However, automated machines may not accept credit cards without a chip. There are occasional disturbing high profile media reports of tourists being targeted in random violent robberies and/or sexual crimes. If you are intending to work in New Zealand you should obtain a work permit along with any tourist visas you might apply for. The main islands are 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+12 = NZST = New Zealand Standard Time) and 20 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST). New Zealand is a motorbike rider's dream country! The level of crime in New Zealand is similar to other western countries. Instead, the British colony of New Zealand became a self-governing dominion in 1907. Most town supplies are fluoridated. The largest city within the highest-risk zone is the nation's capital, Wellington, followed by Hastings then Napier. These are delivered through ground bait stations or, more cost effectively (though controversially), by helicopter drops. Unless there is a "no camping" sign it is common to find a tent or hammock pitched for the night in many picnic areas or in a grove of trees off the road. New Zealand The day the earthquake hit: Hamish Clark recalls devastation, 10 years on ... Hidden toll of the Christchurch quakes. A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872, coupled with political manoeuvring and the spread of European diseases, broke Māori resistance to Pākehā land settlement, but left lasting grievances. New Zealand has double taxation agreements with several countries to stop tax being paid twice. You should always seek advice from the Department of Conservation when trekking in alpine areas. New Zealand is a country of stunning and diverse natural beauty: jagged mountains, rolling pasture land, steep fiords, pristine trout-filled lakes, raging rivers, scenic beaches, and active volcanic zones. New Zealand is a very diverse country with many different regions that are well worth seeing. Due to its large Polynesian and Melanesian expatriate communities, New Zealand has extensive direct flight options to and from South Pacific nations such as Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands. New Zealand is a small country surrounded by ocean. Cold fronts often bring a period of rain to western areas followed by a cold wind from the south bringing snow to the mountains and sometimes to near sea level over eastern parts of the South Island. WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 14: People wait in Te Aro Park after being evacuated from nearby buildings following an earthquake on November 14, 2016 in Wellington, New Zealand. This number (or 112 or 911) also works from mobiles - even when there is no credit available and even if no SIM card is present at all! You will need to fill in the IRD number application form, and provide a photocopy of a passport or New Zealand birth certificate. New Zealand has a number of reciprocal Working Holiday Schemes, which allow people between 18 and 30 to travel and work in New Zealand for up to one year and vice versa. Inter-city rail passenger services are operated by Great Journeys of New Zealand. A driver license or passport, from your home country, will suffice. A US migrant in New Zealand tells how grinding penny pinching becomes a way of life in NZ with nothing to compensate it, rather than a short term measure to get ahead. New Zealand citizens (and permanent residents) and Australian citizens (and permanent residents) need only present a passport which is valid on the dates they arrive in and depart from New Zealand. Nelson has both the most daily cyclists and some of the best recreational cycle trails such as the Dun Mountain Cycle Trail. Fixed and mobile speed cameras as well as hand held and car speed detectors are used frequently. The prospect of nuclear armed US warship visits meant that its Parliament enacted anti-nuclear legislation in the mid-1980s. Two exceptions to the low-brow line-up are. Airports and shopping malls will have stores from Spark and Vodafone available for purchasing access and getting information about their networks. These restrictions are designed to prevent the introduction of foreign animal and plant diseases and pests. In 2005, the Māori Party was formed, in part in response to the Government's law on the Foreshore and Seabed but also to promote an independent Māori perspective at a political level. International students will need to pay for their education; in some cases this includes a national profit margin. Another one million New Zealanders live overseas. This is an inexpensive service for receiving letters and parcels while you are visiting New Zealand from overseas. Although there are now only three major breweries, there are many regional brands, each with their own distinctive taste and staunch supporters. Wellington Airport is particularly prone to the effects of high wind. Goods purchased and taken with you will be subject to GST. New Zealand supported the United Kingdom militarily in the Boer War of 1899–1902, as well as both World Wars. For more information, check the list of Visa Free Countries. Couchsurfing is popular in New Zealand with most major centres sporting active forums and groups as well as having hosts all around the nation. New Zealand has very strong bio-security laws. At the other end of the scale are the small local operators who typically have older rental cars. The New Zealand accent is somewhat nasalised with flattened vowel sounds and vowel shifting. New Zealand has high and equitable standards of professional health care comparable with Sweden or Australia. Also smaller retailers may often set a minimum purchase of around $10 when obtaining cash, if they agree to provide cash. Ambulance, Fire, Police, Coastguard and Marine and Mountain Rescue can all be rapidly contacted via this one, FREE, emergencies only number. The quake hit just after midnight on Monday (11:02 GMT … Video courtesy of Reuters. Free camping is also available in many places. These pest summaries are updated regularly on their websites. 