New Zealand Travel Guide
TRAVEL WARNING
Current information
New Zealand was hit by a strong earthquake on the morning of November 14, 2016. The north of the South Island is particularly affected, where in some cases considerable damage to the infrastructure has been caused. The disaster applies to the Canterbury area. The region around the city of Kaikoura is particularly affected. There are limited road and building closures in Wellington. Travelers are advised to strictly follow the instructions of the authorities. Current information is available from the New Zealand National Civil Protection Agency (www.civildefence.govt.nz; @NZcivildefence) and regional civil protection authorities (http://www.cdemcanterbury.govt.nz; https://www.facebook.com/CanterburyEM) and local (http://www.kaikoura.govt.nz/civil-defense-status).
Repairing the infrastructure damage in the Kaikoura region will take several weeks to months. In particular, the important national road SH1, north of Kaikoura, is interrupted for a long time. Information on specific travel plans can be obtained from travel agencies, rental car companies or the local and regional tourist offices (http://www.newzealand.com/de/destinations). ”
Country-specific safety notice
There is currently no country-specific safety notice for New Zealand.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into New Zealand duty-free:
50 cigarettes or 50 g tobacco (people aged 17 and over);
three bottles of spirits (maximum 1125 milliliters per bottle) (but not anisette or absinthe) and 4.5 liters of wine or 4.5 liters of beer (people aged 17 and over);
Personal effects up to a value of NZ $ 700 (excluding tobacco and alcohol).
Import restrictions
Firearms may only be imported with the prior approval of the police authorities.
Attention: Camping equipment must be declared. Upon arrival, the items will be carefully examined. For example, no earth should adhere to hiking boots.
Prohibited imports
Food (for example meat, fruit, honey), plants (also wood and straw) and animals as well as plant and animal products.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
A suit and tie are appropriate for business visits. Appointments should be made and business cards should be used. Value is placed on punctuality. Business is rather conservative. The best times for business travel are February to April and October to November.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Economy
New Zealand Trade Development Board
New Zealand Consulate General
Zürichhaus, Domstrasse 19, D-20095 Hamburg
Tel: (040) 442 55 50.
(Internet: www.tradenz.govt.nz
(also responsible for Austria and Switzerland)
Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber of Commerce)
PO Box 1590, Level 28, The Majestic Center, 100 Willis Street, 6011 Wellington
Tel: (04) 914 65 00.
Internet: www.wgtn-chamber.co.nz
Business contacts
New Zealand Trade Development Board
New Zealand Consulate General
Zürichhaus, Domstrasse 19, D-20095 Hamburg
Tel: (040) 442 55 50.
(Internet: www.tradenz.govt.nz
(also responsible for Austria and Switzerland)
Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber of Commerce)
PO Box 1590, Level 28, The Majestic Center, 100 Willis Street, 6011 Wellington
Tel: (04) 914 65 00.
Internet: www.wgtn-chamber.co.nz
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Dial-up remote service. Public telephone booths are predominantly card phones (telephone or credit cards), only a few coin operated phones are available. Telephone cards are available from kiosks and bookstores. A large part of the public telephone booths are now used as WLAN hotspots.
Phone
Dial-up remote service. Public telephone booths are predominantly card phones (telephone or credit cards), only a few coin operated phones are available. Telephone cards are available from kiosks and bookstores. A large part of the public telephone booths are now used as WLAN hotspots.
Cellphone
Comprehensive AMP network, network operator Telecom New Zealand (Internet: www.telecom.co.nz). GSM 900 network with shorter range, network operator Vodafone New Zealand (Internet: www.vodafone.co.nz), roaming agreements exist. Cell phones can be rented from Telecom New Zealand, a country located in Oceania listed on constructmaterials. There are cell phone shops at Auckland and Christchurch airports.
Internet
Internet provider is Kiwilink (Internet: www.kiwilink.co.nz). Internet cafes are available in the city centers and business districts. Internet access is also available in many hotels and youth hostels.
Post Office
Airmail to Europe is on the way for 4-5 days, poste restante deliveries are possible. Post office opening times: Mon-Fri 9 am-5pm.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Carved jewelry made of greenstone (a type of jade) and Paua clams (which shimmer in all the colors of the rainbow), Tiki (Maori Talisman of Greenstone), inlaid wood carvings from Paua shells, sweaters and blankets from wool and leather goods.
Shop opening times: Mon-Sat 9 am-5pm, often longer in holiday resorts. Numerous shops are open Thursday and Friday until 9 p.m., shopping centers are also open on Sundays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
CULTURE
Religion
53.5% Christians (Anglicans 14.9%, Catholics 12.4%, Presbyterians 10.9%, Methodists 2.9%, Pentecostals 1.7%, Baptists 1.3% and other Christians 9.4%) and other.
Social rules of conduct
Clothing: Casual clothing is widely accepted.
Etiquette: New Zealanders are very relaxed, open and hospitable, one speaks quickly by their first name.
Smoking is prohibited in bars, restaurants and other public buildings. Some restaurants have terraces and balconies where smoking is allowed.
Tips are not expected. Service charges and taxes are not included in hotel and restaurant bills.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
The climate on North Iceland is subtropical with minimal temperature differences. Temperate climate with cold winters (June – September) and high altitude snowfall on South Island. Rainfall all year round, especially in the west on South Iceland.
