Rotorua Travel Tips

Banks: 09:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 09:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Thursday; 09:00 to 21:00 Fridays; 09:00 to 17:00 Saturdays; some open on Sundays

On the whole, Rotorua is an extremely safe destination, and travellers seldom encounter any problems while visiting. This is a relatively small city compared to Auckland or Christchurch, and many of the annoyances and potential hazards associated with big urban centres don't apply here. The city's security and infrastructure are well-suited to meet tourists' needs.

Of course, wherever you venture, common sense should be exercised. Avoid flashing large amounts of cash or wearing flashy jewellery or accessories. Bulky bum bags or obvious money belts may make you a mark for pickpockets. Whenever possible, deposit your valuables in a hotel safe.

If you hire a car, be sure to always lock your vehicle. New Zealand has its fair share of petty criminals who stake out parking lots. If you plan on leaving something valuable in the car, tuck it under the seat or otherwise remove it from view.

Take care when walking alone after dark, and stick to busy pedestrian areas and main avenues. When possible, travel in pairs or groups after dark and guard your belongings when at the bus or train stations in the late hours.

Many of the geothermal attractions near Rotorua are situated in the midst of precarious terrain. Always heed warning signs regarding dangerous areas and remember that most thermal pools are boiling hot and that the steam that belches from geysers is potentially lethal.

Electricity: 240 volts, 50 hertz

New Zealand enjoys high-quality health standards, and visitors have very little to worry about while visiting Rotorua. Lakes Care Pharmacy at the intersection of Tutanekai and Awawa streets can assist with non-prescription medicines

If a traveller does become ill, it's usually related to common holiday perils like sunstroke and dehydration. Sunscreen, adequate water and mosquito repellent are the most important prevention tools that you can employ here.

However, there are a few unusual perils to watch out for. An extremely rare organism causing amoebic meningitis inhabits some of Rotorua's hot springs. The only way to be infected is to physically ingest the water through the mouth or nose. To be safe, refrain from swimming in outdoor, unregulated thermal pools and leave the self-pampering to the spas.

Giardia exists in some of New Zealand's fresh water sources. Those who become ill contract severe diarrhea and must receive medical attention. When camping or hiking, always boil, filter or otherwise treat fresh water before drinking. A less serious though equally unpleasant ailment known as 'duck itch' causes a severely itchy skin reaction. The culprit is a microbe found in some fresh-water swimming holes. Deeper water is less likely to contain this organism.

Rotorua Hospital: +64 6 348 1199
Emergency services: 111

New Zealand's official languages are English and Maori. Spoken English here is very colloquial, and part of the fun of visiting New Zealand is learning the vernacular. The strong Maori presence in Rotorua means you may have the opportunity to hear the indigenous language. On Sunday mornings, some of the local broadcast networks run Maori-language television programmes.

New Zealand's currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Banknotes are issued in denominations of NZ$5, 10, 50 and 100. You'll also come across NZ$1 and 2 coins. Beyond this, the dollar further breaks down into 100 cents, and coins are issued in 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent denominations.

ATMs are easily found throughout Rotorua, and most of the surrounding smaller towns boast an ATM or two. Tourists can exchange currency at the airport or at any of Rotorua's major banks. While most banks are open until 16:30, their exchange counters typically shut at 15:00.

International brands of credit cards are accepted throughout Rotorua, especially in the tourist districts. Cash becomes important when dealing with small vendors or shopping at the smaller marketplaces. Travellers’ cheques are accepted by most hotels and restaurants in Rotorua and can be exchanged for cash at banks.

Customs officials place restrictions on the import and export of the following items: plants or animals, firearms, and most food items. Prescription medicine must be kept in its original packaging and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.

Everyone disembarking in New Zealand must fill out a customs declaration form. Duty free allowances per person 17 years of age and older are as follows: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars (250 grams of tobacco); 1.125 litres of spirits (or no more than one bottle); 4.5 litres of wine; and cash not exceeding NZ$700.

On the whole, New Zealanders are an easy-going group. Egalitarianism is an important concept for locals, and you'll see it applied across the board in social situations. As a result, some formalities are dropped in course of everyday social interactions. You can usually get by on a first-name basis with most people you meet, though it's a good idea to allow those you meet to use your first name first. Dress code is decidedly informal, except at some upscale restaurants and resorts where a jacket may be required.

If invited to visit a New Zealand family in their home, it is customary to bring a small, token gift as a way of saying thanks. Gifts are usually opened on the spot. You may find that locals seem somewhat reserved, though this initial shyness inevitably melts away quickly. The best way to win the hearts of locals is to speak sincerely and with polite directness.

Social priorities are different in Maori circles, and it's likely that you'll participate in a traditional Maori banquet (or hangi). The occasion begins with the welcoming rites of the powhiri before continuing to the dinner table. Take care not to enter a marae sacred site without an explicit invitation. In some cases, a marae is part of a public feature, in which case guests are automatically welcomed.

Dining Etiquette
New Zealand’s dining etiquette is relaxed and even if you miss a few of the finer points, locals are unlikely to look down on you. Standard dining is continental style, which means the knife is held in the right hand and the fork is held in the left. Elbows should remain off the eating surface and hands above the table at all times.

Most restaurants serve family style meals, meaning the side dishes are served from large dishes that a group of diners share. When you have finished with your plate, you can indicate this to your host or server by placing the fork and knife parallel across the plate with the handles pointing right.

There is a greater level of formality when dining with the Maori. Tourist-style hangi are relaxed, however, and the hosts of these organised events understand that this is first and foremost an attraction. However, if you dine in true Maori style with a local family, you’ll find that an implicit hierarchy is at play. Younger family members serve while older members prepare the food.

It’s possible that your Maori hosts will ask you to sing a song once the meal is finished. Those who can summon the courage to sing an old standard from home will win the respect and affection of their hosts.

Tipping, while appreciated, isn’t expected. Outstanding service in an upscale restaurant usually calls for a 5 to 10 per cent gratuity, however.

Since visa requirements are constantly changing, it is recommended that travellers check with their local New Zealand embassy before finalising travel plans.

Visa requirements depend greatly on the traveller’s nationality. For this reason, all tourists must arrange a visa before travel, and potential visitors are subject to a criminal background check and medical screening. Visitors’ passports must be valid for a minimum of three months after they plan to leave New Zealand.

Upon entry, customs officials will ask you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your holiday. In general, they look for NZ$1,000 per month, or less if you have prepaid your accommodation (NZ$400 monthly). Financial security can be demonstrated with cash, travellers’ cheques and credit cards.

The Rotorua Visitor Information Centre is located on Fenton street. Onsite you’ll find a map shop, an information desk, booking agents, a film developing service, and even a small café. Phone: +64 7 348 5179; website: www.rotoruanz.com.