Answers
Why would I recommend New Zealand to my clients?
Many visitors come for the spectacular scenery. Others visit for the wide range of activities, from hard core adrenalin through to quietly reconnecting with their families and the environment. New Zealand is a first world country, stable and welcoming to visitors. The environment is clean, unpolluted and uncrowded. English is the primary language and it's easy to get around, aided by good tourism infrastructure. Against most of the world's major currencies, New Zealand offers very good value for money. Travellers can come to New Zealand for a hundred holidays and have a totally different experience each time. Travellers who do visit New Zealand leave satisfied, passionate about 100% Pure New Zealand and often keen to return.
Do visitors need a passport or visa to enter New Zealand?
All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months from the date when they intend to leave New Zealand. Visas are not required for most visitors who are staying less than three months, including Australia, America, Austria, Canada, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland and the UAE. United Kingdom visitors are able to holiday for six months without requiring a visa. However, it is always best to check requirements on the New Zealand Immigration Service website. For stays longer than three months, a Visitor's Visa maybe required.
Do Tour Guides Need a Work Visa When Conducting Tours in New Zealand?
If you are travelling with a group of visitors and acting as a tour guide or a tour leader in a co-ordination role, you require a work visa.
All Tour Guides must obtain work visas, prior to their arrival in New Zealand. Multiple entry work visas can be applied for.
Tour Guides should allow at least 14 working days for the processing of these applications. It may be possible to reduce processing time by taking your application into the nearest New Zealand Consulate, Embassy or Immigration New Zealand office in person.
Tour Guides must present the following documentation:
- A fully completed, signed and dated work visa application form
- The work visa fee, if applicable, is payable by Money Order or Company Cheque
- One recent passport type photograph of the applicant
- The applicant’s original passport
- A letter of introduction and guarantee of financial support from the Tour Company. This letter would also include:
- The job title and the salary for the specific applicant
- The length of time the applicant will be in New Zealand
- How many visits the guide will conduct over the next 2 years (if relevant for your market - see the Immigration New Zealand website for more information).
- The Tour Company's most recent promotional booklet which demonstrates that the company is a bona fide business, or equivalent (such as an official certificate from a recognised professional association)
- To enable the safe and timely return of the applicant's passport, a self addressed, prepaid, courier airway bill
Work Visa application forms and more specific information relating to the Immigration New Zealand Receiving Offices can be found on the Requirements page of the Immigration New Zealand website.
Are vaccinations required to visit New Zealand?
No. New Zealand is virtually disease free and would like to stay that way, so visitors will encounter strict border controls on bringing animal, plant and food products into the country. More information can be obtained at www.customs.govt.nz
Is it safe to drink the water?
The water in our cities and towns is excellent and in all cases tap water is fresh and safe to drink. Outdoors, it's always a good idea to boil or treat water from rivers and lakes to be on the safe side.
Will ATM and credit cards work in New Zealand?
All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand and travellers cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. ATMs (automated teller machines) are plentiful, available 24 hours a day and can be found near banks, at airports, shopping centres and even some petrol stations. Credit and ATM cards can be used in New Zealand as long as they have been enabled for international transactions - have your client check with their bank before leaving home.
What will my currency buy in New Zealand? Is there a sales tax?
Visitors travelling on the pound, US$, Euro and Yen will find their money goes a long way in New Zealand due to a favourable exchange rate. For example, a postcard to anywhere in the world costs NZ$1.50, a Big Mac hamburger meal NZ$4-5, and a cappuccino around NZ$3. Use the currency converter on the right to find out how much that is in your home currency.
All goods and services are subject to a 12.5 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) included in the displayed price. Visitors cannot claim this tax back, however when a supplier ships a major purchase to a visitor's home address the GST will not be charged.
What is the voltage of electricity supply in New Zealand?
Electricity is supplied at 230/240 volts (50 hertz). Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. New Zealand power outlets only accept flat three or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.
How safe is New Zealand? Are there dangerous animals?
New Zealand is considered one of the safest destinations in the world. Problems can generally be avoided by using common sense. New Zealanders are welcoming and happy to help visitors. There is just one poisonous spider very rarely seen, and no dangerous animals. However, remind your clients to treat water sports with respect and on patrolled beaches, always swim between the flags. New Zealand sun is strong and basic summer precautions include wearing a hat, covering up during the hottest part of the day and applying a strong sunscreen. And being a travel seller, you'll know the value of ensuring your clients take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
When are school holidays in New Zealand?
The most up to date information on New Zealand school holidays can be found at www.moe.govt.nz in the School Terms and Holidays section. Recommend your clients make confirmed bookings at these times, especially for accommodation, vehicle rental and Cook Strait sailings.
Where are the international airports located? Is there a departure tax?
New Zealand's key international airports are at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Some flights from Australia also land at Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown and Dunedin. Departure taxes are not included in ticket prices. A departure tax of NZ$25 is collected from all adult international passengers upon departure from Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. There is no longer a departure tax charge from Auckland as of 1 July 2008. This can be paid by cash or credit card. Some regional airports also have a small fee payable on domestic flights.
What type of accommodation is available?
You name it, we have it! From international standard hotels, motels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts to holiday parks, backpackers and camping grounds. Your clients might enjoy touring New Zealand in a motorhome too. Exclusive luxury lodges and boutique hotels and homestays are a forte - a night spent at one of these often becomes the highlight of a New Zealand holiday. The accommodation section of newzealand.com has hundreds of properties listed online. Qualmark ™ is New Zealand's official quality mark - for more information, see Qualmark
What is the weather like?
