About New Zealand

Airport Departure Tax

An airport departure tax of $25.00 (Incl GST) per person is payable by all passengers departing from any of New Zealand"s international airports

Banking & Currency

New Zealand operates a decimal currency system. Most internationally recognized currencies and travellers? cheques can be exchanged easily at banks, hotels and international airports, upon presentation of your passport. Normal banking hours are Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 4.30pm. Banks are closed at weekends and on public holidays.

Most international credit cards are honoured in hotels, restaurants, shops and department stores. Many may also be used as cash cards in the numerous automatic teller machines available.

At the time of printing the New Zealand dollar was valued at 0.67 US Dollars,1.06 Singapore Dollars, 80 Japanese Yen, 0.35 English Pounds and 0.53 Euro.

Climate and Clothing

The Conference will be held during Wellington"s late summer. Delegates are advised to bring clothing suitable for temperatures ranging from 11oC ? 20oC during the day. New Zealand"s climate is noted for change at short notice and both cold spells and showers can occur.

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.

Electricity

The power supply in New Zealand is 230 volts AC, 50 hertz.

Insurance

Participants are reminded of the need to take our their own travel and loss of deposit insurance, to extend where necessary any private policies for personal items in their luggage, and to arrange appropriate medical cover.

Postal Services

There are a number of Post Shops and post boxes located throughout Wellington CBD. Please liaise with the Hotel for stamps and postal services, they are only too happy to assist.

Shopping hours

Many shops are open on seven days of the week but with reduced hours on Saturday and Sundays.

Time Zones

At the time of the Congress New Zealand time will be GMT plus 12 hours due to daylight saving time.

Tipping

Tipping, while appreciated, is neither required nor expected in New Zealand.

Medical Information

Supermarkets and Pharmacies sell a wide range of pain relief medicine, for other medical requirements please liaise with the hotel and the Meeting Administrators.

Language

New Zealand has three official languages of which English is almost universally spoken. The other official languages are New Zealand Maori and New Zealand Sign Language.

Passport / Visa Information

Visa requirements for visitors to New Zealand differ from country to country.

For information about New Zealand’s visa requirements, please visit http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/visit/ or talk to your local travel agent.

No visa is required for visitors from countries listed in the attached document produced by New Zealand Immigration services: Visa Free Countries.

It is important that you apply for your visa early and apply through the appropriate New Zealand Embassy The Congress company will have advised the Embassy to expect your application.

The correct office can be found here, on the NZ Immigration Services web site

You should apply for a "Visitor Visa"

An invitation letter to assist in Visa application is available elsewhere on this site.

Customs

New Zealand has a very strict policy on food being bought into the country. Customs will X ray all luggage on arrival and any food that is found, you will be charged for. Please ensure you dispose of the food before entering the customs area of the New Zealand International Airport.

Mobile Telephones

New Zealand has both GSM and CDMA mobile networks.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all buildings open to the public, including shops and hospitality venues, including bars, restaurants, cafes, and casinos, in New Zealand.

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.

Water

New Zealand cities and towns have excellent water supplies and tap water is fresh and safe to drink. Bottled spring water is available for purchase through the hotels or any supermarket in Wellington City.

Driving Tips

In New Zealand we drive on the left hand side of the road. It is compulsory for everyone in the car to wear seat belts. Maximum speed limit for the open road in New Zealand is 100 kilometres/hour, and in built up areas, 50.

For more detailed information, please visit the New Zealand Government Land Transport Safety Authority website: http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/overseasdrivers

Rental Cars and Campervans (Motorhomes)

There are many rental car companies to choose from with most having depots at airports or being situated to the city centre. Some of the main companies are Avis, Hertz, Budget for rental cars and Maui, Tui and NZ Motorhomes for campervans.

Internet linkage

Wellington ha s a well developed wireless network accessible from many parts of the city

For more useful information on getting around New Zealand go to Useful Links