Tips and Information
USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT NEW ZEALAND
HISTORICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT NEW ZEALAND
Key Facts and Figures
| Population: | 4.3 Million |
| Capital City: | Wellington |
| Largest City: | Auckland (1.1million) |
| Area: | 270,534 sq km |
| New Zealand People | |
| People: | 74% Pakeha (European), 13.5% Maori, 6% Polynesian, 6% Asian, 0.5% Other |
| Languages: | English, Maori |
| Religion: | Predominantly Christian (60%) and No Religion (25%) |
| New Zealand Politics | |
| Government: | National Government; Independent member of the British Commonwealth. Main opposition - Labour Party (left wing) |
| Prime Minister: | John Key |
| New Zealand Infrastructure | |
| Time-zone: | GMT+12 |
| Dialling Code: | +64 |
| Weights & Measures: | Metric |
| Electricity: | 240V, 50Hz |
| New Zealand Economy | |
| GDP: | US$85 billion |
| GDP per Capita: | US$22,360 |
| Annual Growth: | 2% |
| Inflation: | 3.5% |
| Industry: | Dairy, Tourism, Agriculture, Wood and Paper Products |
| Trade: | Australia, Japan, UK, China, USA |
New Zealand has everything the world has to offer within a compact country. From snow capped mountains to golden sandy beaches, from fast flowing rivers to crystal clear lakes. New Zealand is a country of beauty and diversity in both scenery and culture.
For people looking to travel to New Zealand, some of its main attractions are the stunning scenery, clean green environment and economic and political stability.
New Zealand is an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. New Zealanders are considered to be entrepreneurial, inventive and hard working.
New Zealand offers modern technology, progressive policies and an economy based on diversification, quality exports and farming.
Climate / Weather
New Zealand's climate varies, but it is generally mild with wet winters and warm, dry summers. Temperatures in the summer (December to February) range from 20˚C to 35˚C and average between 10˚C and 20˚C in the winter (June to August).
Culture
New Zealand has a diverse multi-cultural population, the majority of whom are of British descent. New Zealand's indigenous Maori make up around 14 percent of the population.
The culture of its indigenous Maori people affects the language, the arts, and even the accents of all New Zealanders.
New Zealanders are largely sophisticated and highly educated urban dwellers. They embrace new technology and culture, but they also have a background of quiet but rugged individualism, self-reliance and a passion for invention.
Many New Zealanders travel extensively and thrive on learning and experiencing other cultures. They are renowned for their openness, ingenuity and “easy-going” nature.
Environment
Fourteen spectacular national parks preserve New Zealand's natural heritage... enshrining a huge variety of landscapes, vegetation and wildlife, New Zealand encompasses rich farmland, mountains, rivers and unsurpassed scenery.
The country is slightly bigger than the UK in size. Three-quarters of the population live in the North Island with more than a third of New Zealand's population living in the largest city, Auckland.
The South Island - with its lakes, fiords and spectacular outdoor scenery is the most popular destination for tourists.
The gateway to the South Island is Christchurch - a city of approximately 340,000 people.
Recreation
New Zealand's stunning landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to relax and enjoy life.
New Zealanders love the outdoors, especially tramping, camping, skiing and snowboarding. Sailing, surfing and swimming are also favourite pursuits. New Zealand's sports and recreation facilities are inexpensive, abundant and very accessible.
My Map
Google Maps are an efficient GPS alternative to finding your way around. You can look up your destination, print off a map (or maps) and use them when you are out walking, cycling or driving. Google Maps now have a new facility called 'My Maps', where you can create and save any number of detailed, personalised maps for free - perfect for trip planning.
It's very simple to use. Log on to Google Maps (www.maps.google.co.nz), then click on the 'My Maps' option. Pull up the area you want to build your map around, for example, Christchurch. Then click on 'Create New Map' and give it a name and brief description. You can use line-draw tools to show routes e.g. river walk route. It's like having your own personal map library.
All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond the date they intend to leave the country.
