New Zealand travel advice

Travel Summary

• There have been reports of confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) - Swine Flu in New Zealand. You can check for updates on the number of cases and their location through New Zealand's Ministry of Health Swine Flu update site: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/mexican-swine-influenza-update-270409. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. New Zealand's national health authorities are monitoring passengers from incoming flights originating in North America and screening any travellers who have recently been in Mexico or the United States. Any persons exhibiting flu-like symptoms are being diagnosed and offered advice and opportunities for isolation and treatment. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.
  
  
• There is no British consular representation on the Cook Islands, or the islands of Niue and Tokelau. See the General section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• If you are visiting remote areas, you should ensure that your journey details are made known to local authorities or friends/relatives before setting out. Weather conditions can quickly become treacherous, especially in winter.
  
  
• Motor insurance is not a legal requirement in New Zealand. Therefore, even though the UK has a reciprocal Healthcare Agreement with New Zealand, private accident insurance is recommended. This is because New Zealand law has removed the right of accident victims to sue a third party in the event of an accident. See the Road Travel section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism in New Zealand. But you should be aware of the global risk of terrorist attacks which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• Around 300,000 British nationals visit New Zealand each year (source: Statistics New Zealand). Most visits are trouble-free. The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in New Zealand in 2007 were: replacing lost or stolen passports (over 630 cases); hospitalisations and deaths, mainly as a result of outdoor activities (over 50 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (28 cases).
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. New Zeland offers an extensive range of extreme activities and if you intend to participate in activities eg: bungee jumping, water boarding or white water rafting, you should ensure that your travel insurance covers these types of activities. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public places including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For further information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Pickpocketing and other street crime occur in major urban areas. Reports of thefts from unattended vehicles, especially hire cars/camper vans in major tourist areas (eg the Coromandel peninsula, Rotorua and Queenstown) are on the increase. There has also been an increase in the number of thefts from hotel/motel rooms in some tourist areas.

Do not leave possessions in unattended vehicles even if out of sight in a locked boot. Do not leave valuables in hotel/motel rooms, but use safe boxes when available. Keep passports, travellers' cheques, credit cards etc separate.

Political Situation

New Zealand Country Profile

Local Travel

There have been a number of tragic accidents involving British visitors, these also include extreme sporting accidents. If you intend to participate in extreme sports you should check that the company is well established in the industry and your insurance covers you. If you intend visiting remote areas, you should check with local tourist authorities for advice before setting out. You should ensure that you register your details with a Visitor Information Centre or family or friends. Weather conditions can quickly become treacherous in some areas and you should keep yourself informed of regional weather forecasts.

Road Travel

Whilst road conditions are generally good in New Zealand, it takes a little while to get used to local driving conditions.

In 2007 there were 422 road deaths in New Zealand (source: DfT). This equates to 10.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.

You are advised to read a copy of the Road Code (the official guide to traffic rules and traffic safety) before driving. Particular attention should be given to the section covering the right of way rules, which are different from other countries. UK driving licences are valid for use for a maximum of 12 months.

Motor insurance is not a legal requirement in New Zealand. Therefore, even though the UK has a reciprocal Healthcare Agreement with New Zealand, private accident insurance is recommended. This is because New Zealand law has removed the right of accident victims to sue a third party in the event of an accident. Instead the Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) helps pay for your care if you are injured as the result of an accident. However, the ACC only covers the cost of treatment in New Zealand and delayed travel or loss of income in a third country is not covered.

For further information see Driving Abroad.

Local laws and customs

The importation of illegal drugs is punishable by up to 8 - 12 years' imprisonment.

New Zealand has an established tradition of tolerance towards homosexuality, but there are still isolated incidents of homophobic related crimes. Gay and lesbian travellers should be aware of local sensitivities, particularly when visiting rural areas.

Quarantine Procedures

New Zealand has very strict bio-security regulations. It is illegal to import most foodstuffs (meat and meat products, honey, fruit, dairy produce etc) and strict penalties are handed out to those breaking these rules. You may also need to take care when importing wood products, golf clubs and shoes (may have soil and dirt attached), wellington boots (for the same reason) and items made from animal skin (eg crocodile handbags). The immigration arrivals card has full details.

If in doubt, declare possibly illegal possessions to a Ministry of Agriculture official or dump them in one of the bins available at the airport.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a heavy fine.

As a result of these quarantine procedures, you should expect some delay on arrival.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Visas

New Zealand’s immigration rules are strict, particularly in the areas of employment. Anyone wishing to work requires a visa allowing employment. British passport holders can enter New Zealand as a visitor for up to 6 months on arrival without a visa, provided they can satisfy an Immigration Officer that they meet the requirements of the Rules. Visitors must have an onward ticket. For further information before travelling on exactly what is required at immigration, please contact the New Zealand High Commission in London.

Passport validity

You should ensure that your passport is valid one month beyond the date of expiry of your visa. If you intend to stay in New Zealand as a visitor you are entitled to a six month stay visa-free but should ensure that your passport is valid for one month beyond the date of your visa-free stay. Passports are currently being renewed only at the British High Commission in Wellington.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.

