Hawke's Bay - Travel Tips

Climate

The climate is often referred to as "Mediterranean". If that means it can get warm and dry, with sea breezes and occasional wet summers, you've got the right place. Hawke's Bay though is one of the sunniest and driest places in New Zealand, enjoying over 2350 hours of sunshine each year. Temperatures range from 20C (68F) - 35C (95F) in Summer and an average of 15C (59F) in Winter. Bring sunblock, sunglasses and a shady hat. In Hawke's Bay people dress for comfort in casuals, so no need to panic if you forget your suit or high heels.

More information on local weather conditions can be found on the New Zealand Metservice website.

Travel Distances

Auckland - Napier/Hastings :: 5 hours - 443 kms
Rotorua - Napier/Hastings :: 2.5 hours - 225 kms
Taupo - Napier/Hastings :: 1.5 hours - 143 kms
Wellington - Napier/Hastings :: 3.5 hours - 321 kms

Flight Times

Auckland - Napier 1 hour
Wellington - Napier 50 minutes
Christchurch - Napier 1 hour 30 minutes

Currency

New Zealand currency is the NZ Dollar. There's no restriction to the amount you can bring into the country. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks. All major credit cards can be used and travellers cheques are widely accepted. ATMs are situated at all banks and shopping centers so if you have a PIN number with your credit card cash can easily be obtained 24 hours a day. To find out the current exchange rates, or use our currency converter by clicking on the currency converter icon.

Time Difference

New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12 hours ahead of GMT. We use "daylight saving", starting on the first Sunday of October with clocks going forward one hour to GMT + 13 and ending on first Sunday of April with clocks going back to GMT + 12. To check out the current time difference, use the world time saver conversion service by clicking on the clock icon.

Electricity Supply

Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), most motels/hotels (and here at Greenhill) provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. Adaptors/converters are available for our guests.

Road Safety

If you prefer to drive yourself whilst in New Zealand there are a few things to note:

You can drive up to 12 months in NZ on your current driving license or International Driving Permit (IDL).
Whilst driving all drivers must carry their license with them.
We drive on the left-hand side of the road.
When turning left give way (yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right.
When the traffic lights are red you must stop. There's no left turn rule as in North America.
Speed limit on the open road is 100km/h (approx 60 mph). In urban areas it's 50km/h.
Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts (both front and back).