Visa Exemptions
You do not need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand if you are:
- A New Zealand citizen or have a New Zealand Returning Resident's Visa
- An Australian resident with a current Australian Resident Return Visa
- If you are a citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand
Currently travellers from more than 50 countries do not require a Visitor's Visa for stays less than three months. You do require:
- A passport that is valid for at least three months after your departure from New Zealand
- An onward or return ticket to a country that you have permission to enter
- Sufficient money to support yourself during your stay
To find out if your country qualifies for a visa waiver, check out the Visiting New Zealand section of the New Zealand Immigration Service website. You will find a list of all eligible countries and other useful visa information. Your travel agent, airline or nearest New Zealand Embassy will also be able to advise you if you require a visa.
British citizens and other British passport holders who have evidence of the right to live permanently in the UK may be allowed to stay for up to six months.
Visitor's Visa Application
If your country is not on the visa waiver list or you wish to stay longer than three months you will need to apply for a Visitor's Visa. You can download an application form from the New Zealand Immigration Service website, or contact your nearest New Zealand Embassy.
Study and Work Visas
The New Zealand Immigration Service also has information on work, business or student visas. If you want to study in New Zealand, check out the websites of the New Zealand Independent English Language Schools and Education New Zealand Trust.
Immigration
If you are thinking about living permanently in New Zealand, read the Migration section of the New Zealand Immigration Service website. It contains a brief summary of immigration requirements and information on obtaining a residence application pack.
Money Matters
Currency
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Coins have values of 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; notes have values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into or taken out of New Zealand. However, every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete a Border Cash Report.
Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres.
Exchange Rates
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand provides a monthly online summary of the New Zealand Dollar's average value against the US Dollar, the Pound, the Australian Dollar, the Yen and the Euro.
Banking
Banks are generally open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in shopping malls. All major credit cards can be used. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.
Goods and Services Tax
All goods and services are subject to a 15 percent 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.
How Much Will It Cost?
Here is a general guide of what you can expect to pay in New Zealand for a few common items:
| Approx. | |
| A hotel breakfast | NZ$10 - $25 |
| Dinner (3-course, no wine) | NZ$25 - $50 |
| Lunch snack/sandwich | NZ$5 - $10 |
| Cafe lunch | NZ$10 - $15 |
| A postcard stamp to anywhere abroad | NZ$1.80 |
| Big Mac Hamburger | NZ$4.90 |
| Cappuccino | NZ$3.50 - $4.00 |
Tipping and Service Charges
Tipping in New Zealand is not obligatory - even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for good service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.
Health Considerations
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand.
Safety Precautions
There are absolutely no dangerous or poisonous animals or insects in New Zealand.
Variable Weather
Weather conditions in New Zealand alpine areas can change rapidly. Be prepared for cold wet weather if you plan to walk in our National Parks... whatever the time of year.
Sandflies
In wetter areas, particularly in Fiordland, sandflies can be pests, but are effectively controlled by use of an insect repellent.
Giardia
Giardia is a water-borne parasite that causes diarrhoea. To avoid contracting it, it is best not to drink water from lakes, ponds or rivers without first boiling, chemically treating or filtering it.
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 a hat and sun block if you plan to be out in the sun for more than 10 minutes.
General Insurance and Safety
New Zealand is one of the safest holiday destinations in the world. However, you are advised to observe the same precautions for your personal safety and possessions as you would in any other country or at home. We recommend you invest in comprehensive travel insurance before departing.
Health and Medical Insurance
We strongly advise you to arrange your own health insurance. New Zealand's public and private medical/hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and service but it is important to note that these services are not free to visitors, except as a result of an accident.
Medication
Visitors bringing in a quantity of medication are advised to carry a doctor's certificate to avoid possible problems with New Zealand Customs. Doctor's prescriptions are needed to obtain certain drugs in New Zealand.
Accident Compensation Scheme
Visitors to New Zealand are covered under the National Accident Compensation Scheme for personal injury by accident. Benefits include some medical and hospital expenses, but do not include loss of earnings outside New Zealand. We therefore recommend that your travel insurance policy also covers accidents.
Accident Advice for Visitors
A private company called Accident Info Services can advise visitors to New Zealand on how best to access New Zealand's health system should they have an accident or need medical attention for an illness. This 24-hour service can give advice on where to go and can arrange for a medical practitioner to visit the patient.
