Wellington
Wellington is New Zealand's centre of government and
the southernmost capital city in the World. It is also New
Zealand's cultural capital. Vibrant and exciting, Wellington
combines the stimulation and sophistication of a big city, with the
quirkiness of a small harbour town with a thriving arts and
cultural scene, superb cafes and restaurants, all in a stunning
harbour side setting. Click
here to find out more about
Wellington. If you wish to download the map of Wellington and to familiarise yourself with the city, click here.
New Zealand
Climate
New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of
the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are
December, January and February, while the coldest are in June, July
and August. November will be equivalent to April/May
temperatures in Northern Hemisphere.Temperatures should be around
13C - 18C.
Clothing
November in Wellington is
late spring and could quite changeable. It is advisable
to bring some rainwear and some warmer clothing for evening. Smart
clothing (such as suit and tie) or traditional costume is required
to be worn during the Conference and social events which are part
of the official programme.
Time
Difference
New Zealand is 13 hours
ahead of GMT in the summertime. Click here to find out the
time difference from your country of origin.
Language
New Zealand has two official languages: English and Maori. English is the common
language of New Zealand. Whereas, Maori is mainly spoken in
the Maori communities.
Electricity
Electricity is supplied at 230/240
volts (50 hertz), although most hotels and motels provide 110 volt
AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all
other equipment, an adaptor/converter is necessary, unless the item
has a multi-voltage option. Please note that power outlets only
accept flat three or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth
connection is fitted.
Laptops
You will need an RJ45
type plug to be able to connect your laptop into a computer socket
in New Zealand, and an adaptor with a flat, angled two or
three-point power plug to connect to the power supply. The official
Conference Hotel, has high speed Internet wireless and Ethernet
connections. It also has complimentary computer station in the
lobby.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in New Zealand but up to 10% is
gladly accepted.
Currency
The NZ dollar (NZ$) is the official currency. Notes
are in denominations of NZ$5, 10, 20 and 50. Coins are in
denominations of 10c, 20c, 50c, 1$ and 2$. Money can be changed at banks, bureaux de
change, some hotels, and larger shops and restaurants. Automated
cash dispensers are available widely at banks and other outlets in
Wellington. Click here
to find out your foreign exchange.
Credit Cards/ ATM Cards
All major international credit cards can be used in New
Zealand and Travellers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and
some stores. We advise to take Travellers Cheques in NZ$ or US$. If
your credit card is encoded with a PIN number you will be able to
withdraw cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs) situated at
banks and shopping centres throughout the country.
Goods & Services Tax
All goods and services in New Zealand are subject to
12.5% tax (GST). Overseas visitors cannot claim back GST for goods
consumed in New Zealand. Some "Duty Free" stores located at
airports and selected stores in the city sell goods to
overseas visitors excluding GST when shown proof of onward
ticket.
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