You can visit New Zealand at any time of the year. Summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 10C/50F. New Zealand has four definite seasons - spring (Sept- Nov), summer (Dec- Feb), autumn (Mar-May) and winter (June-Aug). Away from the mountains, New Zealand winters are mild and temperatures generally do not fall below freezing. For up to date weather information, see www.metservice.co.nz Click on Learning Centre for an overview of seasonal or monthly temperatures throughout New Zealand.
When it comes to packing, the key is layering. In summer, visitors spend most of the time in shorts and teeshirts although it's wise to keep a jacket or sweater handy. Rain can occur at any time of year so a waterproof jacket is essential. Pack warm winter clothing if visiting between May and September - gloves and a hat are a good idea. Remember too that New Zealand is a relaxed kind of place - smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants.
Where can I go for itinerary suggestions?
There are a number of tools produced by Tourism New Zealand to help travel sellers plan New Zealand itineraries. Tourism New Zealand's consumer website - newzealand.com - has driving route itineraries for FIT clients. Travellers and travel agents alike can put together New Zealand itineraries using the Travel Planner feature on www.newzealand.com
How can I get the phone, fax or email detail for a particular property, person or company in New Zealand?
If the details required are tourism related, chances are you'll find the company listed under Accommodation or Sights and Activities on newzealand.com. Often the phone and fax number will be listed with the address in the online telephone directory at www.whitepages.co.nz and the Yellow Pages Directory is also available online at www.yellowpages.co.nz
My client is interested in Maori culture. What should I recommend?
Maori culture is an important part of a New Zealand holiday and can be experienced in a variety of different ways. Spend the day with a Maori guide walking through New Zealand's natural bush or geothermal areas and hear the stories and histories of this spiritual land. Visit a local marae (tribal meeting place) and watch as maori showcase their skills through carving, weaving and traditional performance art. It's possible to sample the food from a hangi (food prepared in the traditional Maori way). Have a look at the powhiri feature on newzealand.com to learn more about the traditional Maori welcome. Maori music, both traditional and contemporary, is available at any music store and from www.maorimusic.com To find out what Maori cultural products are available, review the Product Updates or search Sights and Activities at newzealand.com
What information is available about New Zealand National Parks?
More than a third of New Zealand's land is protected in parks and reserves and all are open to visitors. There are hundreds of hiking opportunities, from 10 minute board-walks to serious multi-day tramps. The Department of Conservation are the guardians of this resource - find out about the National Parks, hut accommodation passes and New Zealand's walking tracks at www.doc.govt.nz
Where can I get information about special interests like golf, fishing and skiing?
There are special interest training presentations on this site. You can also read the Product Updates or search Sights and Activites at newzealand.com
My clients are interested in The Lord of the Rings.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed throughout New Zealand and the stunning landscapes featured in the film still remain, although the sets were removed after filming (required by the Department of Conservation). There's a wealth of information available, including driving itineraries and product suggestions, by following The Lord of the Rings feature on newzealand.com Really keen fans may want to buy 'The Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook' by Ian Brodie, readily available from bookstores in New Zealand (ISBN 1-86950-491-7).
What should I tell my clients about driving in New Zealand?
New Zealanders drive on the left hand side of the road. So if you're American or European, some adjustment is required, whereas English, Australian, Japanese and many Asian countries will feel completely at home.
A visitor hiring a car will be asked to provide their home country licence, which must have been translated into English. If the licence is in another language, an International Driver's Permit or English translation is required.
Generally, a driver will need to be over 21 to rent a car or motorhome, but policies do vary between companies so check the fine print with your rental car provider. All the main international companies such as Avis, Hertz and Budget operate in New Zealand, as well as local rental companies. Insurance on rental vehicles is mandatory in New Zealand and is often included in the quote.
Roads in New Zealand are clearly signposted, usually well sealed and by international standards are uncongested. Renting a vehicle is a good way to explore New Zealand but it is important to tell your clients that the scenery will slow them down - although the distances may look small on paper, motorways are found only in the major cities and they should allow plenty of time for photos and to enjoy the café stops on the way. If drivers get lost, there'll usually be a friendly New Zealander around to point them in the right direction. Visit www.ltsa.govt.nz and click on Travellers and New Residents for information in New Zealand road rules.
What kind of study and educational options are available?
New Zealand is becoming first choice for an increasing number of international students seeking quality education. New Zealand universities, colleges and other New Zealand education institutions offer students a unique learning environment. www.newzealandeducated.com has more information.
How do I contact a New Zealand Inbound Tour Operator?
The Inbound Tour Operators' Council of New Zealand is a trade association representing the New Zealand inbound tourism industry. It is made up of Inbound Tour Operators (Full Members) and their suppliers (Allied Members). A list of ITOC Full and Allied Members with a short business profile can be found by visiting ITOC's website, www.itoc.org.nz
Where can I get maps?
Maps are readily available once visitors are in New Zealand at i-SITE Visitor Information Centres and from all major rental vehicle companies. Before arriving in New Zealand, online maps can be obtained from www.wises.co.nz
Travel agents can use the downloadable PDF regional maps available in the Destination section of this website.
Where can I get a list of New Zealand's Regional Tourism Organisations?
There are over 25 Regional Tourism Organisations. They're a great source of information for more detailed consumer queries. A full contact list is available at www.tourismnewzealand.com
|
| 
| 
