| Tourism
Statistics New Zealand estimated that in the year ending December 2002, tourists contributed $13.2 billion to the New Zealand economy. During that year, there were 5,974,778 foreign visitors, mostly travelers on holiday, with the highest percentage arriving from nearby Australia. The United Kingdom ranked second in visits, with the United States third.
Passports
All visitors to New Zealand are required to carry a passport valid for at least three months past the date of departure from the country. The following are exempt from requiring visas:
- New Zealand residents or Resident Permit holders
- Australian citizens traveling on Australian passports
- Australian residents with current resident return visas
- Residents of countries that have visa waiver agreements with New Zealand
An exempt visitor is still required to have the following:
- A passport that is valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure
- An onward or return ticket to a country he is permitted to enter
- Enough money to support himself while in New Zealand
For a list of countries with visa waiver agreements, as well as visa applications, please visit New Zealand Immigration Service's website.
International Airports
International airports are located in Auckland,
Wellington and Christchurch. Some flights from Australia also land at Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown and Dunedin.
Customs
Customs duty is levied on the amount paid for the individual items. A 12.5 Goods and Services Tax (GST) is then applied to duty inclusive value. An import transaction fee of NZ$18 may also apply. Visitors are afforded the following allowances, duty and tax free:
- Personal effects, including clothes and toiletries, provided they are not intended as gifts
- 200 cigarettes, 250 grams of tobacco, 50 cigars, or a combination of the three not to exceed 250 grams in weight (approximately .5 lb)
- 4.5 litres of wine or 4.5 litres of beer (approximately 1 gallon)
- one bottle containing not more than 1125ml of spirits, liqueur, or other spirituous beverages (approximately 38 oz.)
- Tourist items, such as still or motion video cameras and binoculars, provided they are taken from the country at the visitor's departure
For more in-depth information on customs, please visit New Zealand Custom Service's website. For information on New Zealands biosecurity restrictions, including prohibited agricultural items, please visit Protect New Zealand.
Safety Precautions
Visitors are advised to carry their own travel insurance, though New Zealand has a low crime rate and a top-rated healthcare and accident compensation system. Additionally, tourists are advised to avoid walking in isolated, unlit areas, and to not leave valuables in parked cars.
Emergency number (Fire, Police, Search & Rescue): 111
Other things of which travellers should be aware:
- Beaches with potential hazards are generally marked by red and yellow flags. Swimming is safest between these flags.
- Weather conditions in alpine areas is subject to rapid change. Visitors to National Parks should be prepared for cold, wet weather.
- Sandflies, particularly in wetter areas. Insect repellant is advised.
- The unpolluted atmosphere and relatively low latitudes produce sunlight stronger than most of Europe and North America. Sunscreen of at least SPF 30 is advised when outdoor for more than fifteen minutes.
- Giardia is a water borne parasite that causes symptoms similar to Montezuma's revenge. Visitors should avoid drinking water from lakes, rivers and ponds if it has not been properly treated.
- Driving is on the left side of the road, and distances are measured in kilometres.
- There is no Right on Red (or Left on Red) in New Zealand, as in North America. Drivers are required to stop at red lights.
- Drivers and all passengers are required to wear safety belts when riding in motor vehicles.
- Drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced.
- Helmets are required at all times on cycles and motorbikes.
Where to Get Help in New Zealand
The New Zealand Embassy is also a helpful source of information for travellers.
Sights, Events & Attractions
Please see the Regional section of this site.
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