New Zealand Facts
Location: New Zealand is in the South Pacific ocean, east across the Tasman Sea from the south east coast of Australia. It is a long, narrow, mountainous country consisting of two major islands, the North and South Island, the smaller Stewart Island and many other small islands.
Coordinates: -45° 01' 48.83" S, 168° 39' 45.76" E
Visas and Passports IMPORTANT: Refer to New Zealand Travel Requirements
Language: English. The Māori language is commonly used in the media and at school.
Capital City: Wellington
Population: 4.7 million people in New Zealand. Queenstown population approximately 15 thousand.
Seasons: Peak season runs from October through to April, centered on summer December to February. During this full period it is strongly recommended that you book any tours, events, accommodation and transport ahead of time to ensure availability. Outside of these months there is a less of a need to book in advance, except in ski resort towns such as Queenstown and Wanaka.
Time Zone: New Zealand Standard Time zone is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time(GMT+12).
Currency: Quick Conversions New Zealand Dollar:
1 USD = 1.53024 NZD
1 EUR = 1.7469 NZD
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout New Zealand. Those commonly used include American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard and Bankcard. Cards are accepted at major hotels and shops.
Electrical Current: The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in New Zealand, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa).
Telephone code:
Dialing internationally + 64 + area code + telephone
Dialing locally dial the seven-digit telephone number
New Zealand (Queenstown) Health: Southern Health
Emergency Call 111
New Zealand Shopping : Queenstown boasts great shopping with luxury brands, iconic New Zealand design stores, souvenirs, boutique fashion and adventure sports equipment aplenty all centrally located in the compact town.
Queenstown is also home to art galleries, book shops and specialty food and wine stores just waiting for you to gather up ingredients for a lovely picnic somewhere in town.
New Zealand Transportation: You can legally drive in New Zealand for 12 months if you have either a current full driver’s license from your home country in the English language or an International Driving Permit.You must carry your license or permit at all times when driving and you are only able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. You can find out more about driving in New Zealand here.
New Zealand Gas Stations: You will find gas stations throughout the area.
WiFi/Computers: Most villas and resorts offer WiFi internet.
Tipping is considered a true “merit-based” system, as it is not necessary to tip at restaurants, hotels, bars, salons, or spas, as well as in a taxi, unless the service exceeds all expectations. Employees in New Zealand typically earn a decent wage, so tipping is, in fact, a true sign of a job well done.If the service was excellent, leaving a 10% gratuity is more than generous and your waiter or waitress will certainly appreciate it.