18 Apr, 2016 12:00 AM Quick Read. New Zealand is a long way from anywhere else in the world, so for most visitors, the only practical way to enter New Zealand is by air. New Zealand is one of the most difficult countries in the world in which to forecast the weather. If you are another national entering NZ as a visitor, student or temporary worker, you must present a passport valid either for at least 3 months beyond the date you intend to depart NZ, (or for 1 month beyond the date you intend to depart NZ if the issuing government has consular representation in NZ that is able to issue and renew travel documents - you should check with your passport issuing authority before travelling). New Zealand is a geological hotspot and has many dormant and active volcanoes, geysers and hot springs. If you do not want to pour your money down the drain, fill your own water bottle from the tap, unless you find it is too heavily chlorinated for your taste. The others are largely restricted to flights from Australia. Although crime statistics reflect an increase in violent crime, the increase is entirely explained by increased detection of family violence, a key focus area for Police. There is a wide range of backpackers accommodation around the country. After signing the printed receipt, the clerk is required to check that your signature on your credit card matches that of a valid identification before he/she can complete the transaction. Recording more than 14,000 earthquakes a year (with only about 150 usually felt) schoolchildren regularly undertake earthquake drills as in Japan. The death toll was 256. Car insurance is not compulsory in New Zealand but at least third party insurance is recommended. Car rental firms range from the familiar multi-national big brands through to small local car rental firms. Wait till you arrive, use a proxy service or book by phone. Coffee houses are a daytime venue in many of the larger cities and tourist destinations. New Zealand has a large number of radio stations, on both AM and FM, with at least one local station and a number of nationwide network stations broadcast in each major city or town. There are several sailings daily between Wellington and Picton, but be prepared for a delay or a change in sailing times if the weather is stormy. The vocabulary is quite different, and languages in that family use a one-handed manual alphabet. Primary, intermediate and secondary compulsory schooling is free for citizens and permanent residents, although some nominal fees are generally charged to cover consumable materials. This axis follows the boundary between the Indo-Australian and Pacific plates. Expect drivers behind you to become impatient if you don't keep up with the speed limits, so pull over and let them pass when it's safe to do so. The fish is often extremely good quality, often supplied by local fishermen. The years of debate that followed over whether the ruins should be rebuilt or demolished came to symbolize the paralysis that has sometimes afflicted the broader rebuild of Christchurch. Staff in some establishments may risk their job in accepting a tip. New Zealand is a user of the CHIP and PIN credit card system which uses an electronic chip in the card and the holder's PIN number to allow a transaction to go through. The Hawkes Bay region is well known for its Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and more recently Viognier varieties. Another option is the Sell Buy Swap [4] South Island website. Most New Zealanders prefer to drive or fly, as train fares are comparatively expensive. If you are going to be in New Zealand for a while it may be convenient to open a New Zealand bank account and set up a local debit card, to avoid carrying a lot of cash around. However, New Zealand English has also borrowed much from Māori and there are a number of other phrases that are not commonly encountered elsewhere or may confuse the visitor. All of them accept major credit cards and a variety of phonecards available from retailers. Some items, such as wooden souvenirs, may be taken for sterilization or fumigation before being released to you after payment of a fee. It is possible to apply for the IRD number, then call the department around a week later to request the number by phone, however this will depend on the workload of the processing centres at the time. The weather is mostly influenced by fast moving weather systems in the strong westerly winds, which are often referred to as the roaring forties, that predominate over southern parts of the country and seas to the south. Attempting to make a transaction in a foreign currency may result in some light hearted bemusement. There are a number of commercial camping grounds around the country, as well as camping sites within all of the national parks. If declared, the owners of dirty items are often required to clean them thoroughly. Violent crime in public places is generally associated with alcohol or illicit drug consumption. New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) was given status in 2005 as an official language of the country. Bed and Breakfasts are popular with visiting Brits and Swiss as well as homestays, farmstays and similar lodgings - some of which are in the most unlikely places. Use the Counter delivery service if you need a short term mailing address of up to three months. Not that there is anything wrong with the tap water, it is just that some town supplies are drawn from river water and chlorinated. A powerful magnitude-7.8 earthquake has struck New Zealand's South Island, killing at least two people. More information about seasonal fruit picking work can be found at Pick NZ [13]. The best advice is to declare any items you think may cause problems - bio-security control border staff may confiscate and destroy the item, but you will not have to pay a fine or face criminal prosecution and a jail