Do you know the answer?Can I book directly with Grand Pacific Tours? Grand Pacific Tours is a wholesale Tour Operator and as such we do not take direct bookings. Any of our holidays can be booked through a licenced travel agent, who can give you the best advice on all of your travel plans. Do I need a Passport? All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the country. You do not need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand if you are:
Are taxes included with my ticket? All of your Australian departure taxes are included in your air ticket. How many suitcases can I take? Travellers are entitled to carry one suitcase per person, with the total sum of its width, length and depth not exceeding 140cm and weight 20kg (44 pounds). See example below. In addition to your suitcase, you may also carry a Grand Pacific Tours Travel Bag, Handbag and/or Camera case onboard the Coach. What should I wear? Plan to wear much the same as you would in Australia, but take layered clothes to put on or off as required. Remember the seasons are more pronounced and the weather is more changeable. You'll need warmer clothes than at home in Autumn. Coastal areas in summer are usually warm enough for you to go out in the evenings without a jacket, but carry a light jumper or jacket in case the weather turns cooler. Also include a light waterproof jacket. Is New Zealand Safe? New Zealand, like Australia, is relatively safe for travellers and citizens alike. However, whenever travelling you must exercise a degree of caution and be aware of your surroundings . Check the Smart Traveller website for the latest information. I have a disability The law requires that every new building and major reconstruction provide reasonable and adequate access for people with disabilities. Every motel and hotel must have units with accessible facilities. What if I have an accident? New Zealand's public and private medical/hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and service and are comparable to those in Australia. However, it is important to note that services are not free, except in the case of accident, and it is strongly advised that you arrange your own health insurance before leaving Australia. Australia has a reciprocal health agreement with New Zealand. The agreement provides Australian citizens and permanent residents visiting New Zealand with urgent or emergency hospital services, pharmaceuticals or maternity services (excluding routine ante natal services). Any costs above these services, such as extra accommodation costs, flights for family members and other medical costs are not covered by the agreement. You will need travel insurance to cover these costs. If you wish to be treated under the reciprocal health agreement you must advise the local medical staff and show your current Australian passport or evidence of Australian permanent residency and a valid Medicare card. Further information is available from the New Zealand Ministry of Health and Medicare Australia. Grand Pacific Tours' Coach Captains and our Operations Managers based in New Zealand will assist all travellers as required. What can I take to New Zealand The following classes of goods must be declared:
Travellers who fill out the quarantine section of the arrival card incorrectly risk an instant fine of $200. Serious breaches of the New Zealand biosecurity laws may also result in a fine of up to $100,000 or a prison term of up to five years. Further information can be found at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry website. What is my Duty Free Allowance? New Zealand Customs permit purchases up to the value of NZ$700.00 may be brought into New Zealand before incurring tax. Providing you are 18 years of age and over, you can take into New Zealand the following items free of duty and tax:
Australian Customs permit purchases up to the value of A$900 worth of goods before incurring tax (A$450 for people under 18) including gifts (given to you or intended for others), souvenirs, cameras, electronic equipment, leather goods, perfume concentrates, jewellery, watches and sporting equipment. Providing you are 18 years of age and over, you can take into Australia the following items free of duty and tax:
Do I have to pay the Goods and Services Tax (GST)? All goods and services purchased in New Zealand are subject to a 12.5% Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is usually included in the displayed price. Visitors are unable to claim back refunds on this tax. Do I need an adaptor? Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors 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 3 or 2-pin plugs, the same as found in Australia, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. Do I have to learn Kiwi? English is the common and everyday language of New Zealand. New Zealand is a multi-cultural society and you may hear many other languages spoken, including Māori, which is also an official language of New Zealand. Dollars, Euro or Pounds? New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). 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. Traveller's cheques are widely accepted throughout New Zealand and can be converted to cash at all major hotels and banks. 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. Bank hours are from 9.30am to 4.30pm Mon-Fri. All international credit cards are accepted and, provided they are encoded with a PIN, may be used to obtain cash from Automatic Teller Machines throughout New Zealand. Check with your bank before leaving home whether this facility is available to you. What's the time in New Zealand? Time difference between New Zealand and Australian states. Do I have to Tip? New Zealanders, like Australians, do not depend on tips for their income, however tipping in appreciation for extra-special service is at the discretion of the visitor. What vaccinations do I require? No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand. The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August.
These are average minimum/ maximum temperatures only in degrees Celsius. For more detailed information please visit the New Zealand's Meteorological Service.
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