Health

There are reports of confirmed human cases of Swine Flu in New Zealand. You can check for updates on the number of cases and their location through New Zealand's Ministry of Health Swine Flu update site: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/mexican-swine-influenza-update-270409. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. New Zealand’s national health authorities are monitoring passengers from incoming flights originating in North America and screening any travellers who have recently been in Mexico or the United States. Any persons exhibiting flu-like symptoms are being diagnosed and offered advice and opportunities for isolation and treatment. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.

State medical facilities in New Zealand are excellent and there is a stronger emphasis on preventative medicine than in the UK. Standards of hospital, medical and dental treatment in New Zealand are comparable to those in the UK. There is a reciprocal agreement between Britain and New Zealand to enable citizens of either country to enjoy (subject to certain conditions) the benefits of the National Health Services of the other country if permanently or temporarily resident.

Due to its southerly position, the ozone layer over New Zealand is thinner than elsewhere and burn times are shorter than in the UK. During the summer, hats should be worn when outdoors and a high factor sun block applied.

Research has shown that asthma sufferers may be more at risk of an attack in New Zealand and sufferers should be suitably prepared.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 1,400 adults aged 15 or over in New Zealand were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see the HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to New Zealand and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you with advice on the vaccination requirements for New Zealand.

For further information on endemic diseases, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements, health outbreaks for New Zealand you should check the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) or NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel.

For more general health information see the Travel Health and for food/drink hygiene see Eat and Drink Safely.

Natural disasters

New Zealand is located in a seismic zone and is subject to earthquakes. You should follow the advice of local authorities in the event of a natural disaster.

The most recent earthquake registered was on 15 July 2009 and measured 7.8. While this was a significant size, it was centred in an uninhabited and remote part of New Zealand rarely visited by tourists and no appreciable damage was done. On 20 December 2007 a magnitude 6.8 earthquake affected Gisborne on the east coast of the North Island. There were no deaths reported.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain appropriate comprehensive medical and travel insurance before travelling. If you intend to participate in adventure activities, such as bungee jumping, water boarding, white water rafting etc, you should ensure that your travel insurance covers these types of activities. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See Travel Insurance for more details.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.

Consular Assistance

Routine consular matters are covered by The British High Commission in Wellington.

Auckland is primarily a trade office but can offer limited consular assistance in an emergency.

British Consulate-General, Level 17/151 Queen Street, Auckland1; (tel: +64 9 303 2973; fax: +64 9 303 1836); www.uktradeinvest.co.nz/

In case of emergency in the South Island, contact Mr David Morrell, PO Box 13292
Christchurch 8031, tel: (+64) (03) 332 5535.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

The Cook Islands

Most visits to the Cook Islands are trouble-free. You should check that local water sports and tour operators have adequate insurance. The level of serious crime is low, but incidents of petty theft do occur. You should not leave your belongings unattended and should use hotel safes for passports and valuables.

Health

Medical facilities are limited and therefore medical evacuation by air ambulance may be necessary. We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. In the event of a medical emergency, evacuation to mainland New Zealand is likely to be the only option for treatment, and insurance policies should cover this eventuality.

Between October 2006 and 15 May 2007, 1383 cases of Dengue Fever were reported, a large number of which were on Raratonga. As at June 2007 the Dengue fever risk is said to be low. For more information on the disease, please consult the World Health Organisation's Dengue fact sheet (under ‘health topics’) at the following website: http://www.who.int/topics/dengue/en/

You are advised to check with local visitor’s bureaux on local customs/courtesies.

There is no resident British Diplomatic Mission in The Cook Islands and currently no Honorary Consul in the Cook Islands. British citizens needing assistance should contact the New Zealand High Commission:

Address 1st floor, Philatelic Bureau Building, Takuvaine Road, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Postal Address PO Box 21, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Telephone +682 22 201 Fax +682 21 241
Email: nzhcraro@oyster.net.ck

Routine consular matters are covered by The British High Commission in Wellington.

Niue and Tokelau

Most visits to the islands of Niue and Tokelau are trouble-free.

You are advised to check with local visitor’s bureaux on local customs/courtesies.

There is no resident British Diplomatic Mission in either Niue or Tokelau.

Medical facilities are limited and therefore medical evacuation by air ambulance may be necessary. We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. In the event of a medical emergency, evacuation to mainland New Zealand is likely to be the only option for treatment, and insurance policies should cover this eventuality.

In case of emergency in Niue contact:

The Hon Sandra Lee

New Zealand High Commissioner

Tapeu

Alofi

P O Box 78

NIUE

Tel + 683 4022; Fax + 683 4173

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 0730 to1200hrs, 1300 to 1600hrs

In case of emergency in Tokelau contact:

The Honorary British Consul in Samoa
Dr Stephen Rogers
PO Box 1953, Apia

Telephone: (685) 27123
Mobile: (685) 7733562
E-mail: rogerss58@yahoo.co.nz

Routine consular matters are covered by The British High Commission in Wellington.