All major credit cards can be used and money can be changed at banks and Bureau de Change kiosks throughout the country, as well as some hotels.

Bank standard opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9.30am – 4pm and Friday 9.30am – 5pm, but check the local branch as they may operate earlier opening hours.

Our national currency is New Zealand dollars ($) and cents (c). There are five notes ($5, $10, $20, $50, $100) and five coins (10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2). Check the latest exchange rates and conversions at xe.com

Though delegates will experience New Zealand in the winter season, many of its attractions and sights can be found in our around water.  Make sure you keep safe while visiting these areas see New Zealand’s Water Safety Code for tips.

New Zealanders drive on the left hand side of the road.  While driving a cars, riding a bicycle or walking around the city, please be aware of this and ensure you check the traffic around you appropriately.

For information on Driving in New Zealand –click here

New Zealand’s electricity supply runs at 230/240 volts and uses angled two or three pin plugs (the same as Australia and parts of Asia). If required, you can bring an adaptor with you or buy one for a small cost from an electrical store or at the airport when you arrive.

New Zealand has a 15% goods and services tax (GST), which is included in the advertised price of goods and services, unless stated. Overseas visitors cannot claim this back. Some stores may waive GST if you show onward or return air tickets, or when international shipment of goods is arranged.

All congress attendees are advised to arrange private travel insurance. The congress organisers and committee accept no liability for personal accidents or damage to property while in attendance at the conference. The Organising Committee of 32nd IALP reserves the right to amend, cancel, postpone or alter the conference programme and events without prior notice and accepts no liability as a result of such actions.

English is the most commonly spoken language in New Zealand, with Māori and New Zealand Sign Language also official languages. Auckland is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, so you may find some multi-lingual staff in hotels, restaurants, shops etc..

New Zealand operates on a 900 or 1800 MHz network, as do most countries except Canada and the United States. Mobile phones from these countries won’t operate in New Zealand – you can buy or rent a compatible phone or SIM card on arrival. Ensure you check with your network provider on services and international roaming charges when abroad.

Whether you are looking for places to stay, things to do or ways to get around, Qualmark – New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance organisation – provides a trusted guide to quality travel experiences. When you see the Qualmark, it means that those businesses have been independently assessed against a set of national quality standards.

New Zealand is one of the safest travel destinations in the world, and ‘Kiwis’ (New Zealanders) are known for being friendly, free-spirited and welcoming. With a high respect for human rights and equality, Auckland welcomes all delegates to the city and New Zealand. Always take the same precautions with your safety and possessions that you usually would at home or travelling elsewhere, including making copies of your passports and visas and taking out travel insurance.
In an emergency the number for Fire, Police or Ambulance services is 111

Standard shopping hours from Monday to Friday are usually from 9am to 5pm. Many shopping centres/malls are open slightly longer hours and may be also open late on Thursday and Friday to around 9pm. On Saturday and Sunday, most malls are open normal shopping hours.

There are 24-hour convenience stores, service stations (petrol/gas stations) and supermarkets in the central city, as well as some of the larger suburbs.

It’s illegal to smoke in many indoor spaces in New Zealand, including restaurants, bars, cinemas and on public transport.
However, many pubs and bars have separate outdoor areas where you can smoke. You must be 18 years or older to buy cigarettes.

New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day.

+13 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) – End of September to March.
+12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) – April to End of September.

Tipping is not expected and hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills – however a tip for good service is always appreciated.

No vaccinations are required to visit New Zealand. Please note that New Zealand have strict regulations on bringing animal, plant and food products into the country and protect their Biosecurity – click here for more information.

All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that’s valid for at least three months from the date when you intend to leave the country. Make sure you visit our Visa information page to ensure you have the approproate entry visas and or the NZeTA clearance

Enjoy Auckland in any season – the region has a warm coastal climate without extremes of temperature.

The seasons are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. Auckland’s autumn or fall is from March to May, winter is from June to August and spring is from September to November.

The mean daily temperature during July and August, the mean daily maximum is 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit).

Whatever the season, include a light rainproof jacket or coat just in case. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing, and bring your scarves, hats and gloves.

If you’re not travelling for business, dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night spots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few formal bars and restaurants.