term. Evidence rests on a single report that has so far not been verified, Doublet earthquake: damaging in Oamaru & neighbouring settlements, Felt throughout North Island, Strong in Wanganui, Felt through North Island, chimney throughout Tairawhiti, Felt throughout Upper half of the South Island, Felt throughout lower half of the North Island, Felt throughout North Island & upper South Island. Daylight Saving (UTC+13 = NZDT = New Zealand Daylight Time) begins on the last Sunday in September and ends on the first Sunday in April. Typical New Zealand highways are one lane in each direction, so allow time to be caught behind slower moving traffic until it is safe to overtake. On Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and before 1PM on Anzac Day (25 April), all but a few essential businesses must be closed. The New Zealand wine industry has developed into a significant export industry. Education in New Zealand is compulsory from age 6 to 16 years, though almost all children begin attending school at age 5 and often stay at school for 13 years, until 17 or 18 years old. The most common pest management tools are poisonous baits. Always say please and thank you. Most shops have Eftpos (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale) terminals for debit and credit cards, so most purchases can be made electronically. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, NZ prices include GST (Goods and Services Tax, or sales tax) of 15%. [2] Early settlers learned fairly quickly the importance of using appropriate building methods in an earthquake-prone country. Wear your pack and look like you're touring the country rather than just a local looking for a lift. [10]. Being found with excess breath alcohol, or refusal to undertake testing will result in an arrest, appearance in Court, with a possibility of time in prison, as well as a hefty fine and disqualification from driving. The most accessible, and possibly most beautiful spot, is Milford Sound. However, as with any two cultures encountering one another, there is room for misunderstanding. Other popular sports include soccer, rugby league and netball in winter, and cricket in summer. The reverse is true: if something is offered to you, the person offering does not necessarily want you to take it. Your initial offer will likely be be denied, at which point you should immediately ask "Are you sure?". Thank you.". New Zealand, with a population of 4.7 million, sits on the “Ring of Fire,” an arc of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where earthquakes are common. Full instructions are on the inside front cover of every telephone book. Immigration New Zealand can also decide to charge an additional fee if they correspond with you directly. The phrase is also a popular Kiwi song. If you have difficulty with the arrival card, most airline staff are able to assist you before arrival. The more interesting architecture and the fine Te Papa museum can be found in Wellington, the nation's capital. Napier is worth a stop for its Art Deco CBD, and Christchurch was interesting for its English character along the banks of the River Avon before the destruction wreaked by earthquakes. Check the Immigration New Zealand web page for details. The legality of this surcharge is questionable if not advertised openly or notified at the time of placing an order and might be challenged if you're feeling brave. If you don't understand, just ask and then most "Kiwis" will explain... Currency used in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Fish and chips are a local speciality. More information about New Zealand's tax system, including appropriate forms, can be obtained from Inland Revenue [12]. Access is usually free but may be restricted in some parks during some parts of the year due to weather (avalanche risk) or farming (lambing season). New Zealanders have a reputation for enjoying their beer. 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake On 3 February New Zealand’s deadliest earthquake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, devastated much of Napier and Hastings. Although many people believe that they can collect all their tax back when they leave the country, this is not true. Always be prepared for a change though. New Zealand 14th November 2016 2 0.917 Pakistan 25th September 2013 300 0.562 Philippines 15th October 2013 200 0.699 Sichaun, China 20th April 2013 160 0.752 Yunnan, China 3rd August 2014 600 0.752 TOTAL 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 0 50000 100000 150000 200000 250000 300000 I Death toll HDI compared to death toll Ngauruhoe is famous for filling in as Mt. The road in is spectacular and the view even more so when you arrive. Find out more on Te Ara. This is a recent development because current holiday legislation requires workers who work on public holidays to be paid at one-and-a-half times their normal wage and be given a equal time off in lieu as a minimum. Importation or possession of most recreational drugs, including cannabis, is illegal and results in arrest. However, first response patrols generally have recourse to firearms locked in their vehicle. Small tsunami waves were seen, but little damage was apparent hours later. Photo ID will be needed for travel. There are regular sightseeing cruises in several tourist destinations, particularly in the Southern Lakes and Fiordland area. Aftershocks are not included, unless they were of great significance or contributed to a death toll, such as the M 6.3 2011 Christchurch earthquake and the M 7.3 aftershock to the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake. The Otago Peninsula is also noted for its albatross colony. Seasonal work in fruit picking and agriculture is sometimes available for tourists such as backpackers. Further south in Central Otago, Pinot Noir is produced in the most concentrated of styles. Copyright © 2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. ", "M 7.2 – 7.6, Cape Farewell, 