New Zealand General Information

 

Language

English is the common and official language of New Zealand. Maori is the second official language.

 

Currency

New Zealand’s unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$), comprising coins with values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; and notes with values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

 

Visa Requirement

Visa not required for Singaporean & Malaysian citizen.

 

Climate / Season / Weather:

You can visit New Zealand at any time of the year. The North of New Zealand is sub-tropical and the South temperate. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30’C and in winter between 05-15’C.

New Zealand has four definite seasons – spring (Sept – Nov), summer (Dec – Feb), autumn (Mar – May) and winter (Jun – Aug), Away from the mountains, New Zealand winters are mild and temperatures generally do not fall below freezing.

Average Temperature Guideline in Celsius (MIN/MAX)

 

Summer

(Dec – Feb)

Autumn

(Mar – May)

Winter

(Jun – Aug)

Spring

(Sep – Nov)

Auckland

14 – 23

11 – 22

08 – 15

11 - 19

Christchurch

11 – 21

08 – 19

05 – 11

08 - 23

 

Electricity

Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230 / 240 volts (50 hertz), the same as Australia. Most hotels and motels also provide 110 volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adaptor or converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. New Zealand power outlets only accept flat three or tow-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.

 

Shopping

Shoppers will discover a huge variety of shopping, from arts and craft markets, galleries and museum shops to exclusive designer stores. In resort towns and most cities the shops are open 7 days a week. Shopping hours is around 9am – 5pm.

 

Mobile Phones

New Zealand has both analogue and GSM digital networks. Check with your phone company before leaving home about international mobile roam facilities available in New Zealand.

 

 

 

 

 

Time Differences

New Zealand standard time is Greenwich Mean Time + 12 hours. From the first Sunday in October to the third Sunday in March New Zealand is on daylight saving time of GMT + 13 hours. Time differences between New Zealand and Singapore is 4/5 hours (subject to daylight savings)

 

Water

All New Zealand cities and towns have excellent public water supplies; tap (faucet) water is fresh and safe to drink. Outdoors, it’s always a good idea to boil or treat water from rivers and lakes to be on the safe side.

 

Tipping

Employees in New Zealand do not depend on tips as part of their income. However, tipping in appreciation of good service is at the discretion of the visitor.