General Information
If you would like to ask any futher questions please contact Norfolk Island Tourism by email or phone for fast and friendly support.
Email: info@norfolkisland.nf or phone from Australia 1800 214 603 or New Zealand 0800 359 437
Accommodation
There are over 60 properties on the island ranging from hotels and luxury cottages to self contained units and budget apartments. All visitors arriving on the Island must have prebooked accommodation or be staying with friends or relatives to be able to enter Norfolk Island through immigration.
Churches
These include Church of England, Uniting, Community Church, Jehovah's Witness, Bahai, Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist. Call into the Visitors Information Centre for service times.
Climate
Subtropical. Average rainfall 1328mm per year. Lovely summer days from 24 degrees but not exceeding 28.4 degrees, nights 19-21 degrees. Idylic days mid-winter, with temperatures ranging from 12 at night to 19-21 degrees during the day.
Clothing
Comfortable and casual day and night. It's wise to pack a sweater and light nylon jacket, strong shoes for walking and a torch for night outings. Remember a hat and sunscreen.
Communications
International Direct Dialing telephones, and facsimile services are available. Public IDD coin operated booths open 24 hours. Local calls free. Only Norfolk Island phone cards are accepted. Mobile phone service is available on Norfolk Island by purchasing a local sim card (this will not work if your mobile phone is 'locked' into a plan)Global roaming is due at the end of 2008. There are 2 internet cafes in Taylors Road. Radio Norfolk broadcasts daily FM89.9 and AM1566. There are 2 weekly local newspapers.
Customs
Imports of fruit, vegetables, flowers and seeds are prohibited. Pork and poultry from New Zealand are also prohibited. The duty-free allowance is one litre of alcohol and 200 cigarettes. As from 31 March 2007 all flights to Norfolk Island are affected by the new global airport security rules for taking liquids, aerosols and gels onto international flights. The changes affect everything you can take on board, the quantity and how it must be packaged. For further information visit www.dotars.gov.au
Departure Fee
All departing travellers must pay a $30 Departure Fee, payable at the airport on day of departure or at the Visitor Information Centre prior. Exemptions apply to those under 16 years and passengers in transit for less than 24 hours. To pay your departure fee you need to present your airline ticket or boarding pass and a completed departure card.
Driving
The general speed limit is 50km/hour, reduced to 40km/hour in the shopping centre. All livestock roaming the roads have the right of way. Driving is on the left hand side of the road and locals wave to all passing vehicles. This is called the "Norfolk wave" Visitors are encouraged to do the same.
Electricity
240 volts AC, 50 cycles, three pin plug. As electricity is made locally by diesel generators, a power surge protection device is advised for electronic equipment, particularly computers.
Entry/Passport requirements.
ALL visitors travelling to Norfolk Island must have a valid passport, return airline ticket and confirmed accommodation. Australian citizens who do not have a passport can obtain a Document of Identity through Australia Post. This process for a Document of Identity is the same process as applying for a passport and is free. Australian and New Zealand passport holders can enter Norfolk Island without any further documentation. All other International Passport holders must obtain an mutiply re-entry visa for entry back into Australia or New Zealand.
Geographical Location
Norfolk Island is 1610kms ENE of Sydney, 1456kms ESE of Brisbane, 1063kms NNW of Auckland and 772kms SE of Noumea. Norfolk Island is a volcanic outcrop 8km long and 5km wide. Two smaller uninhabited islands, Nepean and Phillip, lie to the south at a distance of 1km and 6km respectively. Norfolk Island is 3855ha.
Getting To Norfolk Island
Frequent International jet services operate between Norfolk Island and Sydney, Brisbane,Newcastle,Melbourne and Auckland. For Australian services contact Norfolk Air www.norfolkair.com. Air New Zealand operates twice weekly from Auckland. www.airnewzealand.co.nz
How To Book Your Norfolk Holiday
Your travel agent can advise on all aspects of Norfolk Island holidays. For more information, contact Norfolk Island Tourism.