19 October 1868", "Earthquake source identification and characterisation for the Canterbury Region, South Island, New Zealand", "New Zealand's deadliest earthquakes and past earthquakes in Christchurch", "Magnitude 8 and Greater Earthquakes Since 1900", http://info.geonet.org.nz/display/quake/M+6.4,+Weber+II,+13+May+1990, "List of deceased – Christchurch earthquake", "New Zealand Earthquake Report – Magnitude 6.5, Sunday, July 21, 2013 at 5:09:30 pm (NZST)", "M6.5 – 46km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand", "New Zealand Earthquake Report – Magnitude 6.6, Friday, August 16, 2013 at 2:31:05 pm (NZST)", "M6.5 – 29km SE of Blenheim, New Zealand", "New Zealand Earthquake Report – Magnitude 6.0, Friday, 16 August 2013 at 5:31:16 pm (NZST)", "M5.9 – 30km ESE of Blenheim, New Zealand", "New Zealand Earthquake Report Magnitude 6.2, Monday, January 20, 2014 at 3:52:45 pm (NZDT)", "M6.1 – 35km NNE of Masterton, New Zealand", "New Zealand Earthquake Report Magnitude 6.2, Mon, Oct 13 2014, 6:13:41 pm (NZDT)", "M5.8 – 159km W of Riverton, New Zealand", "New Zealand Earthquake Report Magnitude 6.5, Tue, Oct 14 2014, 5:12:30 pm (NZDT)", "M6.7 – 183km NE of Gisborne, New Zealand", "M5.6 – 43km SSE of Hokitika, New Zealand", "M6.1 – 67km NW of Kaikoura, New Zealand", "A magnitude 5.8 earthquake occurred 25 km north-west of Wanaka, New Zealand on Mon May 4 2015 2:29 PM. Its usual to request which one you want. South of Rotorua is Taupo and Lake Taupo, which was formed in a massive volcanic explosion thousands of years ago. Fluffies are a small frothed milk for children, sprinkled with chocolate powder. is considered cheeky at best, rude at worst. Mobile telephone coverage is effectively only national near urban areas. There are annual fatalities of both foreign nationals and New Zealanders caught unaware by the weather. Nine of the best are listed below (in alphabetical order); you'll find many more as you browse our pages! For many years, New Zealand schools and universities have educated foreign students from the countries of Southeast Asia and education has now become a major source of export earnings for the country. The truck loading ramp at the Interisland Ferry wharf lays dropped and broken, in Wellington Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, after a major earthquake struck New Zealand's south Island early Monday. You must wear a helmet while riding, otherwise you will be fined on the spot. It has its roots in British Sign Language (BSL), and is also closely related to Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Turner's Auctions [6] have regular auctions and are in larger cities. Overseas cards will need to use the "Credit" option, regardless of card type. A paved road is lifted at the ports in Wellington, New Zealand, Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, following an earthquake. If you are travelling into the backcountry on foot, the Department of Conservation has many backcountry huts that can be used under a permit system. The sun's rays are more harmful here than anywhere else in the world and it is very easy to get sunburnt, even in as little as 10 minutes. New Zealand educational institutions will inform the appropriate immigration authorities if a student ceases to attend their enrolled courses, who may then suspend or cancel that student's visa. Petrol stations often sell pies that can be heated in-store. New Zealanders consider their accent to be markedly different from the Australian one and are often offended when mistaken for or confused with Australians. Leaving the South Island by sailing up the west coast of the North Island, he mapped a small portion of the coastline; Dutch cartographers re-named this known part as Nova Zeelandia. Tax in all its forms in New Zealand amounts to around half of a worker's income. Travel insurance is highly recommended. It is still just possible to book or even hitch a ride on the regular freighter circuits). To work in New Zealand you need to be a citizen or current permanent resident of either New Zealand or Australia, or else have a work permit or appropriate visa. If staying for more than a few days at someone's house, if they are younger than 30-35 it is considered polite to leave a token amount of money, say $20, to 'cover the power bill', especially if you are the guest at a shared flat/apartment/house. Most merchants also accept the swipe and sign method which is mostly used by U.S. credit card holders; as they have not yet adapted to the CHIP and PIN system. The style is somewhat different to the English style: chips tend to be crisper, and vinegar is never used as a dressing. Speech is often understated. New Zealand Earthquake. All these cities have experienced severe earthquakes since European settlement. An exception to this is in the case of any accident when the Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) will pick up the tab. Many place names are in Māori and for the traveller some knowledge of Māori pronunciation is could useful but is not essential as European and Māori pronunciations of the same place can be quite different. The focus is on popular tourist trains, which pass through spectacular scenery and have a running commentary, panoramic windows and an open-air viewing carriage. With the exception of Australian citizens and permanent residents, entry as a visitor does not permit employment in New Zealand. There are other natural hazards you may encounter, though far more rarely: New Zealand has a very high level of ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer, around 40% more intense than you will find in the Mediterranean during the summer. The national post office is New Zealand Post [17]. When the six British colonies federated to form Australia in 1901, New Zealand decided not to join the federation. Once again though, a cold front and its accompanying south winds can give you a taste of winter at any stage.

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