Useful Information

Destination: New Zealand

Healthcare

The New Zealand health system has a mixture of public, private and voluntary sectors which, between them, provide and fund a comprehensive range of health care. If you fall into a high income bracket you will probably have to pay for routine visits to the doctor or dentist through the public health system. (For lower earning groups there are subsidies)

Necessary hospital treatment is normally free although you will be seen quicker (and have to pay) if you have private health insurance.

To find a suitable GP look in the special medical section in the front of your local telephone book for a list of GP's, practices and contact details.

Dentist

Routine dental treatment may be offered free to people under 16 (or 18 if still in full time education or otherwise dependent). For all others payment for any service is required. Dentists can be found in your local Yellow Pages.

By Car

If you have a current overseas driver’s licence you can drive using that for a maximum of 12 months from the date you arrive in New Zealand. If you intend to stay longer than 12 months, you must convert to a New Zealand driver’s licence before that 12 months have passed.

Useful Telephone Numbers

New Zealand Public Holidays 2008-2009

Each province in New Zealand also has its own anniversary day.

Customs

Customs laws are very strict in New Zealand so ensure anything you plan to bring with you meets these. Find out more by visiting the New Zealand Customs Service's website.