You can access the service by telephoning +64 9 529-0488. No prior arrangements need to be made. For free information on the service once you are in New Zealand, telephone 0800 263-345.
Smoking
To protect people from the health effects of second-hand smoke, smoking in all hospitality venues, including bars, restaurants, cafes, and casinos, is prohibited in New Zealand. If you smoke, then please remember to smoke outside.
Christmas Day |
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Boxing Day |
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New Year's Day |
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New Year's Holiday |
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Waitangi Day |
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Good Friday |
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Easter Monday |
9 April 2012 |
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Anzac Day |
25 April 2012 |
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Queen's Birthday |
4 June 2012 |
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Labour Day |
22 October 2012 |
Christchurch
Christchurch has a population of 386,000 and is known as the 'Garden City' and has a lot to offer. There is plenty to do, including a visit to Hagley Park, Mona Vale, Riccarton House & Dean's Cottage, the International Antarctic Centre, the Museum and the Arts Centre. There is plenty of old architecture to admire and the shopping, cafés and dining are excellent.
Christchurch Art Gallery
The new Christchurch Art Gallery (in Worcester Boulevard) is attracting attention on a worldwide scale. Designed by leading Australasian architects, the Buchan Group, the building features a flowing glass and sculptured wall and has a sculptured garden outside, with water features, trees and interesting recreational spaces.
The three storey building houses nine exhibition areas, a library, an auditorium, education workrooms, a restaurant and retail outlets.
Visitors to the Gallery are welcomed by a large gateway sculpture, Reasons for Voyaging, designed and constructed by internationally respected Canterbury sculptor Graham Bennett and architect, David Cole.
International Antarctic Centre
Attractions at the centre include:
- Scott Base Interactive Technology - illustrating how people survive in polar conditions
- The Four Seasons - experience the four dramatic seasons that the area is exposed to
- Snow and Ice Experience - slide down a snow slope, explore a snow cave and feel the exhilaration of the temperatures
- The Gallery Area - learn about the Antarctic Treaty, transportation, the ozone layer, wildlife (stroke a leopard seal) and the natural habitat
- Camp Site and Snow Mobile - see how people survive on Antarctic field trips
- The Great White South - a 14 minute audio visual show
This is just one of the many attractions that bring tourists to Christchurch for longer periods of time.
Akaroa - A must visit
The boutique shops along Rue Lavaud, Rue Jolie and the waterfront are well worth visiting in the “compulsory” trip to the French settlement of Akaroa.
A good place to start is at the Akaroa Museum, that incorporates Langlois-Eteveneaux House, Custom House and the Court House.
Here you will get an excellent idea of the varied history of Akaroa - from the time that the Maori arrived, through to aspects of the whaling industry and finally the French and European settlers.
You can also take a leisurely drive to Okains Bay (30 min) to visit the famous Maori & Early Settlers museum.
A trip to Akaroa should be high up on your agenda.
Exploring the Akaroa Harbour
On arriving at the historic French settlement of Akaroa, there is no shortage of entertainment, cafés, or historic experiences.
A truly unique way to enjoy Akaroa Harbour and view the wildlife and seabirds is to sail via the Fox II - built in 1922 and crewed by vintage boat enthusiasts.
The Fox II was originally built in Auckland as a cargo carrier, with a single mast, 1.2ft bowsprit and a steel centre board. The hold could also be flooded to carry live crayfish.
It was then taken over by the Fox Fishing Co in the 1930's and used as a fishing boat until the 1970's. It has since been overhauled and surveyed and has carried thousands of passengers around Akaroa Harbour.
Hanmer Springs - Get away for the day
Just 90 minutes away from Christchurch, Hanmer is the perfect place for a day trip, or longer if you have the time.
There is something for everyone's budget, whether it is one of the many forest walks, mountain biking or playing a round of golf. The more adventurous are catered for as well with bungy jumping and jetboating.
In the winter, there is nothing more indulgent than just sitting in the natural hot pools, which Hanmer Springs is famous for.
On the way it is worth spending time in Waipara, which is becoming very well known for its high quality wineries.
Thrillseekers
An exciting adventure, well worth combining with a trip to Hanmer, can be found with one or more of the “Thrillseekers” experiences on the Waiau River.
