About New Zealand....

New Zealand Location

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, lying between 34 and 46 degrees of latitude south in the Pacific Ocean. This puts us at about the same distance from the equator as Spain or California. Our nearest large neighbour is Australia which is 1500Km (930 miles) to the west.

Lying just west of the International Date Line, New Zealand is among the first to greet the new day. Our time in 12-13 hours ahead of Western Europe and 18-21 ahead of continental USA.

Climate

New Zealand's summer months are December to February, bringing high temperatures and sunshine. Days are long and sunny, nights are mild. The temperature of Auckland during March ranges from approximately 18-28 degrees Celsius.

Currency

New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZ Dollar). 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 in 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. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.

Exchange Rates - Banks should be able to tell you what the current exchange rate is with the NZ Dollar. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand website provides a monthly online summary of the NZ Dollars average value against the US Dollar, the Pound, the Australian Dollar, the Yen and the Euro.

You can calculate the approximate value of about 30 currencies in NZ Dollars on the Bank of New Zealand website. The rate you are offered in your home country is likely to differ slightly.

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.

Goods and Services Tax - All goods and services are subject to a 12.5% 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.

Customs

New Zealand has a very strict policy on food being bought into the country. Customs will X ray all luggage on arrival and any food that is found, you will be charged for. Please ensure you dispose of the food before entering the customs area of the New Zealand International Airport.

Dress

The programmes are designed for business/casual wear.

Electricity/Computer Hook Up

Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), although most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors/hairdryers only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Please note that power outlets only accept flat three or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. It is each delegate's responsibility to bring their own adaptor to use throughout the meeting.

You will need a 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. Again it is each delegate's responsibility to bring their own adaptor to use throughout the meeting.

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 these services are not free to visitors, except as a result of an accident.

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.

Language

New Zealand has three official languages of which English is almost universally spoken. The other official languages are New Zealand Maori and New Zealand Sign Language.

Local Time

From October 2008 to April, local time is New Zealand Summer Time which is 13 hours ahead of GMT. New Zealand is the first country to greet the dawn of each new day.

Mobile Phones

Mobile Telephones in New Zealand operate on the digital system; therefore mobile telephones from countries that operate on the analogue system, unless the phone is tri-band GSM, will not work.

You may wish to purchase a prepaid phone card to use when placing calls home. It will help you to avoid the higher rates and access fees charged by the hotel. Be sure to contact your calling card supplier to get the international calling access code.

Passport and Travel Information

New Zealand and the USA have a Visa Waiver Agreement, a US passport holder:

With return air tickets, or holding a valid onwards ticket to a country the traveller has a right to enter.

Who has a passport valid for three months beyond the date you are leaving NZ.

Who has proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the visit.

Is only wishing to visit for the time granted on arrival.

Guests may visit New Zealand for tourism purposes for up to three months without a visa. (If the intention is to stay longer, the traveller should apply for a visitor's visa.)

To be eligible to come to New Zealand as a visitor there are a number of requirements you need to meet before you get here and others you must meet during your stay.

To enter New Zealand you need:

To be in good health and of good character.

A passport that is valid for at least three months past the date you are to leave New Zealand.

To be a genuine visitor/tourist, in other words you have plans to leave and can prove this.

Proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.

To have the right visa for your visit

For information on requirements for travelling to New Zealand please visit New Zealand Immigration or talk to your local travel agent.

Population

Auckland's population is approximately 1.3 million, making it by far the largest city in New Zealand, with one third of the country's entire population.

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, please remember to smoke outside.

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 hats and sun block if you plan to be out in the sun for more than 15-20 minutes.

Tipping and Service Charges

New Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service - even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.

Transport from the Airport

There are many taxi companies that operate from the Auckland International Airport to the central city however there are a few that we would recommend rather than others.

Co Operative Taxis - 09 300 3000

Corporate Cabs - 0800 733 833

Regency Cabs - 0800 377 8844

If you are traveling as a group and would prefer to travel altogether, Super Shuttles will be able to arrange this for you - 0800 748 885.

All of the above companies will have representation at the airport however listed above are their contact telephone numbers.

Variable Weather

Weather conditions in New Zealand alpine areas can change rapidly and the seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December, January and February. A light jacket or sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler. You can expect some rain, so include a light waterproof jacket or coat. Bring comfortable walking shoes with you.

Water

New Zealand cities and towns have excellent water supplies and tap water is fresh and safe to drink. Water from rivers and lakes should be boiled, chemically treated or filtered before drinking to avoid stomach upsets. Bottled spring water is available for purchase through the hotels or any supermarket in Auckland City.

About this site

This site is driven by our own booking engine - Lynx. This means that you can 'self serve' on the web site, adding to your customized itinerary as you wish. What differentiates this site from many others is that when you make your booking, one of our team will check your itinerary and booking to ensure that what you have requested and confirmed on line is all in order. If we have any concerns or recommendations that we feel could improve or add enjoyment to your trip, we will contact you by email.

Once you are actually in New Zealand, you have the peace of mind knowing that we are also based here and we will provide you with contact details in the event any emergency arises. Our friendly and knowledgeable 'Kiwi' team can access your itinerary and booking via our booking system and assist you on the spot. You will not be dealing with a large call centre manned by 'order takers' located on the other side of the world. 

For further information on Pan Pacific Travel, operator of this web site, please refer to: www.panpacific.co.nz

Contact Details:

Pan Pacific Travel

Level 1, 333 Remuera Road

Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand

Ph:  64 9 520 4963

Fax: 64 9 520 0032

Email: reserve@panpacific.co.nz