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Welcome to New Zealand

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Arriving in New Zealand  Driving in New Zealand Types of accommodation Useful information

Arriving in New Zealand

Biosecurity  |  Rental cars and campervans  |  Finding accommodation   |  I-SITE Visitor Centres

Biosecurity

New Zealand has a very strong biosecurity policy and if you are travelling from overseas it is important to declare any items that are classified as 'at risk'.

To find out what these are check out the New Zealand Customs website www.customs.govt.nz or ask your travel agent.

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Rental cars and campervans

Whether you are landing in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington or Queenstown, we have a list of car and campervan rental companies, with branches throughout New Zealand.

For a list of these rental car/campervan operators click here.

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Finding accommodation

No matter what your budget Kids Friendly NZ has a large list of family-friendly accommodation throughout New Zealand.

For a list of various destinations and family-friendly accommodation click here.

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I-SITE Visitor Centres

New Zealand has a nationwide network of I-SITE Visitor Information Centres. They can be found throughout New Zealand from the far north to the far south, including Stewart Island.

You can pick up an information sheet about local family-friendly activities from various I-SITEs around New Zealand.

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Driving in New Zealand

Do I need a driver's licence to rent a car or campervan in New Zealand?

Yes, you must have a current overseas driver's licence or an international driving permit.

Do I need to carry my driver's licence/driving permit with me when I am driving?

Yes.

Does my child need a child restraint or child car seat?

Yes, if your child is under the age of five they must be in an approved child restraint.

If they are between five and seven years old then they must use a child restraint. However, if one is not available then they must wear a seat belt.

From age eight upwards your child must use a seat belt.

Can I pick up a child car seat from the rental company when I arrive?

Most rental car and campervan companies do provide child restraints. However, we strongly recommend booking one when you make your rental booking.

What side of the road does traffic drive on in New Zealand?

The left-hand side of the road.

What is the maximum speed limit on the open road?

The maximum open road speed per hour is 100km and urban areas are usually limited to 50km.

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Types of accommodation

There are many different types of accommodation in New Zealand. The most common are holiday parks and campgrounds, motels, hotels, apartments and holiday homes and baches.

Holiday parks and campgrounds  |    Motels  |  Hotels    |  Apartments, Holiday Homes and Baches

Holiday parks and campgrounds

Ideal for those looking for budget accommodation and suitable for families who have a tent, caravan or campervan.

 

The Department of Conservation has a wide variety of campgrounds from very basic to serviced. To find out more check out their website www.doc.govt.nz

Other holiday parks and campgrounds can be found in our accommodation directory - click here

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Motels

A motel room will usually have a kitchen/lounge, shower/toilet and bedrooms. These vary in size, with most motels offering anything from a studio (all facilities in one room) to one or two bedroom units. Three bedrooms are harder to find. Normally check-in time is from 2pm and check-out time is 10am the following day.

Motels can be found in our accommodation directory - click here

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Hotels

When booking accommodation with hotels make sure if you need more than one room that they are interconnecting or at least next door to each other. Hotels are generally more expensive than motels and don't normally provide you with cooking facilities, just facilities for making tea and coffee.

Hotels can be found in our accommodation directory - click here

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Apartments, Holiday Homes and Baches

Apartments are an alternative to motels and hotels and you will usually have laundry and kitchen facilities. Holiday homes and baches are normally hired out by families, often in fantastic holiday spots, for several days or weeks. Bookings are normally made directly with the owner of the home or bach. You would expect full facilities but there is a wide range, from very basic to well furnished and equipped.

Apartments, holiday homes and baches can be found in our accommodation directory - click here

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Useful information

Tipping

Do I need to tip in New Zealand?

No, unless you think that the service has been particularly good and you wish to tip.

Dangerous animals

Are there dangerous animals and snakes in New Zealand?

No. However, you may come across a seal or sealion colony on your travels, especially in the South Island. If you do please remember to keep a safe distance from them and never get between them and the water!

Electricity

What is the national electricity supply?

New Zealand is 50Hz, AC 230-240

Time zone

What is the time in New Zealand now?

Do you need to find another time zone? We recommend http://www.timeanddate.com/

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