New Zealand Travel Guide

Former Name

Capital City

Wellington

Government Type

Parliamentary Democracy

Area Size

268,680 sq km 103,737 sq miles

Time Zone

GMT/UTC +12

Climate

The climate throughout the country is mild and temperate, mainly maritime, with temperatures rarely falling below 0°C or rising above 30°C in populated areas. Conditions vary sharply across regions from extremely wet on the West Coast of the South Island to semi-arid (Köppen BSh) in the Mackenzie Basin of inland Canterbury and subtropical in Northland. Of the main cities, Christchurch is the driest, receiving only some 640 mm of rain per year. Auckland, the wettest, receives almost twice that amount. Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch all receive on average in excess of 2000 hours of sunshine per annum.

Geography

New Zealand comprises two main islands (called the North and South Islands in English, Te-Ika-a-Maui and Te Wai Pounamu in Māori) and a number of smaller islands located near the center of the water hemisphere. The country extends more than 1600 kilometres along its main, north-north-east axis, with approximately 15,134 km of coastline. The most significant of the smaller inhabited islands include Stewart Island/Rakiura; Waiheke Island, in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf; Great Barrier Island, east of the Hauraki Gulf; and the Chatham Islands, named Rēkohu by Moriori. The country has extensive marine resources, with the seventh-largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world, covering over four million square kilometres, more than 15 times its land area. About 80% of the population lives in cities; Wellington is the southernmost national capital in the world.

Languages

English (official), Maori (official)

Culture

New Zealand has a unique and dynamic culture. The culture of its indigenous Māori people affects the language, the arts, and even the accents of all New Zealanders. Their place in the South Pacific, and their love of the outdoors, sport, and the arts make New Zealanders and their culture unique in the world.

History

The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year, the British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both World Wars. New Zealand's full participation in a number of defense alliances lapsed by the 1980s. In recent years, the government has sought to address longstanding Maori grievances.

Travel Information

The national airline is Air New Zealand (NZ). Auckland (AKL) is 22.5km south of the city (journey time – 40 minutes). Airbus runs an efficient service between the international terminal and the city centre. Rideline operates between the city centre and the airport (journey time – 1 hour). Take buses 363, 364, 374 or 375. In addition to regular taxis, there is a shuttle taxi service which operates 24 hours. Heletranz has a helicopter service from Auckland's North Shore and city to the airport (journey time - 12 minutes). An inter-terminal bus operates daily. Airport facilities are Duty-free shopping, banks/bureaux de change, post office, restaurants and cafes, car hire and baggage facilities/left luggage. There is a wide selection of hotels near the airport. Christchurch (CHC) is 10km northwest of the city (journey time – 20 minutes). Buses operate all day between the city centre and the airport (journey time - 40 minutes). A door-to-door shuttle serviceoperates. A journey into the city centre by taxi takes approximately 20 minutes. Airport facilities are Currency exchange, ATM, mobile phone rental and bank. Good hotels are within 10km. Wellington (WLG) is 8km southeast of the city (journey time – 30 minutes). Stagecoach Flyer operates a bus service to the city centre every 30 minutes. The shuttle service operates on demand (maximum 10 persons). Taxis are available from outside the terminal. Airport facilities are Duty-free, bar, restaurant, ATM and currency exchange. Queenstown International Airport (ZQN). A taxi into the town centre takes 10 minutes. Shuttle buses are available (a discount is available for more than one passenger) and the journey lasts 15 minutes. A bus takes passengers into town and will also pick up from some hotels (journey time - 20 minutes). Airport facilities are Duty-free, currency exchange and baggage storage. Departure Tax Up to NZ$25 (depending on airport); children aged under 11 are generally exempt, but age range varies according to airport. Transit passengers are generally exempt for 24 hours, but again this is dependent on airport. Main ports: Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Lyttelton, Opua, Picton and Wellington. They are served by international shipping lines sailing from the USA and from Europe. A few cruise ships visit New Zealand, but there are no regular passenger ship services.

Accommodation

From luxury hotels to stylish country lodges and friendly backpackers hostels, New Zealand offers you a range of accommodation choices for every budget. It's a good idea to book at least your first two nights in advance, especially during the busy summer period in New Zealand - from December to February.

Visa Requirements

Visas are not required by nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA for stays of up to three months, except nationals of Bulgaria and Romania who do need a visa. Nationals of the UK may stay for up to six months and nationals of Australia may stay indefinitely. Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact their nearest New Zealand Immigration Service to check visa requirements. Passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay required by all nationals of countries referred to above. Validity of visitors visa: up to a total maximum of nine months in an 18 month period. Transit visa: up to 24 hours. Apply to local New Zealand Immigration Service.

Getting Around

Air New Zealand (NZ) and Qantas operate domestic flights between the major airports. Several smaller airlines, including Air Nelson, Eagle Air and Mount Cook Airlines, are wholly owned by Air New Zealand and have been grouped together as Air New Zealand Link. They serve many of the smaller airports throughout the two islands. The North and South Islands are linked by modern ferries operating between Wellington and Picton, carrying passengers and vehicles across Cook Strait. The Interislander (journey time – 3 hours) and The Lynx (journey time - 2 hours 15 minutes) make several daily crossings with long-distance train connections from Wellington and Picton railway stations; Reservations on all ferry services are highly recommended, particularly for visitorstaking their vehicles. Information can be obtained from Tourism New Zealand. Toll New Zealand operates a reliable rail service with many routes of great scenic attraction. Tranz Scenic operates eight scenic long-distance trains. The Overlander runs between Auckland and Wellington (daytime and overnight). The Transcoastal runs between Christchurch and Picton. The TranzAlpine runs between Christchurch and Greymouth. InterCity Coachlines operates scheduled services throughout the country. Coach passes are available. Newmans Coach Lines operates services in both islands. It is advisable to make reservations for seats. The Kiwi Experience is a coach transport network for backpackers and independent travellers. There are regional bus networks which serve most parts of the country and are on the whole friendly and cheaper than the larger companies. There are metered taxis throughout the country. Major international firms and local firms have offices at airports and most major cities and towns. It is recommended to hire vehicles from members of the New Zealand Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association. Good local bus services are provided in the main towns; there are also trolleybuses in Wellington. Both Auckland and Wellington have zonal fares with pre-purchase tickets and day passes. Rideline houses all the bus, train and ferry information about travelling around Auckland. Positively Wellington Tourism has information about getting around the capital.

Health & Safety

No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand. New Zealand is one of the safest travel destinations in the world, with a relatively low crime rate, few endemic diseases and a first-class healthcare and accident compensation system. However, we recommend you observe the same precautions with your personal safety and your possessions as you would in any other country or at home.

National Holidays

1-2 Jan - New Year. 6 Feb - Waitangi Day. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 9 Apr - Easter Monday. 25 Apr - ANZAC Day. 4 Jun - Queen’s Birthday. 22 Oct - Labour Day. 25 Dec - Christmas Day. 26 Dec - Boxing Day.

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Electricity

230v AC, 50Hz

Working Hours

Most shops and businesses are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, as a minimum.

Emergency Numbers

Ambulance: 111, Fire: 111, Police: 111