Perky Facts about Australia and New Zealand

Posted on May 21, 2010 | Last Updated on April 7, 2022

In Oz:

• People drive on the left side of the road.
• The speed limit in towns and cities is 50 to 60 km/h, and 100km/h on the highways unless signs specify otherwise.
• In the USA you are likely to hit a deer on the highway; in Aussie–watch out for kangaroos.
• Australian tourist information is available everywhere.
• The voltage is 220 volts, so make sure you get the correct plugs for your electric appliances.
• Aussie servers, drivers, and other service staff don’t expect to be tipped, so you are not obliged to do so, although if you are happy with the service, leaving change will make someone happy.
• Weather is not perfect everywhere and all the time. It does get from freezing cold to red hot depending on the area and time of year. For example, it’s hot in the North and West, and cold in Tasmania.
• January 26 is a national holiday.
• Saltwater crocodiles could be found in any river or beach, so beware. There is usually a sign indicating if such creatures are inhabiting the area you plan to swim, so look around and talk with locals.
• Watch out your feet as 8 out of the 10 most dangerous snakes live in Oz. Instead of running or trying to kill it, however, just stay still until it goes away.
• The Tasmanian devil—the largest surviving carnivorous marsupial in Aussie–can be found only in Tasmania. It has black fur, pungent odour and is very loud when is stressed. Since 1941 it is an officially protected animal.
• Kangaroo is the national symbol of Oz. It is a marsupial and a macropod meaning “large foot.”
• Australia is said to be one of the best countries to be travelled by car despite its huge size (it’s the 6^th largest country in the world).

In NZ:

• The best time to visit New Zealand is during the warmer months. Summer is from November through April. The most attractive months are February, March and April.
• The further you go south, the colder it gets.
• Don’t drink water from lakes, rivers, etc. because it contains the parasite Giardia which causes diarrhoea. Boil the water first to avoid that.
• People drive on the left just like in Oz.
• The power is between 230-240 volts, so consider the right plugs when going there.
• The tipping rules are the same as in OZ—tips are not mandatory, but if you are satisfied with the service in a restaurant, you should leave about 5 to 10 % of the total bill.
• The minimum cost for a meal can vary between NZ$12-35 which equals about US$5-15.
• The minimum cost for accommodation is NZ$24-48, or US$10-20.
• NZ is rated the most peaceful country in the world.
• NZ is the youngest country in the world.
• Kiwi is a flightless bird in NZ and is the smallest living bird with the largest eggs in relation to its body size. The bird is a national symbol for New Zealanders who are often called kiwis.