They guarantee the best jet boat ride in New Zealand - hurtling through the Waiau Gorge, following the contours of the steep canyon walls and passing within centimetres of the rocks and cliff faces.
They offer an interesting rafting trip and one of the best bungy jumping experiences in the area.
Tranz Alpine Railway
The Tranz Alpine Railway, which runs between Christchurch and Greymouth, is regarded as one of the world's greatest train trips. The views are absolutely spectacular.
From your carriage you can see:
- The glorious fields and farms of the Canterbury Plains
- The awesome gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River
- The grand Southern Alps (which are longer than the Swiss Alps)
- A lush beech rain forest
The trip takes 4.5 hours and is 224 kilometres long. There are 16 tunnels and 5 viaducts, with the highest viaduct (the “Staircase”) standing at 73 metres.
An attractive bonus is that you finish up at the West Coast old gold mining town of Greymouth. This is a great base for further visits to Punakaiki and the glaciers.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura (meaning 'feed of crayfish' in Maori) is a marine wonderland. You can go whale and dolphin watching by sea or air and take in the spectacular coastline. Sample some of the freshest seafood and enjoy a small New Zealand town at its best.
Whale Watch
More and more overseas visitors are realising that winter is a great time to see NZ - especially the spectacular South Island, with its alps and breathtaking scenery.
A new element is added to the Whale Watch attraction at Kaikoura in the winter.
Sperm whales are present in Kaikoura waters all year round but humpback whales start appearing in the winter - as they continue with their annual migration.
Kaikoura is characterised by the Kaikoura Trench, which drops to over 1000m, just a few kilometres from the harbour, and meets the 1600m deep Hikurangi Trough - which is something of a whale motorway... running along NZ's east coast, linking the cool South Pacific with warmer waters from further north.
The range of species at Kaikoura includes orca, pilot whales, dolphins and southern right whales. Giant albatross are also on view.
The Kaikoura Dolphins
A Kaikoura activity that is rapidly growing in popularity is watching or swimming with the Dusky Dolphins - an experience run by local company, Dolphin Encounter.
Dusky Dolphins inhabit the coastal waters off Kaikoura all year round and live in groups (or pods) that number anywhere from 100 to 800 individuals. They can in fact appear in their thousands.
The Dusky Dolphin is very gregarious and acrobatic, frequently performing spectacular leaps, jumps, side slaps and back flips. Their trademark specialty is a delightful somersault, which they can perform time and time again.
They range in size from 165cm to 195cm and live for up to 25 years. The dolphins are seen wild, in their natural habitat.
The Dolphin Encounter Tour lasts for approximately 3 hours and a guided commentary is given throughout the tour. Visitors can often see other interesting species such as Orca (Killer Whales), Pilot Whales, Fur Seals and Hector Dolphins.
Methven & Mt Hutt Ski Area
Only an hour away from Christchurch is Methven and the Mt Hutt ski area. It is easy to take a day trip skiing and enjoy the Southern Alps right on Christchurch's back doorstep. South Island ski-fields are internationally respected and are a vast playground for local and overseas skiers.
Rafting the Rangitata
We love the Rangitata River. It is one of the loveliest and most exciting rivers in NZ - and a treasure of the South Island... and if you like white water rafting then here is an experience that is great fun and world class. The huge advantage is that it is only a two hours drive from the Christchurch International Airport.
The Rangitata is fed by the catchment of the upper Rangitata Basin, and from there a large amount of water cascades down through the Rangitata Gorge, producing a rip roaring ride, including sections that are grade 5 on the scale of difficulty. This is about the maximum level that a commercial operator can handle with safety... and safety is important for the exceptionally skilled and experienced operators from Rangitata Rafts.
This is a 3 hour trip that we would thoroughly recommend. The ride is incredible and the scenery spectacular.
The Rangitata Rafts Backpacker Lodge is in a spectacular high country setting and is an ideal base for also walking, biking or generally exploring the area.
Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass is in the heart of the Southern Alps and about 150kms inland from Christchurch (approximately 2hrs by car).
The Pass was used by Maori (mainly Ngai Tahu) to move pounamu (greenstone) from Arahura and Taramakau in Westland, to Canterbury.
