中文版 (Chinese Version) 한국어판 (Korean Version) home welcome tips to settle in Get the information you need Open a bank account Get an Inland Revenue Department Tax Number Housing Services Get around Whangarei City and District Public Transport Driving Buying a Car Parking in Whangarei City Air Travel Education Finding work Improve your English Health Care NZ Immigration Service emergency info everyday life fun & recreation Tips to settle in Getting around Whangarei City and District A good map is necessary to help you find your way around the city and District. Maps can be purchased from bookshops and petrol stations, but are available free on http://www.wises.co.nz/ or from i-Site, www.whangareinz.com Public Transport A bus service operates throughout Whangarei City in these areas: Kamo Whau Valley Otangarei Morningside Maunu Tikipunga Kensington Regent Raumanga Onerahi For information on fares and timetables, go to http://www.whangareibus.co.nz or phone 438 6005. Children under 5 years of age ride free Taxis can be ordered by phone. See Taxis. Driving Before driving around the city You must have a licence. You can use your international driver's licence for up to one year. You need to know the road rules. The rules are explained in the Road Code . Libraries have copies or you can buy one at most booksellers or from the Automobile Association AA - see below. An overview of the road rules is available in a Land Transport Safety Authority brochure called New Resident Drivers. It is available in 8 languages. Phone LTSA on Free Phone 0800 669 000. Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt and babies must be in car seats. Car seats are available for hire from Plunket, ph: (09) 438 2724. Car insurance is a wise precaution. You can insure your vehicle comprehensively, or pay less for a limited policy against fire and theft and damage you might do to other cars. See Insurance Companies and Offices. Getting a driver's licence You must get a New Zealand driver's licence within one year. See http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/licensing/index.html for information on where and how to get a New Zealand driver's licence. You will have to pass a theory test and possibly a practical driving test. You need to understand the Road Code to prepare for both these tests. In New Zealand you must carry your driver's licence or permit at all times when you are driving. If your overseas licence is not in English, it is a good idea to carry an official translation with you. The Automobile Association (AA) offers driver and vehicle licensing, roadside service (in case your car breaks down), travel information and insurance. It is located at 17 James Street in Whangarei City. Open Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5pm. Ph. 438 4848 www.aa.co.nz Buying a car View official information on vehicle ownership and advice on most aspects of owning a vehicle on http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/vehicle-ownership/ . Be very careful when buying a car on hire purchase. Before doing so, get advice from http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/consumerinfo/motorvehicles/buying-vehicles/buying-mv-on-credit.html . There are a number of car dealerships in Whangarei. See Car & Truck Dealers. When buying a car privately, contact the Police if you are concerned that it may be a stolen vehicle, ph. 430 4500. The AA offers a service to trace whether there is money owing on the vehicle. Consumer Affairs offers advice on your rights as a consumer. There is a section on motor vehicles on the web site; www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz Parking in Whangarei City There is paid parking available throughout the central city. Charges vary, with the more expensive car parks in the most central locations. For further information on parking charges and parking laws in Whangarei City contact Whangarei District Council Customer Service Centres, ph: 430 4200. To be safe, when parking at any park or tourist area, remember to lock your car and do not leave valuables in the car. Air Travel Air NZ Link operates a full passenger service from Whangarei Airport 7-days a week. Flights are available to a variety of destinations throughout NZ, linking with international airports in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. For flight times and bookings, see; www.airnz.co.nz.