General Information

Climate

Climate varies greatly north to south. Remember that range of latitude, then add variability for a narrow island nation. Summer in New Zealand is from November to April. At this time in the north North Island expect temperatures from 17 - 26 degrees with the probability of high humidity, almost tropical, which will make even 22 degrees feel very hot. With all that lush vegetation expect some rain, usually one day in seven. In the south of the North Island expect 14-25 degrees, but with less humidity. Moving down to the South Island we have two distinct climates. East of the Alps expect very low humidity and greater variability in temperature with 13-35 degrees and little chance of rain, about one day per month. West of the Alps it's rain forest country and this means it rains often and when it rains expect cooler weather 14 - 25 degrees. In all mountain areas, especially above 1000m, there's a possibility of cold wet conditions any time of year, even in summer down to freezing, less with wind chill and light snow can fall, even in summer!

Food and Wine

While New Zealand is undoubtedly well know for it's scenery it is now also rapidly gaining a reputation for fine food and wines. The combination great natural growing conditions and an influx of peoples and ideas from all over the world have created what many visitors are now saying is the freshest and tastiest food anywhere. The cities and tourist regions, even small towns now offer a startling variety of dining options. While hearty steaks used to dominate the thrust is now with a variety of international styles, Mediterranean food, salads and seafood, increasingly with a local twist. Match your food with the best white wines in the world and some startlingly good new reds, all at very reasonable prices.

Clothing

Though there is plenty of fashion chic in the big cities New Zealanders tend to dress casually outside of work and always outdoors, at the beach or in the mountains. Shorts of all lengths are habitually worn in summer. Smart casual is the order in clubs and good restaurants after dusk. Kiwis seldom wear ties outside of the office.

4x4 Gear

Comfortable outdoor casuals are best.

• Light cotton shorts and long pants for hot weather, lightweight shirt
• Plus long sleeved shirt in case of sunburn, sun hat.
• Trainers or light comfortable boots for the feet.
• Fleece jacket and warm pants for cold weather, plus raincoat.
• Sunscreen, max. protection and lip salve/barrier, NZ has very pure air, burn time 12 minutes!!!
• CASUAL WEAR - Casual wear; shorts, jeans, trek sandals, trainers, polos, T shirts.
• For the beach; swim wear, cap, wide brimmed hat, beach towel.
• Evening wear; casual pants, tidy jeans, tidy shorts, polo or long sleeve shirts, boat shoes or trainers, fleece jacket.

Incidentals

Generally you will find most goods comparably priced, or even slightly cheaper in NZ, so no need to stock up on film, toiletries etc. The range is generally what you would expect at home.

• Clothes can also make good buying here, as does outdoor equipment, boots, jackets etc.
• Dining out is considerably cheaper in NZ, with a very wide range of ethnic styles in the main tourist areas.
• Petrol is about $NZ 1.99 per litre & Diesel is about $NZ 1.60 per litre.
• Critical medical treatment, helicopter medi-vac, and ambulance is all free to visitors, though you will have to pay a fee (usually around $NZ 50.00) for non accident minor consultations and prescriptions.
• Travel insurance is still essential to cover repatriation and all other dramas.

Nasties

There are very few dangers in the natural world, no snakes or seriously poisonous sea life. Shark attacks are extremely rare. There is one very rare moderately poisonous spider and the occasional irritating jellyfish. There are of course minor bugs, mosquitoes (non malarial) and sand flies in some areas. A good insect repellent does the job. Physical attacks on tourists are rare, but have occurred. Be aware, especially in the usual urban spots you would be cautious of at home. Theft of bags and from vehicles is however a lot more common. Keep valuables and passports to hand and don't leave tempting items in sight.

Driving

New Zealand drivers and roads are not all they could be and there are several points to note.

• Driving is on the left side.
• Traffic conditions in Auckland can be heavy at any time and always during rush hours. Wellington has some traffic. Over the remainder of the country traffic is very light.
• Passing on the left is legal on motor ways! However there are only three significant motor ways in New Zealand!
• Use of the indicators, although expected, their use can be casual - if at all. Watch for this.
• Many Kiwi drivers follow too close
• Flashing lights are a sign of irritation, not a courtesy.
• Read about the left turn/give way rule - it's unique to this country. From Auckland to Wellington it is casually observed, further south drivers tend to forget.
• Country roads, even main highways can be very windy with steep grades.
• In the country and more and more as you go south, you will find slow drivers on back roads. Watch them - they encounter little traffic.
• Stock, especially sheep, pose a hazard. Unlike Highland or Welsh sheep these will dart across the road just in front of you. Slow if you see sheep!
• Big stock trucks are an unpleasant reality in rural NZ. They often drop muck, get past them smartly.
• Stock are often driven across roads. If so, stop and wait. However if they are being driven along the road, seemingly for some distance, the usual drill is to keep moving slowly through the mob.
• One lane bridges are very common and can take you by surprise on a fast road. Observe the give way arrows.
• You will encounter a few combined road/rail bridges with tracks in the road surface.
• Wooden surfaced bridges in country areas are not marked. They can be slippery with dust, or extremely slippery when wet.
• Slow right down. On gravel roads keep well left and beware of the adverse camber on right handers.