A magnificent country famous for it's varied landscapes, New Zealand has sub-tropical and primeval forests, majestic fiords, sparkling clear rivers and lakes, snow-capped mountains, picturesque green farmlands, ice-age glaciers, thermal hot springs, geysers, and golden sand beaches.
New Zealand is larger and more diverse than any of the other islands in the South Pacific. The land mass is comparable in size to California or Great Britain.
Located about 2,250 km (1,397 miles) southeast of Australia, New Zealand is an island nation and one of the most geographically isolated countries in the world.
The two main islands of New Zealand, the North and the South are separated by the 32 km (20m) wide Cook Strait.
New Zealand is a wonder-filled and refreshing land to explore with clean, uncluttered landscapes. Visitors can travel from snow-capped mountains to golden sand beaches in half a day, or from the heart of New Zealand's biggest city to a remote island or lush green bushlands in under an hour.
Our main attractions are uncrowded and accessible by world standards, but still maintain the service and facilities that tourists would expect to find anywhere.
General Information
Area: 266,200 square km (103,735 square miles).
Population: 4.1 million.
Capital: Wellington.
English and Maori are the official languages.
New Zealand is a centralised democracy with a western style economy. Parliament and government bureaucracy is based in Wellington.
Visitors should be in possession of valid entry documents, hold fully paid onward travel tickets and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay.
Air Travel
Scheduled flights link the following cities: Kaitaia, Paihia, Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatane, Gisborne, Taupo, Napier, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Blenheim, Westport, Hokitika, Christchurch, Mt Cook, Timaru, Queenstown, Dunedin, Te Anau, Invercargill and Stewart Island.
Agricultural Regulations and Quarantine
Because New Zealand relies heavily on agricultural and horticultural trade there are stringent regulations governing the import of animals, and the import of animal and vegetable matter. You could be fined $200 for forgetting to declare the apple or banana you have in your hand luggage for example! Further information on customs formalities and those visitors planning to bring in any material of this sort should make detailed inquiries. www.customs.govt.nz
Currency:
The New Zealand Dollar is divided into 100 cents and is usually equal to around US 50 cents and about GBP30 pence. For up-to-date currency conversions please click on the American Express Currency Calculator.
Climate:
New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere; summer is December to February and winter is June to September. Summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 10'C over most of the country, making New Zealand an ideal holiday destination all year round.
Although we enjoy mild temperatures the seasons are quite distinct. In summer there's plenty of sunshine, and activities in and around the water are popular. Summer days are generally warm and pleasant, from December to March the weather is the most settled and is the best time for holidaying. There is snow on the mountains in winter and excellent skiing, away from the mountains temperatures generally do not fall below freezing. New Zealand winters are mild, there is no wet or dry season. Rainfall is generally evenly spread throughout the year. For more detailed information on New Zealand's climate and current weather forecasts visit: www.metservice.co.nz/learning/weather_climate_of_nz.asp
Clothing:
New Zealand is fairly relaxed and casual dress is acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots, particularly in resorts and regional towns. Casual wear is recommended for travelling with something a little more formal for the evening.
During summer, evenings can be spent without a jacket but it's a good idea to bring a jersey or light jacket in case it gets cooler, especially in those regions south of the top half of the North Island. In winter months visitors should bring warmer clothes, especially in the tourist areas of Rotorua-Taupo and Queenstown winter clothing and shoes are essential. Medium weight clothing with a raincoat or umbrella is adequate for most regions.
Some guided walks and adventure activities advise on specific items of clothing to be worn on their trip.
Driver's Licences:
International licences are valid in New Zealand as are the licences from many individual countries. All drivers must be at least 21 years of age to hire a car or motorhome. In New Zealand we drive on the left hand side of the road as in Australia and Great Britain. For more information visit www.ltsa.govt.nz
Electricity:
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), although most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.
Emergency and Medical Services:
New Zealand's medical facilities, both private and public, provide a high standard of treatment and care. Services are not free for visitors to New Zealand unless as a result of an accident. Visitors should have their own medical insurance cover. Hotels and motels normally provide a medical service in case of illness.
Accident Compensation:
If visitors have the misfortune to be injured in an accident while they are in New Zealand, they will receive first class medical and hospital treatment in New Zealand at minimal cost to themselves. Rates of compensation are low by international standards and we strongly recommend that visitors take out adequate personal accident and medical insurance cover. In New Zealand it is not possible to obtain compensation for injury through litigation. New Zealand Accident Compensation does not cover medical costs unless they are as a result of an accident.
Inter Island Ferries:
For visitors travelling between the North and South Islands, we strongly recommend that ferry reservations are made in advance, particularly during the peak summer months of December, January and February, and over the Easter holiday period. Two services operate, the Interislander and the Lynx. The Interislander crossing takes approximately three hours and the Lynx approximately two and a quarter hours.
Passports & Visas:
Visitors to New Zealand require a passport which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date the visitor intends leaving New Zealand. Some travellers may also require visas. For more information about visitor regulations visit the New Zealand immigration service www.immigration.govt.nz
Rail Travel:
Rail travel is limited in New Zealand, however the existing services are very scenic journeys with the TranzAlpine considered to be one of the most scenic rail journerys in the world. The Overlander and the Northener services run between Auckland and Wellington, The TranzCoastal between Picton and Christchurch and the TranzAlpine between Christchurch and Greymouth.
Road Travel:
You can hire quality rental vehicles and motorhomes or travel by New Zealand's modern coach services operating scheduled services throughout New Zealand. For self drivers we drive on the left side of the road, the speed limit on the open road is 100kph and 50kph in cities and towns. Drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts. Lights should be turned on during the half hour after sunrise and half hour before sunset.
New Zealand roads are often windy and the scenery, distracting, farmers often use the roads to move their stock so you need to keep alert and allow for refreshment stops on your travels. New Zealand roads often wind up and around mountains and coastlines and the mileage on maps is not a good indication of travelling times.
Tax:
Departure Tax: NZ$25 is payable upon International departure from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch airports. Goods and Services Tax: All goods and services in New Zealand are subject to a 12.5% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Visitors cannot claim refunds of this tax on goods or services purchased while they are in New Zealand.
Time Zone:
There is one time zone through the country which is 12 hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Daylight Savings time is in effect from mid October until mid March, time is advanced 1 hour to give extended daytime in the summer months.
Travellers from the Northern Hemisphere crossing the dateline lose a full day crossing the International Dateline and regain a full day returning from New Zealand.
Tipping:
Tipping is not part of the New Zealand way of life. In better restaurants and hotels tipping is appreciated for courteous and efficient service, but it is not obligatory.
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