PASSPORT
A valid passport is required which must be valid beyond the length of your intended stay.
VISAS
Are not required for New Zealand passport holders. If travelling on other than a New Zealand passport you may require an entry visa into Australia and a re-entry permit for New Zealand. You are strongly recommended to check with your travel agent.
INSURANCE
You are strongly advised to take out travel insurance available from your travel agent.
GOODS & SERVICES TAX
GST is payable on most, but not all, goods and services, GST paid on goods being exported from Australia may be able to be claimed back at the International Airport when you have cleared Customs and Immigration. Receipts must be produced and strict rules apply. Refer to the information available from your travel agent.
QUARANTINE AND CUSTOMS
The standard customs rules apply but of particular mention here is the quarantine relating to animal and plant products. For environmental and health reasons, these goods are unpopular, you will need to declare possession of these items or risk getting caught and fined. For those with babies, milk powder is allowed, but this is limited to only one tin, and it has to be a brand new, unopened tin.
HOTEL CHECK-IN PROCEDURES
Although you have prepaid your accommodation in New Zealand, upon check-in at your hotel you will be asked for either an imprint of your credit card or a cash deposit. This is standard practice and is used as a deposit against incidental charged to your hotel room e.g., room service, telephone calls, beverages, tours, etc.
HOTEL CHECK-IN TIMES
Please refer to the accommodation options given for the check-in time for each property. The time given allows for rooms to be cleaned and prepared for guest arrival. If you are arriving on an early flight you may not be able to access your room immediately upon arrival. In order to guarantee immediate occupancy you should ask your travel agent to book an additional night to cover the night prior to arrival. This ensures your room is unoccupied until your arrival.
APARTMENTS VS HOTELS
Apartment accommodation is very different from Hotel accommodation. Apartment complexes are normally strata titled, this means that each apartment has an individual owner with a Manager who runs and operates the complex. As each apartment is owned individually furnishings and styles can vary greatly from room to room. Where you see room images in this brochure they are meant to indicate the general standard of the property. This is the same with our grading, which seeks to give you an overall indication of the quality of accommodation that you will receive.
Unlike Hotels, Apartments are usually serviced on a weekly basis (hotels are serviced daily). When you check in you will receive a limited stock of towels, toiletries, tea/coffee making facilities etc. If you require additional supplies the complex Manager will be able to assist (for a charge) or you can re-supply yourselves at the local supermarket.
CLIMATE
The Sunshine Coast average summer temperature ranges from 17°C to 28°C with the highs normally tempered with cooling sea breezes. In winter the average ranges from a minimum of 7°C to 22°C with mild, sunny days. Sea temperatures range from approximately 26°C in summer to 19°C in winter. Casual clothing is mainly required and you may need a jacket or sweater for the cooler winter months.
DAYLIGHT HOURS
The Sunshine Coast averages 7 hours of sunshine daily, one of the highest ratings in the world. Queensland maintains Eastern Standard Time and does not observe daylight saving during the summer months.
SHOPPING
Shopping hours are generally 9am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm on Sunday.
SPEED LIMITS
50km/hour in residential areas, 60km/hour on local throughfares and 100km/hour on highways, or as indicated. SURF CLUBS
Using photo ID that proves you live at least 50kms away (NZ passport/ drivers license) you can gain entry into many of the surf clubs on the Sunshine Coast for excellent, affordable meals, beverages and entertainment. Some provide transfer services from/to your accommodation |
TRAVELLER'S FACTS
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