TIPPING: Employees in New Zealand do not depend on tips as part of their income. However, tipping in appreciation of good service is at the discretion of the visitor as wages are low.

CLIMATE: New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December through to March, whilst the coldest are June to August. The North of NZ is subtropical and the South temperate. In summer the maximum temperature ranges between 20-30C and in winter between 10-15C. The weather is subject to variations on a daily basis, it is recommended to bring with you warm clothing, and a waterproof jacket.

CURRENCY: New Zealand's unit of currency is the NZ dollar (NZ $) comprising coins with values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2 ; and notes with values of $5 , $10 , $20 , $50 and $100 . Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. All major credit cards may be used in NZ and traveler’s cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some retail stores. Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at Banks, along main shopping streets and in shopping malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four digit PIN. Check with your bank before leaving home.