There are no exchange controls in New Zealand, so you can bring in as much in cash and travellers' cheques as you like.

The safest way to carry your money is still as travellers' cheques , which can be exchanged efficiently at banks and bureaux de change all over New Zealand, will be replaced if they are lost or stolen, and usually offer a slightly better exchange rate. Recognized brands - American Express, Thomas Cook, Mastercard and Visa - are accepted in all major currencies and, though cheques in New Zealand dollars relieve the uncertainty of fluctuating exchange rates, they aren't generally accepted as cash. You usually pay one to two percent commission when you buy travellers' cheques but there is seldom an additional charge when you cash them.

As a back-up, or even a primary source of funds, credit cards are extremely useful: Visa, Mastercard, Bankcard and, to a lesser extent, American Express and Diners Club cards are widely accepted. You'll find more resistance at some supermarkets, and many hostels, campsites and homestays will only accept cash, though YHAs do accept cards. You'll also find credit cards useful for advance booking of accommodation and trips, and with the appropriate PIN you can obtain cash advances through 24-hour ATMs found almost everywhere. You should be aware that such withdrawals may accrue interest immediately or be subject to a two percent premium - check with your bank before you go too wild. Most ATMs also have the facility for international debit card transactions using the Plus and Cirrus networks.