Investments
To find out about investment opportunities on Norfolk Island click here.
Language
The language spoken on Norfolk Island is English, but you'll hear the Islanders speaking Norfolk, a unique language derived from the speech of the Bounty Mutineers and their Tahitian wives and companions who settled Pitcairn Island in 1790.
Here's a taste of the local language:
| Norfolk |
English |
| Watawieh Yorlye? |
How are you? |
| Si Yorlye Morla |
See you tomorrow |
| Kushu |
Good |
| Hili |
Lazy |
Liquor
Generally cheaper than mainland prices. Spirits are 20-50% cheaper. The Government operated Liquor Bond Store supplies all liquor. A special concession for visitors entitles airline ticket holders to a once-only 30% discount off marked prices for a maximum of three litres of spirits.The Liquor Bond does not open on Sundays.
Medical
The Norfolk Island hospital provides a dental clinic, pharmacy and 24 hour emergency service. Private travel insurance is highly recommended, as Australian medicare does not extend to Norfolk Island.
Money Matters
The unit of exchange is the Australian dollar. The Commonwealth Bank and Westpac have branches at Burnt Pine. The Commonwealth Bank has an ATM. Travellers cheques and most credit cards are widely accepted.
Population
Norfolk has approximately 2,000 citizens with roughly equal numbers of Pitcairn descendants, Australians and New Zealanders.
Services
The Visitors Information Centre can provide a list of baby sitters and child care centres. Most accommodation places offer full laundry services and there is also a laundry service in town on Taylors Road. A faxing service is available at the Post Office. The local gym and fitness centre offers special rates to visitors. Petrol service stations are open daily until 6pm.
Shopping
Usual shopping hours are 9 am - 5 pm. Some shops are closed all day Sundays, and on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. Supermarkets opens 7 days: Foodland Supermarket closes at 6pm, Marks Bakery closes at 8pm and Paw Paws mini mart closes at 9pm. The island markets are held every Sunday morning and offers local souvenirs, and seasonal fruit and vegetables. The Post Office and Philatelic Bureau opens Monday to Friday; NI has its own postage stamps and phone cards.
Time Difference
One and a half hours ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time, in summertime half an hour ahead of Sydney and one and a half hours behind New Zealand. Norfolk Island does not have daylight saving.
Transport
There is no public transport but a taxi service is available. A rental car is the most practical way to get around the island. Car hire is from approx. $30 per day, with a daily insurance cost payable direct to the car company. Some accommodation properties include a hire car (insurance and petrol extra cost) Mountain bikes can also be hired. To view a list of car hire busineses on Norfolk Island Click Here.
Travel Insurance
Australian Medicare does not extend to Norfolk Island. It is therefore highly recommended that ALL passengers travelling to Norfolk Island from both Australia and New Zealand obtain adequate travel insurance.
Visitors Information Centre
All arriving air services are greeted by a representative from Norfolk Island Tourism and shown to your bus transfer or hire car operator. A comprehensive Visitors Information Guide and local map is available inside the Arrivals Hall at the airport. Phone + (6723) 22147.
Located in Burnt Pine, the Visitor Information Centre is open as follows.
| Days |
Opening Times |
| Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri |
8:30 am - 5 pm |
| Wednesday |
8:30 am - 4 pm |
| Sat 8.30-3.00pm |
Sun 8.30-3.00pm. |
Weddings
You can hold your wedding or renew your vows on Norfolk Island and enjoy your honeymoon all in one! Choose from stunning outdoor scenic locations or from one of the many Churches including the beautiful historic chapel. The usual wedding services such as florist, hair and make up, cars etc are available on the island. Some accommodation properties offer wedding packages. Email info@norfolkisland.nf for further information.
Disclaimer
Norfolk Island Tourism has made every effort to ensure that the details are current and correct at time of printing. The information is provided on the basis that Norfolk Island Tourism will not be liable for any loss, damage or injury arising from any incorrect or inaccurate information.
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