Travel Information
Direct International Access
New Zealand is approximately a 10 hours direct flight from most places in the Pacific Rim, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and the west coast of the USA. It is only a 3 hours flight from neighbouring Pacific Islands and the eastern seaboard of Australia.
Auckland Airport
The largest and busiest airport in New Zealand, modern Auckland Airport services more than 15 million passengers a year.
For seven years running, Auckland Airport has been voted ‘Best Airport in Australia Pacific’ in the SKYTRAX Airport Awards. The ongoing expansion and revitalisation to provide world-class facilities makes it a relaxing and efficient way for delegates to arrive at your Auckland event. More details.
Airport Transportation
Getting to and from Auckland Airport is easy, with shuttle and bus services departing regularly, and safe, efficient taxis. Once delegates have transferred to their accommodation. Here are options to transfer to and from the airport.
Sky Bus
SkyBus is Auckland’s best value airport-to-city transfer. It’s cheap, direct and reliable, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and stops near most major city hotels and backpackers.
Phone: 0800 SKYBUS (0800 759 287)
Website: www.skybus.co.nz
Super Shuttle
Super Shuttle provides door-to-door service with the shared van. They pick you up from or deliver you to your doorstep from home, hotel, office or anywhere.
Phone: 0800 SHUTTLE (0800 748 885)
Website: www.supershuttle.co.nz
Taxi
Taxis are located in front of the international and domestic airport terminals. The approximate cost for a taxi from the airport to the city centre is NZ$60-$80. A shuttle is approximately NZ$30 per person.
| Company | Per KM Rate | Fixed Fare to CBD | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alert Taxis | $2.47 | $65 | ||
| Auckland Co-op Taxis | $2.47 | $68 | ||
| Auckland Taxi Service | $2.50 | $69 | ||
| Cheap Cabs | $2.15 | $38 | ||
| Corporate Cabs | $2.70 | $75 | ||
| Green Cabs | $2.45 | $65 |
Useful Information
Climate and seasonality
Auckland’s summer is from December to February, autumn or fall is from March to May, winter is from June to August and spring is from September to November. Daytime temperatures range from 20° to 30° Celsius (60° to 86° Fahrenheit) during the spring and summer, and from 10° to 17° Celsius (50° to 63° Fahrenheit) in the fall and winter.
Auckland enjoys
Spring evenings and overnight in Auckland is still cool. The average low temperature falls to 12°C (54°F). Meanwhile, afternoons can be very warm due to the strong sunlight.
Currency
New Zealand dollars ($) and cents (c). There are five notes ($5, $10, $20, $50, $100) and five coins (10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2).
Customs allowances
Visitors aged over 17 years may bring in 50 cigarettes, 4.5l of wine or beer, and three 1.125l bottles of spirits. Goods worth over NZ$700 may attract duty and tax.
Driving
Drive on the left side of the road in New Zealand. All drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their licence or permit at all times when driving. Delegates will only be able to drive the same type of vehicles they are licensed to drive in their home country.
Electricity
240V, 50Hz, with Australian/New Zealand pattern three-pin sockets.
Emergency services
111 is the emergency phone number for police, fire and ambulance services.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
New Zealand has a 15 per cent GST. Overseas visitors cannot claim this back. Some stores may waive GST if delegates show onward or return air tickets, or when international shipment of goods is arranged.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccination certificates are required. Public and private hospitals provide a high standard of treatment and care. Medical services are not free to visitors, so travel insurance that covers medical and health is recommended.
Languages
English is the everyday language in New Zealand, with Māori and New Zealand Sign Language also official languages.
Mobile telephones
Like most countries, New Zealand operates on a 900 or 1800 MHz network. However, some mobiles cannot use international roaming on this frequency. Delegates may buy or rent a New Zealand-compatible phone or sim card upon arrival.
Postal services
Delegates can buy stamps and post items at Postshops. Stamps can also be purchased from stationers and many convenience stores. Look for red, black and white post boxes to post letters.
Safety and security
New Zealand is generally a very safe place to travel, with a relatively low crime rate. However, it is advisable to observe the same precautions with your personal safety and your possessions as you would in any other country or at home. New Zealand is a democratic and politically stable country.
Shopping
Standard shopping hours from Monday to Friday are 9am-5pm, with most shopping centres open until 6pm. Some shops and malls are open late on Thursday and Friday to 9pm. On Saturday and Sunday most malls are open normal shopping hours.
Smoke-free policies
In New Zealand it is illegal to smoke in most indoor spaces, including workplaces, function venues, cinemas, pubs, restaurants and hospitality venues, as well as all public transport. Cigarettes cannot be sold to anyone under 18.
Time zone
New Zealand Standard Time is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Daylight saving runs from the end of September until early April, when the clocks advance by one hour – it then becomes GMT +13 hours.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping is not expected in New Zealand but delegates may wish to tip for special service or kindness.
Visitor information centres
i-SITE is New Zealand’s official visitor information centre network with more than 80 i-SITEs nationwide, including locations in Auckland. i-SITEs provide free expert local knowledge and services including itinerary planning and nationwide accommodation and activity bookings.