Overview
Sights And Activities
Planning Your Trip
Accommodations
Beyond Tourism
Outdoor Recreation
Basics
In any type of crisis situation, the most important thing to do is stay calm. Your country’s embassy is usually your best resource when things go wrong; registering with your embassy upon arrival in the country is often a good idea. The government offices listed in the Travel Advisories box can provide information on the services they offer their citizens in case of emergencies abroad.
Travelers to New Zealand shouldn’t encounter any outlandish laws, and police are trustworthy. You should remember, however, that when in New Zealand you are subject to local laws. A serious violation can result in a jail sentence.
Remember that you are subject to the laws of the country in which you travel, not to those of your home country, and it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with these laws. The legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18. New Zealand has recently cracked down on drunk driving, implementing policies against multiple offenders who can face up to two years in prison and a NZ$6000 fine. If you carry prescription drugs while you travel, it is vital to have a copy of the prescriptions and a note from a doctor readily accessible when entering and exiting the country.
Earthquakes And Volcanoes. New Zealand is host to some active fault lines and thus has occasional earthquakes and volcanic activity. Most earthquakes are small, but if a strong quake does occur, it will last only a few minutes. Open a door to provide an escape route and protect yourself by moving beneath a sturdy doorway, table, or desk. In coastal or mountainous areas, tidal waves and landslides may follow quakes. Volcanic eruptions have happened in the past in New Zealand, but the level of recent volcanic activity has been mild.
Tropical Cyclones. Tropical cyclones are severe tropical storms (equivalent to Atlantic hurricanes) with very high winds. They occur roughly from December to April, but New Zealand is only rarely in the path of a southbound storm. If there is a tropical cyclone, move inside, and stay away from windows.
Floods. New Zealand has experiences some torrential flooding nearly every summer, with one of the disastrous episodes in February 2004 and February 2007. Should you find yourself caught in the midst of severe flooding, your best strategy is to follow the instructions of the Ministry of Civil Defense and Emergency Management (☎04 473 7363; www.civildefence.govt.nz) regarding government-sanctioned evacuations and road closings.
There are no known terrorist organizations or cells in New Zealand. After the September 11 attacks on the US, the country pledged itself against terrorism. Although there is low risk of any terrorist attack or activity in New Zealand, travelers should still stay alert for suspicious behavior throughout their stay, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. The box on Travel Advisories (see below) lists offices to contact and websites to visit in order to get the most updated list of your home government’s advisories on travel.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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