Destination Information

Currency

Decimal currency is used in New Zealand (NZD) and currency units are dollars and cents. New Zealand notes are: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5. Coins are: $2, $1, 50, 20, 10, and 5 cents.

Weather

Auckland has a subtropical climate with heavy rain May–Dec. Summer and fall (Nov–Apr) are peak travel. You can visit the link provided below for more details.

https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/new-zealand/auckland

Time Zone

Auckland’s time is 12 hours ahead of GMT.

Quarantine

New Zealand is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the importation of animals and plants which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted.

Health

Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from a yellow fever- infected country zone within six days prior to your arrival. You do not need any other health certificate to enter New Zealand. New Zealand has a high standard of hygiene and doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. In the event of illness, hotel staff can arrange a doctor for you.

GST Refund Scheme

New Zealand applies a tax to the purchase of both goods and services called the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The rate of tax that applies to taxable products and services is 15%. Tax is already included in the advertised prices. Non-New Zealander delegates may be eligible for a refund of GST via the Tourist Refund Scheme.

Travel Insurance

All visitors are encouraged to purchase personal travel insurance to ensure personal coverage in medical, hospitalisation and other unforeseen circumstances during their trip to New Zealand. The Conference organisers do not take responsibility for any delegate/visitor failing to insure.

Tipping

Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in New Zealand as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters, and a gratuity of about 10% is usual in restaurants if good service is received. NO service charge is added to hotel or restaurant bill.

Electricity

The electrical supply is 240 volts, 50 Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat 3-pin plug. Most city hotels provide 110 volts for shavers.

Emergency Phone Number: 111

In the case of an emergency feel free to contact the Symposium General Chair, Professor Emeritus Ljubo Vlacic by phoning +61 (0) 417 633 501 at any time.