The total population of New Zealand is 3.9 million, and is predicted to reach 4.6 million within the next 44 years. Maori make up about 15% of the population, and are the indigenous people of New Zealand. Auckland is the largest city with a population of one million, the next biggest cities in order are the capital city Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton. New Zealand is an island nation. The three main islands which make up New Zealand are the North Island, the South Island, and Stewart Island, also a number of smaller offshore islands.
Business Hours
Business: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm
Trading Banks: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 4.30pm
Shopping: Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Late nights Thursday or Friday to 9.00pm
Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm (most shops)
Sunday 11.00am - 3.00pm (most shops)
Post Office: Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday 9.00am – 12 noon (some only)
Service stations: or petrol stations are usually open 24 hours.
Taxes & Tipping
GST (Goods and Services Tax) of 12.5% is applied to the cost of all goods and
services and is generally included in all prices.
Tips are not expected, but if a visitor wishes to leave a tip for outstanding service, it is certainly appreciated. Service charges are not added to hotel or restaurant accounts.
Emergency Services
In emergencies, dial 111 for police, fire or ambulance services.
Electricity & Water
New Zealand’s AC electricity supply operates at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), the same as Australia. Most hotels and motels also provide 110 volt, 20 watt, AC sockets for electric razors. An adaptor is necessary to operate all other electrical equipment.
Tap (faucet) water in New Zealand is fresh, treated and safe to drink. City water is both chlorinated and fluoridated. To prevent any problems when travelling in the back-country (tramping, camping etc.), ensure water is boiled or treated before drinking.
Transport & Communication
Air New Zealand is one of the world’s most advanced international airlines. Both Air New Zealand, Qantas New Zealand and Freedom Air operate in the domestic commercial air travel industry. Tranz Rail provide all commercial train transportation throughout the country and also operate the Cook Strait ferry service (Interislander). New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Mobile phones from another country need to have an international roam facility covering New Zealand to work in New Zealand.
Telephone Codes
New Zealand Country Code: 64
Area Codes:
Northland & Auckland: 09
Waikato & Bay of Plenty: 07
Gisborne; Hawke’s Bay; Taranaki & Wairarapa: 06
Wellington: 04
South Island (all areas): 03
