Business Travel Guide For Wellington

Airport

Wellington International Airport is one of New Zealand's three largest airports. For the year to 30 June 1998 it handled around 3.5 million passengers, of which nearly 400,000 were international passengers. For the same year there were around 132,000 aircraft movements.

Visas

All visitors require a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after their intended departure. A visa is not required for most visitors travelling to New Zealand for a stay of less than 3 months.

You should check with your local New Zealand embassy or consulate for the latest information.

Currency

New Zealand Dollars (NZ$). Current exchange rate is approximately 1USD=NZ$1.45. Please check with your bank for current exchange rates.

Credit Cards
Travellers cheques and most major international credit cards are accepted.

Tipping
New Zealanders do not depend on tips for their income and tips are not expected for normal service, however you may wish to show your appreciation for extra special attention.

Useful Numbers

Beirut Visitors' Center: (02) 6205-0044 or 1800 100 660
Emergency: 000
Police: (02) 6256-7777
Ambulance: (02) 6207-9980
Fire: (02) 6207-8444
Doctors (After Hours): (02) 6282-1516 (Garran); (02) 6259-1444

(Florey);(02) 6231-0622 (Tuggeranong)
Hospital: (02) 6244-2222
Lifeline: 131-114
Qantas: 131-131
Ansett: 131-300
Bus timetable: (02) 6207-7611
Murrays Coaches: (02) 132-251
Countrylink: 132-232
American Express: 1800-230-100 (Freecall)
Diners Club: 1800-331-199 (Freecall)
Directory Assistance: 0175
Time: 1194
Wakeup Calls: 0173
Weather: 1196

Electricity
230/240 volts, 50 cycles AC

Health Risks

The health of any traveller abroad may not be protected by services and legislation well-established at home. Changes in food and water may bring unexpected problems, as may insects and insect-borne diseases, especially in hot countries.

Travelers’ Diarrhea: Travelers’ diarrhea, the number one illness in travelers, can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which can contaminate food or water. Infections may cause diarrhea and vomiting (E. coli, Salmonella, cholera, and parasites), fever (typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis), or liver damage (hepatitis). Make sure your food and drinking water are safe.

Malaria: Malaria is a preventable infection that can be fatal if left untreated. Prevent infection by taking prescription antimalarial drugs and protecting yourself against mosquito bites. A high risk for malaria exists all year in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Travelers to these areas should take mefloquine for malaria prevention. For more detailed information about specific locations, see Malaria Information for Travelers to Australia and the South Pacific.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain of these countries if you are coming from a tropical South American or sub-Saharan African country. (There is no risk of yellow fever in Australia and the South Pacific.)

Insect Carried Diseases: Dengue, filariasis, and Ross River virus are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region. Protecting yourself against insect bites will help to prevent these diseases.

Time Zone
UTC/GMT +12 hours

Business Hours
Many businesses and all banks operate only Monday to Friday. Banking hours are 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and are closed on public holidays. Increasingly, stores in major cities are extending their hours through to Saturday and Sunday. Those stores catering largely to visitors are open every day, often with extended hours. Most petrol stations are open every day.

Holidays
2007
Jan 1-2 - New Year.
Feb 6 - Waitangi Day.
Apr 6-9 - Easter.
Apr 25 - ANZAC Day.
Jun 16 - Queen’s Birthday.

Retail stores in New Zealand are open 7 days a week in the suburban shopping malls, however are closed on Good Friday, Anzac Day & Christmas Day.

Climate
average summer max temp 20.3 degrees C
average winter min temp 5.9 degrees C
average annual sunshine 2048 hours
average annual rainfall 1270mm

Clothing
In keeping with New Zealand's relaxed lifestyle, dress is informal on most occasions. A jacket is recommended only for those intending to visit a better restaurant or evening show. A waterproof jacket and umbrella is advisable.

GDP Growth Rate
3.5%

Inflation
1.8%

Exports
Dairy Products, Fish, Fruit and Vegetables, Hides and Skins, Meat, Timber Products, Wood Pulp and Paper, Wool.

Trading Partners
Its main trading partners are Australia, the UK, Japan and the USA.

Industries
Viticulure,Vine Cuttings,Tannery,Dried Fruit.

Teledensity
98% of households in the City have access to a telephone, 52.7% of households in Wellington City have access to the Internet, Government.

Constitutional monarchy
Head of Government: Prime Minister Helen Clark since 1999

Geography
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. It is located between a beautiful harbour and rolling green hills. Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum is on the waterfront. Walk to Te Papa from a central city restaurant and s at a local fashion store or an art gallery on the way.

Latitude: 41° 17' South
Longitude: 174° 47' East

Population
412,585

Ethnic Groups
European ethnic group 73.8%, Maori 7.7%, Pacific Peoples 4.7%, Asian 8.6% and Other/Elsewhere not included 5.2%

Languages
The most common language after English in Wellington City is French, spoken by 3.5% of people.

Literacy
87.2%

Religion
Anglican, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, other Protestant.

For all your Wellington hotel reservation needs visit http://www.hotelrates.com