Banks: 09:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday; 10:00 to 13:00 Sundays
Museums: 10:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday; some open on Sundays
Business Offices: 08:30 to 17:00, Monday to Friday; 9:00 to 12:30 Saturdays

Marlborough is by no means a dangerous destination and urban areas such as Blenheim and Picton experience low levels of crime. Violent crime is rare however petty crime does occasionally occur and visitors should take necessary precautions to ensure that they do not present themselves as easy targets to opportunists thieves.

Keep cash and valuables in hard-to-reach-places when out and about and carry bags in a manner that makes them difficult to be snatched. Lock valuable items in the hotel safe when possible and don’t leave anything of value on display inside your hire car.

The streets of Marlborough’s cities and towns are safe to walk during the day and night, but female travellers should be wary of going out alone after dark and be sure to avoid poorly lit and sparsely populated areas.

There are many opportunities to engage in outdoor activities while staying in Marlborough and consequently some visitors may expose themselves to risks that are inherent of specific pursuits. When possible, choose a reputable tour company to assist you in your outdoor activities.

Marlborough is a well-developed destination presenting little in the way of obvious threats to health. There are no immunisations necessary prior to a visit and little in the way of bacterial threats, with public eating and drinking establishments observing strict hygiene standards. Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water widely available for anyone who prefers it.

The standard of healthcare in the region’s medical centres is high, and visitors requiring treatment for illness or injury can be sure that they will be well taken care of. UK residents benefit from free emergency treatment at hospitals through the reciprocal healthcare agreement maintained with New Zealand. All other visitors are required to pay for treatment so it’s wise to take out travel insurance ahead of arrival.

Wairau Hospital (Blenheim): +64 3 520 9999
Emergency services: 112

Although Maori is still spoken among members of the region’s indigenous population, English is the chief language used for both spoken and written purposes.

Marlborough uses the New Zealand dollar as its official currency. Notes are issued in denominations of NZ$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are issued in denominations of NZ$2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 cents.

The majority of banks across the region will exchange foreign currency and traveller's cheques. Exchange services can also be found at some reputable hotels as well as at selected retail outlets. US or Australian dollars or pounds sterling are the safest currencies to buy traveller’s cheques in.

ATMs are not difficult to find and most accept foreign cards. To be on the safe side, visitors are wise to have a card issued or endorsed by American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diner’s Club or a similar reputable credit company. Goods and services may be paid for with credit cards in most places although there may be a minimum expenditure necessary for acceptance.

New Zealand’s customs regulations permit travellers over the age of 17 years to import the following into the country without incurring duty payments: 200 cigarettes, 250 grams of tobacco, or 50 cigars, or a combination of the three to a maximum weight of 250 grams. Regulations also permit 4.5 litres of wine, 4.5 litres of beer or three bottles of spirits each containing not over 1125mls. Gifts and other duty-free goods to a total value of NZ$700 may also be brought in.

New Zealand prohibits the import of a number of items including illegal drugs and firearms and imposes restrictions on others such as organic products and animals. Visitors in any doubt as to the status of items in their luggage are wise to declare them on arrival at the airport.

New Zealanders are perhaps not quite as laid back as their Australian neighbours, but are still generally easygoing characters. Initially they present themselves as slightly reserved but are quick to get to know, amiable and accommodating of visitors and their needs.

Meeting and greeting is done with a “hello” or “hi”, a handshake and a smile. If you have an appointment with a local, punctuality is paramount and tardiness is not well received. Forget any ideas of being fashionably late for dinner dates or parties; this is not considered appropriate behaviour in New Zealand.

In business situations, stick to using official titles until you are told otherwise (which will generally be early on in the proceedings) and maintain an air of formality until your business acquaintances dictate otherwise by their behaviour.

Dining Etiquette
With dinner appointments especially, punctuality is important so be sure to arrive at the time that your host tells you and consider bringing a small gift as a token of your appreciation for the invitation. Flowers, chocolates or alcoholic drinks are appropriate gifts, or something from your home country that can’t be bought in New Zealand.

Table etiquette is similar to that of the UK or other European countries as regards manners and use of utensils. Conversation generally doesn’t take place during eating and is reserved for the periods before and after the meal. Keep to appropriate topics and avoid discussing business, even if you are dining with business colleagues or acquaintances.

Food is generally served on a plate although vegetables, side dishes and sauces may often be placed in the middle of the table for dinner guests to help themselves to. Be considerate and pass dishes along when necessary and be sure to leave plenty for others after you take your own share.

Visas are not required for holders of valid passports (with at least three months validity) from the UK, the EU, the US, Canada and Australia. Australians are permitted indefinite periods of stay while citizens of the other aforementioned countries are permitted stays for up to three months. Exceptions to this include citizens of Bulgaria and Romania who require visas in advance of travel.

All visitors necessitating a tourist visa may apply for one at a New Zealand embassy in their home country. Additionally, applications for business visas and visas for extended periods of stay may also be made at New Zealand embassies.

There are two visitor centres catering to the needs of tourists in Marlborough - one located at Blenheim and the other at Picton. Both centres offer a variety of services and provide information on attractions, and can arrange bookings for accommodation, transportation and day and overnight trips.

Blenheim i-SITE Visitor Centre
Railway Station
Sinclair street
Blenheim Marlborough 7201
Phone: +64 3 5778 080

Picton i-Site Visitor Centre
The Foreshore
Picton Marlborough 7220
Phone: +64 3 5203 113