Food
& Drink
New Zealand is country noted as a leading producer
of meat and dairy produce with pork, lamb, venison and beef on most
menus. Kumara (a natural sweet potato) is a locally produced vegetable
and popular.
A wide range of
fish is available, such as John Dory, grouper and snapper.
Seasonal delicacies are also available, including oysters, whitebait,
scallops, and crayfish. Game birds are also popular.
Another reputation that has developed for New Zealand is it's wide
range of French like cheeses, including Brie, Bleu de Bresse,
Montagne Bleu and Camembert.
The traditional dessert for New Zealand is the well known pavlova,
a large round cake topped with fruit and cream, with a meringue
base.
A formal dress code is not expected
in resturants (apart from the more exclusive ones)
and some invite the customer to bring your own liquor (BYO). Waiter
service is normal, and fast-food and self-service chains are also
available, as well as barbecue facilities and picnic areas at roadside
sites.
New Zealand is also well known for it's world-class domestic
beers and wines, some of which have won international awards.
A wide range of imported and domestic wines, beers and spirits are
available from hotel bars, wine shops and liquor stores. Bars have
counter service, and the dress code for bars is very informal,
however house and lounge bars (for hotel guests only) are often
more formal and occasionally have table service.
Licensing hours: Monday to Saturday, 11.00am to 11.00pm.
Note: There is some variation in licensing
hours in some hotel bars and in major cities, some open Sunday,
providing a meal is eaten.
Legal drinking age:
The legal and minimum drinking age in a bar is 18.
Nightlife
The entertainment and nightlife in New Zealand is varied
and considered fairly active. Theatres offer great entertainment
ranging from comedy, drama and musicals, to pop concerts and shows.
(concert tickets can be booked online with Ticketek.
In the larger cities there are often guest artists
or professional performers from overseas, the best
place to find more information on these is in the 'What’s
On’ section in local papers. There is also a small selection
of nightclubs and cinemas in the larger cities and areas.
Shopping
Distinctive
jewellery made from New Zealand greenstone (a type of jade)
and from the beautiful translucent paua shell are unique purchases
and soveiners. Maori arts and crafts are reflected
in a number of items, including the carved greenstone tiki (an exclusive
Maori charm) and intricate woodcarvings often inlaid with paua shell.
Woollen goods, lambswool rugs, travel rugs, leather and skin products
are also admired buys.
Shopping hours:
Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pm (minimum hours open)
Note: Many stores and most malls are also open
Sunday 10.00am to 1.00pm.
Most shops are also open in the evenings in resorts.
Social Conventions
If a visitor is invited to a formal Maori occasion, the pressing
of noses (hongi) is common. New Zealanders are generally very hopitable
and relaxed, so casual dress is broadly acceptable. After introductions
have been made first names are normally used, stiff formality is
rarely apprieciated.
Restrictions
Smoking is limited where indicated
Tipping
Tips are not expected.
Taxes and service charges are not added to resturant or hotel bills.
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