Queenstown

Pak'nSave — the yellow discounter — cheapest

Countdown / Woolworths — full-range

New World — nicer, pricier

Farmers' market — weekend produce

Best: Dec – Mar (summer) / Jun – Aug (ski) · Wet: year-round (spread)

Fees: Bank ATMs (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac) are surcharge-free for withdrawals.

Limits: Usually NZ$1,000–2,000 per pull.

Best machines: ANZASBBNZ / Westpac

Vaccines: Routine only — very low health-risk.

Health: Tap water is pristine and safe. The intense hazard is UV — the ozone-thin sky burns fast, so sunscreen hard. Alpine and coastal weather turns quickly; respect track and marine safety. Excellent healthcare.

Tap water: ✅ Pristine and safe to drink from any tap (in the backcountry, treat river water).

Safety: New Zealand is among the world's safest countries with very low crime. The genuine risks are all outdoors: fierce UV, fast-changing alpine weather, cold water, and adventure activities (use licensed operators). Don't leave valuables visible in parked cars at trailheads — that's the one common theft.

For most short tourist trips, citizens of the US, UK, EU/Schengen, Canada, Australia and New Zealand either enter visa-free or get a simple online authorisation (an eVisa or eTA) before flying. Typical visa-free stays run 30–90 days. Some countries want a visa arranged in advance, and a growing number ask you to fill an online arrival or eVisa form even when 'visa-free' — so always check the official portal for your exact nationality before you book.