggage allowance applies. Keep in mind some regional airports and planes are small, so excessive baggage can cause questions at check-in. 

New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST) 

All prices for goods and services in New Zealand include a 15% GST. Visitors can’t claim this tax back, but if a supplier ships a major purchase to your home address, GST won’t be charged. 

Accidents and Health Insurance while Travelling in New Zealand 

In New Zealand, you cannot sue anyone for compensatory damages if you are injured. Instead ACC helps pay for your care - contributing towards the cost of your treatment and helping in your recovery while you remain in New Zealand. You still need to purchase your own travel and medical insurance because ACC does not cover everything: 
 - ACC only covers treatment and rehabilitation in New Zealand, and you’ll usually need to cover some of the cost yourself. 
- ACC does not pay any additional costs resulting from an accident, for example; delayed travel costs, your travel home, treatment at home and loss of income in your home country. 

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel and health insurance to ensure peace of mind. Medical care here is of a high standard, but is not free for visitors, except in cases covered by ACC. 

Medication and Vaccinations for New Zealand Travel 

If you’re bringing a quantity of medication, please carry a doctor’s certificate to avoid customs delays. Prescriptions are required for certain medications in New Zealand. 

We hope this helps you prepare for an unforgettable luxury journey through New Zealand. Should you have any questions, our team at Ahipara is here to assist you every step of the way.