New Zealand is a three and a half hour flight from Eastern Australia, a non-stop 12 1/2 hour flight from the United States and around 10 hour flight from most places on the Pacific Rim, like Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

Time Differences
New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day. It is 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).

Passports / Visa Exemptions
You do not need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand if you are:

• A New Zealand citizen or Resident Permit holder
• An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport
• 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 3 months. You do require:

• A passport that is valid for at least 3 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

Transport
Specialist services are available to co-ordinate all land transport, including providing appropriate vehicles for tours and shopping trips, arranging schedules and meeting and greeting guests and delegates.
Two national airlines service most New Zealand towns and cities, including resort areas. There are many smaller airlines servicing the country while helicopters can land in most isolated regions. Modern and restored trains travel through some spectacular scenery beyond the road network. Ferries, launches and yachts are available for charter or hire.

Currency
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.
All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travellers' Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.

Banking
Banks are 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 malls.
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.

Health and Medical Insurance
New Zealand is a country without snakes or dangerous wild animals.
New Zealand's public and private medical/hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and service but it is important to note these services are not free, except as a result of an accident. We strongly advise you to arrange your own health insurance.

No vaccinations are needed to enter New Zealand.

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.

Laptops
You will need an RJ45 type plug to be able to connect your laptop into a computer socket in New Zealand, and an adaptor with a flat two or three-point power plug to connect to the power supply.