New Zealand Travel Guide:

         Tourism Information

New Zealand: One of the best  tourist destinations (three of four globes)

New Zealand is a magical place that offers some of the best scenery in the world.  The country's magic lies in its people and its heritage: take time to listen to the Maori legends to learn a new way of interpreting nature and enjoying your environment. Although the country consists of two major islands ( New Zealand claims three major islands including Stewart island), it is compact and easy to travel.  The best way to see the country is by car.  The roads are generally easy to drive and the country has excellent hotels supplemented by a large number of good quality bed and breakfast establishments.  Although small in area, New Zealand is packed with highly rated tourist attractions. 

1. A trip to New Zealand is a journey!  The travel to and from (plus recovering from Jet Lag) will take at least four days; however traveling in New Zealand creates memories that you will treasure for a lifetime.  New Zealand does not offer many world class cultural attractions but the beauty of the country is staggering and so diverse that you will feel that you are visiting several countries.  The South Island is nature's wonderland and a great place for outdoor activities. The North Island is more heavily populated but has a number of outstanding attractions.  A ferry connects the two islands and provides great views of the coastline.



2. New Zealand is a safe destination for independent travel. 
 


3. ThereArePlaces recommended travel destinations for New Zealand are located at  New Zealand: Places To Visit.



4. Additional information on travel to New Zealand can be found at the country's official tourism website at www.newzealand.com
   
   
5. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

Overall, New Zealand is a safe travel destination for tourists. 

1. No official health advisories, travel advisories, or specific terrorism warnings have been posted by the U.S. Government at this time.  Before you depart, always check with the Department of State  and CDC to insure that these conditions have not changed.  In addition, you will find that the     Foreign & Commonwealth Office  of the British Government provides excellent travel advisories.



2. The State Department's Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-202-501-4444 .



3. When visiting a foreign country, avoid public demonstrations (whatever the cause) and do not broadcast either your public opinions or your nationality.



4. In an emergency dial 111, which is the designated contact for all emergency services.



5. The U.S. Embassy is located at 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington; the telephone number is (64)(4) 462-6000. The fax number is (64)(4) 471-2380. The Embassy's website is http://wellington.usembassy.gov/ .
   • The U.S. Consulate General in New Zealand is located in Auckland on the third floor of the CitiGroup Centre, 23 Customs Street East, between Commerce and Queen Streets. The telephone number is (64)(9) 303-2724. The fax number is (64-9) 366-0870. See also the Consulate General home page via the Internet at  http://wellington.usembassy.gov/service.html.  See our article on How U.S. Counsels can help Americans abroad.
   
   
   
   • For after-hours emergencies anywhere in New Zealand, a duty officer can be contacted by telephone. Persons seeking after-hours assistance may call (64)(4) 462-6000; after listening to a brief recording, the caller may leave a message on the voice mail system, describing the nature of the emergency and giving a point of contact. The phone system will automatically call the duty officer in Wellington or in Auckland, who will listen to the message and take the appropriate action.
   
   
   

6. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

Passport required.  If you do not have a passport, see our article on the Ins and Outs of Passports.  Other important travel documents, including visas are covered in our Information Guide on Passport, Visas, Customs.

The most prevalent tourist related theft is theft or attempted theft from cars, camper vans, and hostels. To help protect against theft, do not leave passports or other valuable documents in unattended vehicles.

Before you travel, read our articles on Pickpockets, Con Artists, and ATM safety in the ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Personal Safety for travelers. 

While in a New Zealand, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning New Zealand is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:

Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good

All traffic travels on the left in New Zealand, and many roads are only two lanes.  New Zealand has only 100 miles of multilane divided highways

• Drivers should exercise extra caution if accustomed to driving on the right.
• Cars turning left must yield to oncoming cars turning in the same direction.
• When turning left, give way (yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right
• When the traffic light is red, you must stop. There is no turning on red rule as as in North America
• Proceed carefully through intersections and be wary of drivers who may run yellow and red lights.
• Drivers should use caution to avoid animals when driving in rural areas.
• Pedestrians are advised to look carefully in all directions before crossing a street or roadway, and to use crosswalks. Traffic always yields to the right and pedestrians do not have the right of way except at crosswalks. 
• Driving in parts of the South Island can be challenging due to road conditions (narrow), traffic and hidden intersections.
• Observe posted speed limits
• Dial 111 for emergency services.

Tourists driving rented vehicles should pay close attention to the provisions of their rental contracts.  Failure to do so could result in fines or confiscation of the car during your travels.  Make sure that you are familiar with the terms, restrictions and costs related to your car rental (see our article on Rental Car Costs).

Speed Limits in New Zealand:

1. Built-up areas - 50 km/h
2. The "open road" - 100 km/h
3. Motorways -  as posted

Our information on speed limits is as current as possible. Always confirm the speed limits with your rental car agent and observe the posted speeds limits whenever and wherever you drive.

ThereArePlaces recommends that you do not drink and drive.   See our article on drinking and driving in foreign countries  for more information.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html.

For specific information concerning the operation and rental of motor vehicles, visit www.newzealand.com/travel  or the Land Transport Safety Authority at http://www.ltsa.govt.nz .

Quality medical care is widely available, but waiting lists exist for certain types of treatment. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

We strongly urge you to consult your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, you should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing medical service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your departure, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.

Your existing medical insurance carrier may cover "customary and reasonable" medical care while you are abroad. Usually, if reimbursement is provided, it is paid at a reduced rate (due to the use of an "out of system" provider). Check with your insurance carrier before you depart to determine the type and amount of coverage that may be provided. If coverage is provided, be sure to ask how claims should be filed and ask them to send some claim forms, in case you require any medical treatment while on vacation.

Read our article on  travel insurance to learn the factors that you should consider before you purchase or decline to purchase a travel related insurance policy.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure                                 “Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,” available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page. 

ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Health contains valuable health related advice for the traveler considering a trip abroad.