I know things are changing in the world, but what are the current recommendations about tipping in NZ in hotels, B&Bs and resturants
thankx, alan

Tipping is not widespread n NZ. The Fodor's Tipping Guide recommends 10% in nice city restaurants and hotels, rounding up taxi fares to the nearest $5 and giving porters $1-2.

It's been my experience that tips are considered a odd foreign custom and we've been given strange looks when we try to tip. So, leave that odd practice behind and do as the locals do....

There is no need to tip here in NZ unless the service has been so good you feel like tipping. Do not feel obligated

yep, tipping is not expected nor required here.

If you feel you want to tip because of the service you recieved then do so, I'm sure it would be well recieved.

N.Z. employees are paid by the hotels, restaurants etc and do not depend on the tips for income.

Taxi drivers might appreciate a simple " keep the change", but again, by no means do they expect a tip.

Us locals do tip here if we feel the staff of a restaurant, hotel etc has been especially helpful or given good service. It might not have been the done thing once but has changed a little over the years. Also the pay for waiters is not that good and they appreciate a tip.