New Zealand
About New Zealand
| Currency | New Zealand dollar (NZD) |
| Language | English and Maori |
| Capital | Wellington |
New Zealand is a country made up of a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia. There are two main islands, the North Island and the South Island and many smaller islands. The population of New Zealand is about 4.2 million people.
The government of New Zealand is a parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm. The chief of state is Queen Elizabeth II, and the head of government is a prime minister.
New Zealand is a country that recognizes its indigenous people, the Maori, who were the first people to arrive in New Zealand and are the largest minority. The language, Maori, was made an official language in 1987, although Maori is spoken by only about 4 percent of the population.
New Zealand is a developed country with a high standard of living, usually ranking as one of the world’s most attractive places to live. Tourism is a major part of the economy. New Zealand is known for spectacular scenery, volcanoes and geothermal activity, outdoor sports and treks, and national parks where visitors can take any of nine Great Walks.
Recommended Vaccinations For New Zealand
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Recommended Medications For New Zealand
There are no recommendations for New Zealand at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for New Zealand
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in New Zealand.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in New Zealand through contaminated food or water.
For Some Travellers
Rabies
The risk of acquiring Rabies is low. New Zealand is free of dog rabies. However, it may be present in bats. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) may be at risk.
West Nile Fever
There is a risk of acquiring West Nile virus in this country.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Measles
There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.
Safety & Security in New Zealand
Personal Safety
Most travellers to New Zealand do not experience any safety or security risks as the country is generally safe. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Opportunistic theft can sometimes occur from hotel rooms, at tourist and recreational sites, and from unattended vehicles. Travellers should ensure their personal belongings and travel documents are kept secure.
New Zealand passed the Customs and Excise Act 2018 that gives officials authorization to access personal information, including codes, passwords, encryption keys and any related information that enables access to an electronic device, e.g., mobile phones, iPods, etc, at the border. Authorities are allowed to copy, review and evaluate data from devices and can also remove or hold them for a time “reasonably” necessary to conduct the search. Visitors can be fined up to $3,200 if they refuse to give access to their electronic devices.
Cyclones may occur from November to April. Flooding and landslides are likely. Always stay alert about the weather forecast and heed the advice of local authorities. Be aware that travel plans may be disrupted or canceled in the event of extreme weather. New Zealand is located in a seismic zone; earthquakes and resulting tsunamis may occur along the coastlines. Frequent volcanic eruptions are likely due to the presence of several active volcanoes. Same-sex relations and marriage are legal in New Zealand.
