Auckland and Christchurch airports both offer currency exchange services that are open for all incoming international flights. As well as banks, larger hotels typically operate a money exchange, although the rates aren’t that competitive. Bureaux de change are another option. Available throughout main centres, they tend to open late, often until 21:00, and offer similar rates to those of banks.

If you need to wire money, the best option is to have it sent directly from your home bank to its New Zealand equivalent. Western Union’s wire transfer service is also available, as is MoneyGram (www.moneygram.com), although these services are more expensive than standard bank transfers.