Medical services in New Zealand other than those necessitated by an accident are not free, and ACC does not cover any medical treatment that relates to illness. The chemist is open during normal shopping hours and most cities have urgent dispensaries open outside these hours. Check the local phone book for information. Visitors planning to bring quantities of pharmaceuticals into New Zealand should have a certificate to avoid difficulties with customs. Many drugs sold over the counter in other countries are often not available in New Zealand without a prescription.
Chemists also sell cosmetics, insect and sun protections.
Due to the clarity of the air in New Zealand and since the hole in the ozone layer began to open over and Antarctic, more ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth than elsewhere. Use a sunblock even if the day is overcast. Travelers from the Northern Hemisphere winter are especially susceptible to sunburn unless adequate precautions are taken. City water supplies are chlorinated and most are fluoridated. The parasite giardia is found in some back-country rivers and lakes.