New Zealand Time Difference and Jet Lag
New Zealand is eleven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and seventeen hours ahead of Washington DC. Regardless of where you are travelling from there will be a significant time difference to adjust to when you arrive in New Zealand.
The following simple strategies can go a long way to reducing the side effects and discomfort of jet lag, while in flight and upon arrival at your destination:
Pre-Flight
- Drink plenty of water beforehand. Dry cabin air can cause headaches, dry skin, nasal irritation and dehydration.
- Try to get a good night’s sleep. Stress and anxiety can cause headaches, upset stomach and disturb sleep patterns.
On Board The Flight
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine in coffee, tea and soft drinks.
- To help induce sleep use an eye mask, ear plugs and an inflated neck pillow.
- To stay awake eat a high protein meal of meat and vegetables.
- To sleep or nap eat a high-carbohydrate meal with rice, bread, pasta or noodles.
- Remove your shoes to minimize swelling.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
On Arrival in New Zealand
- Set your watch to your New Zealand’s time zone
- Adjust meals and sleep time to the local time.
- If necessary, take a brief nap of no more than two hours
- Take a walk outside. Sunlight and exercise help reset your natural circadian rhythms.
Following these few simple rules should make your visit to New Zealand all the more pleasurable.
Currency
Shopping
Shops are usually open 9am - 5:30pm, A late night shopping - till 9pm - is Thursdays or Fridays, varies from one area to another. Keep your eyes open for wool products and sheepskin rugs, these are very popular "buys" in New Zealand.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in most public places, such as cafes or restaurants. You will also find that all the hotels are non-smoking. Buying tobacco costs generous amount of money. Once you purchased your cigarettes, you will find all sorts of discouraging and even disturbing messages written on top of the packet. NZ Government holds a very strong campaign against smoking.
Drinking/Driving
It is legal to have 2 standard drinks with your meal. For example, you may have two glasses of wine with your dinner but always make sure you have plenty to eat with it. You should keep in mind, though, that all people are different, and what may not affect one could turn harmful for another. If you decided to spend half of your day on the vineyards, wine tasting, remember, it is always safer to organize for a taxi.
Driving/Speeding
It is legal to have 2 standard drinks with your meal. For example, you may have two glasses of wine with your dinner but always make sure you have plenty to eat with it. You should keep in mind, though, that all people are different, and what may not affect one could turn harmful for another. If you decided to spend half of your day on the vineyards, wine tasting, remember, it is always safer to organize for a taxi.