Below you will find general information about Auckland & New Zealand to make your conference experience more enjoyable.

Currency

The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is a decimal based currency. A currency calculator can be found here. The smallest coin is 10 cents so if paying by cash the price will be rounded to the nearest 10 cent unit (e.g. an item priced at $10.95 requires $10.90 in notes & coins and an item priced at $10.96 requires $11.00 in notes and coins). If you exchange currency at the airport the normal commission fee is waived on production of your airline employee identification card.

Driving

International licences are able to be used for visitors to drive in New Zealand. Vehicles drive on the left side of the road and in general the speed limit in built up area's is 50 km/h and 100 km/h on the open road. A copy of the New Zealand road code can be found here.

Electricity

220/240 Volt AC (50 cycles/sec). The sockets are 3 pronged, the same configuration as Australian plugs. Adaptor plugs for other 220/240 Volt plugs are available from the hotel on request.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in New Zealand however it does occasionally occur at restaurants in cases of exceptional service. There is no expected tipping margin; if you do wish to tip the amount is totally up to you.

Weather

Late March in Auckland is the beginning of autumn and the climate is still warm and humid. Temperatures in March normally range from 22° C (72° F) to 15° C (58° F). Showers are possible; an umbrella is standard equipment for most Aucklanders.