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; 09.00 to 12.30, Saturdays

North Island is not a dangerous destination by any stretch of the imagination and few visitors are likely to have their holidays spoiled by encounters with crime or similar unpleasantness. Petty criminals maintain a presence in the big cities but visitors staying alert, using common sense and taking care with their cash and valuable items while out in public can reduce their chances of becoming victims.

230V AC, 50Hz with oblique flat plugs

Health issues are few and far between on North Island and for those visitors unfortunate enough to take ill there are some excellent medical facilities available in the big cities. Visitors are advised to take out travel insurance with medical cover to avoid being landed with expensive hospital bills. No vaccinations are necessary for visiting North Island and the tap water is safe to drink.

Auckland City Hospital: +64 9 367 0000
Wellington Hospital: +64 4 385 5999
Emergency services: 112

New Zealand has both English and Maori (Te Reo) as its national languages, although the former is the more commonly used of the two.

New Zealand Auckland uses the New Zealand dollar (NZ$) as its official currency. NZ$1 is equal to 100 cents.

Duty-free allowances for visitors aged 17 years or older are: 200 cigarettes, 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars (or any combination of the three not exceeding a total weight of 250 grams); 4.5 litres of wine, 4.5 litres of beer or three bottles of spirits (not over 1125ml per bottle). Gifts and other goods may not exceed NZ$700 for their total value.

Locals on the island can come across as somewhat formal and reserved initially but are generally friendly characters after initial meetings. Handshakes are considered appropriate gestures when meeting someone for the first time; add a smile if you wish relationships to get off on a good footing quickly.

In business situations smart dress is essential, and punctuality for appointments an absolute must. Using honorary titles is wise until such time as you are instructed not to. For dinner appointments, again be sure to arrive on time and bring a small token of your appreciation for the host or hostess.

Maori culture and etiquette is subject to its own rules and idiosyncrasies so its wise to consult with a guide with regard to appropriate behaviour if you are planning on meeting indigenous groups in their own tribal settings.

Nationals of the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and the majority of European countries do not require a visa for entry to New Zealand. A passport with three months validity from the date of entry is sufficient for stays of the same period (six months for UK citizens).

All other visitors are required to obtain a tourist visa to enter the country. These can be applied for from New Zealand embassies in major cities across the globe.

Since Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, the head branch of Tourism New Zealand’s local information offices is located there. You can visit the Wellington i-Site Visitor Information Centre at 101 Wakefield Street, Civic Square, or telephone them on: +64 4 802 4860.