Currency

The currency used is the New Zealand dollar ($). Banks are open from 9am to 4pm on Monday to Friday. Major credit cards are taken at most places. Cash dispensing machines are outside most of the banks. The majority of the population uses an eftpos card (electronic funds transaction at point of sale), this is a card that will allow you to purchase goods and withdraw cash from almost all restaurants, shops and hotels and is accepted widely around New Zealand. Due to the exchange rate, most of the world finds New Zealand very inexpensive, and we don’t tip here. There is a 12.5% goods and services tax (gst), which is included in prices.  

Driving

We drive on the left hand side of the road, the top speed limit is 100 kph, and around town it is 50kph. If you are turning left, and the oncoming car is turning right (i.e. in front of you, to the same road that you want to go) they have the right of way.

Climate

Christchurch has an average daily maximum temperature of 22°C (72°F) in summer, and 12°C (54°F) in winter. However it feels much warmer than this in the sun and you can often wear t-shirts in the middle of winter. Canterbury rarely receives snow, with the exception of the mountains, and very little rain. The weather can be very changeable and it is best to wear several layers that can be removed as required.  

Things To Buy

New Zealand is world famous for its sheepskin and wool products .Beautiful hand knitted jumpers, gloves, hats etc. Merino wool is the finest wool, so soft that it can be worn next to the skin. It is very light and thin, yet very warm. Mixed with possum fur it becomes even warmer and softer. Possum leather is very soft, you can buy fur lined boots at very low cost. Ugg boots are fleece lined sheepskin boots, which are very warm and comfortable to wear. Fleeces can be bought as rugs, cushions and car seat covers in a variety of creams and browns. Greenstone and bone carvings are made in many traditional designs for jewelry. Paua shell has beautiful iridescent colours and may be bought as a polished shell, or made into jewelry. For further information contact the visitors information centre, ph. 03 379 9629 on Worcester St