Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Taxes & Refunds
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a flat 15% tax on all domestic goods and services. Prices in this topic include
GST. There's no GST refund available when you leave NZ.
Travellers Cheques
Amex, Travelex and other international brands of travellers cheques are a bit old-fashioned these days, but they're easily
exchanged at banks and moneychangers. Present your passport for identification when cashing them; shop around for
the best rates.
Opening Hours
Note that most attractions close on Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Banks
9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday; some city branches also open Saturday mornings.
Cafes
7am to 4pm or 5pm.
Post offices
8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday; larger branches also 9.30am to 1pm Saturday. Postal desks in newsagen-
cies open later.
Pubs
Noon until late; food from noon to 2pm and from 6pm to 8pm.
Restaurants
Noon to 2.30pm and 6.30 to 9pm, often until 11pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Shops & businesses
9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12.30pm or 5pm Saturday. Late-night shopping (un-
til 9pm) in larger cities on Thursday and/or Friday nights. Sunday trading in most big towns and cities.
Supermarkets
8am to 7pm, often 9pm or later in cities.
Post
The services offered by
New Zealand Post
( 0800 501 501;
www.nzpost.co.nz
) are reliable and reasonably inex-
pensive. See the website for current info on national and international zones and rates, plus post office locations.
Public Holidays
NZ's main public holidays:
New Year
1 and 2 January
Waitangi Day
6 February
Easter
Good Friday and Easter Monday; March/April
Anzac Day
25 April
Queen's Birthday
First Monday in June
Labour Day
Fourth Monday in October
