Bay of Islands Travel Tips

Banks: 09:30 to 16:00, Monday to Thursday; 09:30 to 17:00 Fridays
Government Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 17:00 Saturdays
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday

New Zealand is considered by many to be one of the safest travel destinations on the planet. Rather than assuming that nothing can go wrong, however, it’s recommended that visitors take sensible precautions to protect themselves against petty crime.

As with the rest of the county, the rate of reported petty crime against tourists in the Bay of Islands region is quite low. When it does occur, it tends to take the form of pick-pocketing and purse-snatching, which is most prevalent in areas frequented by tourists and at transportation centres.

All important travel documents, large amounts of cash and expensive jewellery are best left in your hotel safe while you’re out enjoying the local attractions.

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz; plugs with obliquely-positioned flat blade plugs are the standard.

There are no particular health risks that are associated with travel in the Bay of Islands region. If you’re planning on participating in the many adventure activities on offer, such as bungee jumping or white-water rafting, it’s a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for this type of activity.

Medical care in New Zealand is of an excellent standard and the services available in the Bay of Islands region are no exception. Complex cases are likely to be referred to a larger hospital in Auckland, however. The country’s Accident Compensation Scheme provides visitors of some nations with coverage for emergency treatment. However, it’s recommended that you have your own insurance to cover the costs of medical treatment that may not be included.

Bay of Island Hospital: +64 9 404 0280
Emergency services: 111

New Zealand has three official languages: English, Maori and New Zealand sign language. English is the most commonly-spoken language and has been the language of business here since the time of the country’s early ties to Britain. Maori is similar in nature to many other South Pacific island languages, such as Hawaiian, Samoan and Tongan, having Polynesian roots. Nearly 160,000 of New Zealand’s population speak Maori.

New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand dollar, normally shortened to NZ$. The New Zealand dollar ranks in the top eight of the most-traded world currencies. Locals commonly refer to their currency as the ‘Kiwi’ dollar. Each dollar comprises 100 cents. Banknotes are issued in denominations of NZ$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5; and coins are minted in amounts of NZ$2 and 1, and also in 50, 20 and 10 cents.

Major foreign currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged for New Zealand dollars at banks, currency exchanges and large hotels. You’ll find ATMs in the centre of towns around the Bay of Islands area, but machines can be hard to find in more remote areas making it wise to plan ahead. Most businesses accept major credit cards, although outside the main tourists centres acceptance is likely to be limited.

All visitors to New Zealand who are 17 years of age or older are allowed to bring the following items into the country, duty-free: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; one litre of spirits; and 4.5 litres wine or fortified wine, or 4.5 litres of beer. Any goods exceeding these allowances must be declared, upon which duty will be assessed. Personal effects brought in to New Zealand are not subject to duty including binoculars, still and video cameras, camping equipment, personal jewellery and portable radios. Items that are prohibited include animals and plants, plant products and foods, and firearms. You are not allowed to export Maori antiques, greenstone or paua shells in their natural state.

New Zealanders, by and large, are friendly and outgoing people, who may seem reserved initially, particularly with strangers. You should find the locals polite, hospitable and easy to get to know. It’s not unusual for locals to offer assistance to visitors even without being asked. Their informality means that they typically address others using their first name, even if they are not well acquainted. Dress tends to be casual, but neat.

Maoris also tend to be friendly, and place importance on hospitality. A unique Maori characteristic is to launch into singing during get-togethers, and use their songs to enhanced discussions and conversations. Visitors are sometimes called on to join in, so be ready to sing a song from your home country.

Dining Etiquette
The casual nature of New Zealanders is clearly reflected in daily table manners, although on formal occasions the protocol can be quite rigid. When you’re invited to dinner, it’s customary to wait to be shown where you should sit. Meals at someone’s home are typically served family-style. Regardless of the venue, you should keep your hands above and your elbows off the table while you’re eating.

Dining etiquette follows the continental European standard: the fork is held in the left hand while eating and the knife is held in the right. It’s highly unlikely that anyone would disapprove of the American style, however. When you have finished eating, you can indicate this by placing your knife and fork side by side across your plate, with the handles parallel and pointing to the right.

Maori dining etiquette dictates that following a ‘powhiri,’ visitors will be invited in to a dining room that’s located in a different building than the carved meeting house. Everyone will be seated at long trestle-style tables. Guests should wait until the food is ‘blessed’ before eating or until an elder indicates that it’s appropriate to start.

New Zealand attracts thousands of visiting tourists annually, and also encourages students and professionals to come for programmes of study and work in country. Visas are issued for various purposes and durations. The type of visa issued will depend on the purpose of the visit, the proposed duration of stay and the visitor’s nationality.

Nationals of the following countries may enter New Zealand as tourists for up to 90 days without a visa: Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guam, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tuvalu, the UK and the US. Visitors of other nationalities should apply for a visa in advance of arrival at their nearest New Zealand embassy.

There’s a Bay of Islands tourist information office known as the i-SITE Visitor Centre, located in Paihia at the Wharf. Information on all area attractions, activities and tours in the Bay of Islands area, Northland and the Far North district is on offer here. Phone: +64 9 402 7345. The visitor information centre in Kaitaia is found at Jaycee Park on South road. Phone: +64 9 408 0879.