Settlers explored the Canterbury side of the Alps first in the 1850's in order to find open tussock land for sheep grazing. Then, looking for a quick route to the West Coast, Arthur Dudley Dobson surveyed Arthur's Pass in 1864. This became very significant when miners discovered gold on the West Coast a few years later.
Arthur's Pass is the gateway to the Arthur's Pass National Park, which has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. They range from eastern beech clad hills and tussock valleys to the luxuriant rain forests in the west. The highest mountains have glaciers, flowering herbs and alpine grasses.
Red deer and chamois live in the park (hunters can obtain a permit). Brown and Rainbow trout, as well as salmon, are found in the Waimakariri and Taramakau rivers.
There are a wide variety of skifields in the area including Porter Heights, Mt Hutt, Craigieburn, Cheeseman, Broken River and Temple Basin.
HISTORICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
New Zealand's Tangata Whenua (People of the Land)
New Zealand's indigenous people came from tropical Polynesia more than 1000 years ago. Learning to live in New Zealand shaped their thinking and their beliefs until they became Te Maori, a race clearly distinct from other Polynesian cultures.
The first sign of a major land mass was a build up of white cloud in the distance. Kupe's wife, Hine-te-aparangi, called out "He ao he ao! He aotea! He aotearoa" ("A cloud, a cloud! A white cloud! A long white cloud!), and so the land was named Aotearoa - 'Land of the long white cloud'. After circumnavigating the North and South Islands of Aotearoa, Kupe and his crew returned to Hawaiki with treasures such as preserved moa flesh and pounamu (greenstone).
Today Maori live throughout New Zealand, and many are actively involved with keeping their culture and language alive. Within any Maori community, the marae provides a focus for social, cultural and spiritual life. The term marae describes a communal 'plaza' area that includes a wharenui (meeting house) and wharekai (dining room).
Maori people define themselves by their iwi (tribe), hapu (sub-tribe), maunga (mountain) and awa (river). Whanau is the name given to family - the term embraces immediate family, in-laws and all those connected by blood ties.
The tradition of oral history - the telling of ancient stories, myths and legends - continues today. On many marae, elders teach tribal lore, etiquette and genealogy.
They also retell the stories that form the basis of Maori beliefs, including the story of how Maui fished up the North Island.
Maori Culture
Maori tourism in New Zealand offers visitors a unique experience that provides an insight into the indigenous people of New Zealand. This includes Maori culture, traditions and activities.
There is a huge range of activities available - from guided Waka tours in the Abel Tasman National Park, cultural heritage trips on the mighty Whanganui River, or visiting the Haka Pa village in Queenstown.
You can discover Tane Mahuta, the Maori God of the Forest or see New Zealand's largest urban marae in Christchurch (Nga Hau E Wha), or gather kai (food) with Te Hikoi Maori in Nelson.
New Zealand Environmental Care Code
Toitu Te Whenua (Leave the land undisturbed)
A growing number of people are enjoying outdoor recreation. Many of us like to visit rural, backcountry, coastal and rugged areas. With this rise in use has come an increasing impact on the natural environment. Damaged plants, unsightly rubbish, eroding short cuts, polluted water, and deteriorating facilities are now more common across the country.
Here is a 10 point checklist, from the Department of Conservation to help protect our environment:
1 Protect plants and animals
Treat New Zealand's forests and birds with care and respect. They are unique and often rare.
2 Remove rubbish
Litter is unattractive, harmful to wildlife and can increase vermin and disease. Plan your visits to reduce rubbish, and carry out what you carry in.
3 Bury toilet waste
In areas without toilet facilities, bury your toilet waste in a shallow hole well away from waterways, tracks, campsites, and huts.
4 Keep streams and lakes clean
When cleaning and washing, take the water and wash well away from the water source. Because soaps and detergents are harmful to water-life, drain used water into the soil to allow it to be filtered. If you suspect the water may be contaminated, either boil it for at least 3 minutes, or filter it, or chemically treat it.
5 Take care with fires
Portable fuel stoves are less harmful to the environment and are more efficient than fires. If you do use a fire, keep it small, use only dead wood and make sure the fire is out by dousing it with water and check the ashes before leaving.
6 Camp carefully
When camping, leave no trace of your visit.
