New Zealand

Use only the official government app or website. Your passport normally must remain valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave. New Zealand applies strict biosecurity rules: declare food, plants, animal products and used outdoor equipment whenever unsure. An accidental undeclared risk item can still bring an instant NZD 400 fine.

Cards are widely accepted, but small businesses may prefer cash and card surcharges remain possible. Public transport, ticketing and contactless-payment rules differ by region, so there is no single national transit app. New Zealand drives on the left, rural journeys take longer than their distance suggests, and weather or road closures can isolate routes. Download maps and confirmations, check NZTA conditions before long drives and use official alerts for severe weather or earthquakes.

For hiking, tell someone your plan and do not treat a phone map as a substitute for local track advice. Call 111 for police, fire or ambulance. If an earthquake is long or strong near the coast, move immediately to high ground without waiting for an alert.