Weather

Climate — Land of the Long White Cloud

Since the Maori people named New Zealand ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’, climate has been of paramount importance to the people of New Zealand - many of whom make their living from the land. New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall, and many hours of sunshine throughout most of the country. Its climate is dominated by two main geographical features - the mountains and the sea.

Temperature

New Zealand has a largely temperate climate. While the far north has subtropical weather during summer, and inland alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as —10°C in winter, most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine.

Because New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the average temperature decreases as you travel south. The far north of the country has an average temperature of about 15°C, while the deep south has a cooler 9°C average. January and February are the warmest months of the year, and July is the coldest.

Four Seasons in One Day

New Zealand does not have a large temperature range, lacking the extremes one finds in most continental climates. However, the weather can change unexpectedly — as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in. Because of this, you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature if you’re going hiking or doing other outdoor activities.

Public Transport in New Zealand

Below is some basic information on New Zealand's main public transport networks.

New Zealand Buses

New Zealand’s public bus system is safe, cheap and reliable. All the major cities offer public bus transport – generally costing around NZ$1.50 - $3.00 per sector.

Taxis

Taxis (including mini-vans, shuttle buses and wheelchair-access vans) in New Zealand are cheap and safe, with most drivers belonging to the New Zealand Taxi Federation. Taxis usually cost between NZ$2 and NZ$3 per kilometre for inner-city travel. Taxi companies are usually busiest on Friday and Saturday nights – so if you need to travel at these times be sure to book well in advance by phoning the taxi company.

Trains

Although New Zealand doesn't offer a comprehensive passenger train network, the train services it does offer are affordable, comfortable and enjoyable.

As well as the famous TranzAlpine and TranzCoastal train journeys in the South Island, passengers can travel between cities on the Overlander that travels most of the length of the North Island. Contact TranzScenic Rail for information on prices, destinations and timetables. Metropolitan trains are available in Auckland and Wellington, travelling from the central city to selected suburbs. Christchurch and Wellington also offer tram and cable-car transport – mainly for sightseeing purposes.

Ferries

As well as the interisland ferries that travel between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island, public ferry transport is available between several Auckland suburbs and to most islands in the Hauraki Gulf. More information on Auckland's ferries can be found on the Auckland Maps & Transport page.

Money Matters

Currency

New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). 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.

How Much Will it Cost?

Here is a general guide of what you can expect to pay in New Zealand for a few common items:

Tipping and Service Charges

Tipping in New Zealand is not obligatory - even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for good service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.

Travellers Cheques

NZ$ travellers cheques are not available for purchase. International visitors who wish to travel to New Zealand with travellers cheques should bring a major currency type of travellers cheque with them in the future. For travel to our region AUS$ travellers cheques can be purchased.

Service and Utilities

Electricity

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 angled two or three pin Type I plugs (as also used in Australia) depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.

Public Call-Phones

Most public call-phones take cards purchased from bookstalls and newsagents, with a minimum value of NZ$2. Some public call-phones also accept credit cards, but very few accept coins. New Zealand phone numbers appear online in the White Pages (alphabetical listings) and Yellow Pages (business category listings).

Mobile Phones

Check with your phone company before leaving home about international mobile roam facilities available in New Zealand. Alternatively Phone Hire New Zealand allow visitors to hire mobile phones or SIM cards.

Laptops

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. Phone Hire New Zealand also has USB modems available to rent for laptop users.

Time Difference

New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). In summer New Zealand uses ‘daylight saving’, with clocks put forward one hour to GMT+13. Daylight saving begins on the last Sunday in September and ends on the first Sunday of the following April, when clocks are put back to GMT+12.

Visa Information

All nationals require a valid passport. Mentioned validity: beyond the intended period of stay.

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