|
Travel tips for visitors to New Zealand
|
|
Travelling with a Cell Phone in NZ
-
Rent or Buy?
If you are visiting NZ for up to 6 weeks, you may find that renting one of our cellphones makes more economical sense than buying or bringing your own. In most cases, calls are lower and besides, it's hassle free - there is an open-ended rental period and you can pickup and return your phone at any of our 300+ locations around NZ.
-
Signal coverage is approximately 97% of New Zealand's populated areas.
-
Personal safety is a major concern for all travelers. Your cellphone is a very convenient way of keeping in touch with family and friends. Here are a few ways you can improve your personal safety using your cellphone.
1. SAFE text. Register your whereabouts, destination, car number plate etc. on a central database. Retrieved by police only in emergency. SAFE text is free and available on all of our rental phones.
2. ICE (In Case of Emergency). In your cellphone directory, assign someone (next of kin etc.) who emergency workers (doctor, etc.) can contact if you are involved in an accident or emergency.
3. Crimestoppers. Report suspicious activities and information to help NZ Police to reduce crime. Freephone 0800 555 111, and there is no need to give your name or personal details.
|
|
Kiwi Slang
You will meet many New Zealanders who will use words and terms that are not considered standard English. This is New Zealand idiom or Kiwi slang. Some slang is unique to New Zealand and some has been adopted or modified from slang used in other English speaking countries.
|
|
Arriving in NZ
Know about NZ Customs regulations - it will make your entry into NZ smoother.
|
|
Tourist Information
-
Available from i-SITE Information Centres in most cities and towns
-
Book early, preferably before arriving, for walking tracks (Milford Track etc.). Information on tracks, parks and outdoor attractions available from DOC (Department of Conservation)
-
Background information on New Zealand helps make your travels more interesting. This on-line encyclopedia gives a comprehensive guide to NZ - its people, environment, history, culture, economics and government.
|
|
Maps
|
|
Phonecards
-
When you rent a cellphone from us, you won't need to buy a phone card to make calls from landline. Your personal account number or the phonecard that is included with your phone will allow you to make calls from landline phones at cheaper rates. Buy and recharge over any phone through any landline in NZ.
|
|
Useful Contacts
-
Directory service: NZ phone numbers: 018 International phone numbers: 0172
-
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 111
Report non-emergency suspicious activity to Police; TXT to: 027 2727669 or freephone 0800 555 111.
-
Healthline (24hr free health advice): Freephone 0800 611 116
-
Flight check. Get up-to-date flight details: TXT flight number to 8808
-
Bus, ferry and train schedules and advice on public transport
> Auckland (Maxx): Freephone 0800 10 30 80
> Wellington (Ridewell): Freephone 0800 801 7000
-
World Clock: Freephone 0800 000 000#7614
|
|
Buying and selling a car
First, be familiar with the legal requirements for buying and selling a car. Before buying, a quick check by a mechanic may save you money. Check out the following ~
You can change vehicle ownership, relicense vehicle and change address online.
|
|
Driving
-
NZ Road Code can be viewed online or purchased from most booksellers, AA centres and PostShops.
-
Vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
|
To all our tourist customers:
We provide free "KEEP LEFT" stickers for use on your vehicle dashboard
|
|
-
Lock your car securely. Don't leave any valuables and luggage visible. Hide maps etc. that would show you are a tourist.
-
Driving while talking or texting on your cellphone doesn't mix. It is illegal in NZ to hold your cellphone in your hand, for the purpose of using it, while driving. An exemption may be made for 111 emergency calls. Your cellphone can only be used through a hands-free connection.
According to the research team at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA, talking on a cellphone (incl. hands-free) can impair driving performance as the brain cannot effectively cope with both tasks at the same time.
The British Medical Journal (July 12 2005 issue) reports a study by the Injury Prevention and Trauma Care Division at the University of Sydney,that drivers who talk on a cellphone are 4x more likely to be involved in a serious accident. This is irrespective of gender, age or whether or not a hands-free device is used.
|
|
Shopping
-
PostShops and NZ Post franchises are open Monday to Friday. Most are open on Saturday mornings and some on Sundays
-
Currency exchange is available 24 hours, 7 days a week at International Airports and all banks. Use our on-line currency converter
-
Goods & Services Tax (GST) of 12.5% applies to goods and services. This tax is usually included in the advertised price of an item. Check when renting, buying or comparing rates. GST is not charged if you show your travel ticket when you buy at Duty Free shops before leaving NZ
-
Most shops are open 7 days
-
Banks are closed Saturday and Sunday but some are open on Saturday in main city centres
|
|
Sun
-
Always wear sunscreen (SPF 30+) and a hat
-
UV burn time in the summer is about 10 minutes
-
Sunscreen made in NZ or Australia is designed for our high UV
-
Check out NZ weather as conditions can quickly change
|
|
Insect Repellant
Use plenty of insect repellant (DIMP, RID etc.), when visiting the West Coast of the South Island. The high rainfall, humidity, dense forest and wetlands, make mosquitos and sandflies a nuisance.
|
|
Electricity Supply
-
230/240 volts, 50 hertz, (same as Australia)
Most wall sockets are rated at 10 amps.
Adaptors are available from most department stores, pharmacies and electrical appliance/accessory stores.
-
Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt 20 watt AC sockets for electric razors.
|
|
Accident Compensation and Personal Insurance
Visitors are automatically covered for personal injury by accident by NZ Government's Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
|
