Language

New Zealand has 3 official languages: English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language.

New Zealand’s multi-ethnic society means that around 150 additional languages are spoken by different communities.

Maori language takes its roots from Eastern Polynesia, however, following settlement in New Zealand by Polynesian groups from the 13th century, Maori developed as a unique language distinct from other Polynesian languages. At the time of New Zealand’s 2013 Census, there were 148,395 Maori language speakers. Maori language is spoken mainly in the North Island, where the bulk of New Zealand’s Maori population resides.

Currency

New Zealand Dollar

There are opportunities to change money at banks during the tour or you may wish to change it when arriving at the airport.

In some of the rural areas that we visit there aren’t any banks and sometimes when there is a bank it could be shut when we arrive.

ATM machines are widespread throughout New Zealand, except when travelling through rural areas such as the West Coast.

Visa and Master card are the most widely accepted credit cards and we would recommend them for most expenses. American Express has limited use in NZ and it is only accepted in some centres.

A currency converter you may find helpful is www.xe.com.

International Dialing Code

+64

Electricity

Electricity in New Zealand is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is I. (Aust - 3 flat prong).

Visas

The New Zealand Government has introduced a new travel requirement for some visitors and transit passengers. From 1 October 2019 many travellers to New Zealand (including Americans, Canadians, European and British) entering the country require a prearranged, approved New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). This is obtained electronically for passport holders from countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. Travellers must apply at least 72 hours before departure, however it can take as little as 10 minutes. It can be obtained online at https:\\nzeta.immigration.govt.nz or by downloading the NZeTA app.

An NZeTA request costs NZ$17 on the free app, or NZ$23 if completed online.

You will also need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) at the same time as the NZeTA. This costs NZ$35.

Visa Waiver travellers who have not obtained an NZeTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for New Zealand.

You do not need to apply for an NZeTA if you are:

An NZ citizen with an NZ passport

Travelling on a foreign passport with an NZ citizen endorsement

An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian Passport

Have a valid visa for NZ including a permanent resident visa

You can check whether you need one at this link: https://tinyurl.com/y565l4jt

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.