Otago Central Rail Trail

Language

New Zealand has 3 official languages: English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language.

New Zealand’s multi-ethnic society means that around 150 additional languages are spoken by different communities.

Maori language takes its roots from Eastern Polynesia, however, following settlement in New Zealand by Polynesian groups from the 13th century, Maori developed as a unique language distinct from other Polynesian languages. At the time of New Zealand’s 2013 Census, there were 148,395 Maori language speakers. Maori language is spoken mainly in the North Island, where the bulk of New Zealand’s Maori population resides.

Currency

New Zealand Dollar

There are opportunities to change money at banks during the tour or you may wish to change it when arriving at the airport.

In some of the rural areas that we visit there aren’t any banks and sometimes when there is a bank it could be shut when we arrive.

ATM machines are widespread throughout New Zealand, except when travelling through rural areas such as the West Coast.

Visa and Master card are the most widely accepted credit cards and we would recommend them for most expenses. American Express has limited use in NZ and it is only accepted in some centres.

A currency converter you may find helpful is www.xe.com.

International Dialing Code

+64

Electricity

Electricity in New Zealand is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is I. (Aust - 3 flat prong).

Visas

Visas are not required for passport holders from the following countries visiting New Zealand for a stay of up to 3 months; Australia, Canada, United States, United Kingdom

However you should possess:

A passport that is valid for at least 3 months after your departure from New Zealand

An onward or return ticket to a country you have permission to enter

Sufficient money to support yourself during your stay

For all other nationalities and longer stays please contact the relevant embassy.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.