7 Keep to the track
By keeping to the track, where one exists, you lessen the chance of damaging fragile plants.
8 Consider others
People visit the back country and rural areas for many reasons. Be considerate of other visitors who also have a right to enjoy the natural environment.
9 Respect our cultural heritage
Many places in New Zealand have a spiritual and historical significance. Treat these places with consideration and respect.
10 Enjoy your visit
Enjoy your outdoor experience. Take a last look before leaving an area. Will the next visitor know that you have been there?
New Zealand National Parks
There are more than 5 million hectares (around 1/3rd of the country) protected in parks and reserves.
The parks embody an incredible amount of landscape & vegetation - including plants and animals that are not found anywhere else in the world.
These magnificent facilities range from the mangrove fringed tidal inlets of Northland, to the snow capped volcanoes of the central plateau, the forests of Te Urewera... to the majestic glaciers and mountains of the south. They provide unlimited opportunity for outdoor adventure.
Back Country Huts
Huts are great places to stay in the New Zealand countryside. They come in all vintages. The oldest huts were built in the late 1800's, more were built during the 1930's to 1950's, but most were purpose built in the 1960's and 1970's for the deer culling (yes, deer are so prolific in NZ that they are considered pests!) programmes carried out by the Forest and Wildlife Services.
By the late 1970's some places had become so popular for recreation that new and larger huts were built to cope with demand.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages more than 900 huts and these provide unique places to stay, refuge from bad weather, and a place to rest and recover when you are exploring New Zealand's great outdoors.
There are four categories of huts, depending on the facilities offered. They are:
- Great Walk huts - these are the most comfortable, with mattresses, water supply, toilets, cooking facilities and heating.
- Serviced huts, which have bunks or sleeping platforms with mattresses, water supply, heating, toilet and hand-washing facilities. They may have cooking facilities.
- Standard huts - which have the above, without cooking facilities. Wood heaters are supplied at huts below the snow line.
- Basic huts and bivies - which provide very basic shelter with limited facilities.
You should plan ahead as some hut services and facilities operate on a seasonable basis only.
Hut tickets, the Backcountry Hut Pass and Great Walk Pass can be purchased from DOC Visitor and Information Centres, or their offices nationwide.
Hunting & Fishing in New Zealand
Hunting, fishing & various commercial activities in NZ often require permits, licences or concessions. Some areas of conservation land (such as offshore islands), which are particularly sensitive, require special permits to visit.
Permits or licences are required for trout or salmon fishing & for hunting game birds - such as ducks, geese and pheasants.
The Department of Conservation manages trout fishing in Lake Taupo & whitebait fishing nationally, as well as concessions for a wide range of commercial tourist activities.
Fish & Game NZ has responsibility for hunting of other fish (trout & salmon) and game birds.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Time-Zones
At 12noon (Standard Time) Wellington*2 :
| Athens | 2.00am | Madrid | 1.00am |
| Bangkok | 7.00am | Montreal | 7.00pm* |
| Beijing | 8.00am | Moscow | 3.00am |
| Bombay | 5.30am | New York | 7.00pm* |
| Buenos Aires | 9.00pm* | Paris | 1.00am |
| Copenhagen | 1.00am | Rio de Janeiro | 9.00pm* |
| Dublin | 12 midnight | Rome | 1.00am |
| Hong Kong | 8.00am | Seoul | 9.00am |
| Honolulu | 2.00pm* | Singapore | 8.00am |
| Johannesburg | 2.00am | Sydney | 10.00am |
| London | 12 midnight | Tokyo | 9.00am |
| Los Angeles | 4.00pm* | Vancouver | 4.00pm* |
* denotes previous day
*2 Note: In the summer New Zealand uses Daylight Savings, and clocks are put forward one hour to GMT +13. Daylight savings commences on the last weekend in September and ends on the 1st Sunday of the following April.
| Daylight Savings Begins | Daylight Savings Ends |
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25th September 2011 |
1st April 2012 |
| 30th September 2012 | 7th April 2013 |
Driving Distances
South Island Travelling Times
Distance are in kilometres. Travel times are in hours and minutes. 
North Island Travelling Times
Distances are in kilometres. Travel times are in hours and minutes. 
