£1 NZ$2.30
Today
5:02 pm
+13h from you
Weather in New Zealand
New Zealand
18°
Overcast
Wed
16
18
Thu
16
18
Fri
16
20
Sat
18
20
Sun
18
19
SPF level in New Zealand
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around New Zealand
Language in New Zealand
Tipping in New Zealand
Tipping is not customary in New Zealand, and service staff are generally paid a living wage. It is not expected, but a small gesture for exceptional service is always appreciated.
Restaurant
Not customary, 0-10% for exceptional service
Bar/Café
Not customary, rounding up the bill is sufficient
Taxi
Not customary, rounding up the fare is acceptable
Hotel Porter
NZD $1-2 per bag is appreciated for excellent service
Hotel Housekeeper
NZD $2-5 per night for exceptional service
Tour Guide
NZD $10-20 per day for excellent service
Safety in New Zealand
Tips for British travellers
New Zealand is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not leave possessions in unattended vehicles, especially hire cars in tourist areas.
Avoid leaving valuables in hotel rooms and use the hotel safe where possible.
When driving, be aware that highways can be narrow, winding and hilly.
If you are injured, local accident cover will pay for care but will not cover delayed travel or loss of income abroad.
If there is an earthquake, you should immediately drop, take cover, and hold on.
Bonus tips:
Check your travel insurance covers you before taking part in any extreme sports.
Before visiting remote coastal areas, monitor regional weather forecasts as conditions can become dangerous quickly.
Driving in New Zealand
A valid UK driving license is accepted in New Zealand for a maximum of 12 months, provided you haven't been disqualified from driving. An International Driving Permit is not essential, but recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
111
Save 111 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in New Zealand
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type I
UK adapter needed?
Yes
New Zealand uses 230V electricity at 50Hz. The plug type is Type I. British travelers will need an adapter.
Cards & payments
Good. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in New Zealand, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in New Zealand
Good. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are readily accessible in most urban areas and tourist destinations. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled for easy transactions.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in New Zealand. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data rates.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 30 NZD (~£15)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Spark, Vodafone NZ, 2degrees
WiFi & internet
Good. Free WiFi is commonly available in cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public libraries. Paid WiFi services are also offered at some locations.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Internet access is widely available in urban areas. WiFi is common, and mobile data is reliable, particularly in cities. Rural areas may have limited coverage.
Health & vaccinations in New Zealand
As a visitor to New Zealand, you are not eligible for publicly funded health services unless you have residency status. It's essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical care can be expensive for non-residents. Check your policy covers adventure activities if you plan to participate in them.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, New Zealand has high standards of public health. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but it's always wise to consult your GP before travel. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. Be aware of the strong UV radiation, even on cloudy days, and use sunscreen, wear a hat, and sunglasses.
Calling New Zealand
Country code
+64
To call New Zealand from the UK, dial 00 64 followed by the local number (without the leading zero).
To call the British High Commission in Wellington, dial 00 64 4 924 2888.
To call New Zealand from abroad, dial the exit code of the country you are calling from, then 64 (New Zealand's country code), and finally the local number, omitting the first zero.
UK Embassy in New Zealand
British High Commission Wellington
44 Hill Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Airports in New Zealand
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.