If you plan to visit New Zealand during the colder months between May and September, bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket. This is especially important in alpine regions where the weather can change rapidly.
It's also worth noting that the climate is colder the further south you travel - the opposite of the northern hemisphere.
Insect repellent for mosquitoes and sunscreen for the strong sunrays are also important during the summer months. Of course, these can be purchased on arrival.
Because of the importance of agriculture in the economy, strong restrictions are placed on animal products, fruit, plant material, and foodstuffs being bought into the country. Our advice is simply not to bring them. Visitors bringing in a quantity of medication are advised to have a doctor's certificate to avoid possible problems with Customs.

All major credit cards are accepted for the purchase of goods and services. Travellers' cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores.
Bank hours are from 9.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday. International credit cards encoded with a PIN number may be used to withdraw cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs), widely available in the main shopping. Banks will give cash advances on Visa and MasterCard, but for American Express card transactions you must go to an American Express office.
Most airports and hotels have currency exchange facilities. The currencies of Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Japan are all easily changed in New Zealand.