Weather
The sun in New Zealand is exceptionally strong due to high UV levels and people are often also caught out by how quickly they can get sunburnt. Protect yourself by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and seeking shade during peak hours even when it is cloudy.
New Zealand weather can be highly changeable which can catch people out. Although early autumn weather is often pleasant and settled, temperatures can drop rapidly in minutes when weather systems arrive from the south. Temperatures can also vary a lot between day and night, so layers of clothing are recommended. Northern New Zealand can be deceptively humid, especially in coastal and forested areas, which can make temperatures feel warmer in summer and much colder in cooler weather. High humidity combined with wind and rain can rapidly increase the risk of hypothermia, even at mild temperatures, particularly during outdoor activities. In warmer conditions, humidity can also lead to quicker dehydration, as people may not realise how much fluid they are losing. During outdoors activities dress in layers, keep dry, carry water, and be prepared for changing conditions to stay safe.
If you would like more advice on what to prepare for outdoor activities, please visit https://www.mountainsafety.org.nz/learn/activities
Wildlife
There are no snakes in New Zealand and most people never encounter one of the few species of harmful spiders in their lifetime. You also don’t need to worry about ticks or leeches. Mosquitoes and sandflies are the most complained about species that can impact the enjoyment of a trip in NZ. They are common in warmer months, especially near water. Insect repellent is advised. Fortunately, mosquitoes in New Zealand do not carry harmful diseases. New Zealand has a number of wasp species that can give painful stings. Vigilance is needed when visiting beech forests in the autumn when wasp numbers can be high.
Driving
Visitors who plan to drive should note that driving is on the left, roads can be narrow and winding, and travel times are often longer than expected. For more about NZ road rules etc see: https://drive.govt.nz/
Swimming
The waters in NZ can be dangerous due to high waves, riptides, or poor water quality. Please check https://safeswim.org.nz/ to ensure the place you want to swim is safe.
Local customs
It’s important to respect the natural environment by following local rules, staying on marked tracks, and taking all rubbish away with you.
Please clean outdoor gear (including shoes) in between trips to stop the spread of invasive species. Some notable biosecurity risk species in NZ include Kauri dieback (Phytophthora agathidicida) found in soil, Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) found in freshwater, and Caulerpa found in saltwater.
Tipping is not customary or necessary in NZ, but it is always appreciated by service staff if you do.
Tap water is considered safe to drink.
Prohibited biosecurity items
New Zealand has some of the strictest rules regarding items that can be brought into New Zealand that may pose a risk to New Zealand’s biosecurity. On arrival you can expect your luggage to be x-rayed or inspected by a detector dog. If in doubt declare items or risk being fined. See: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/biosecurity-at-new-zealands-border
Jetlag
For some of you, travelling to NZ will be the longest journey you have ever taken and you might find it helpful to understand and prepare for jet lag. FInd helpful information on this website: Jet Lag | SCTI NZ