| |
With ancient sub-tropical rain forests, majestic fiords, sparkling clean rivers and lakes, towering snow-capped mountains, picturesque green farmlands, ice-age glaciers, thermal hot springs, geysers, and golden sand beaches, New Zealand is a widely diverse and fabulously beautiful country.
About the size of California or Great Britain, New Zealand is larger and more diverse than the other islands in the South Pacific. Because New Zealand has vast differences in geography, within short distances you can literally ski some of the worlds best mountain slopes in the morning and go sea kayaking in the afternoon! Our New Zealand tours are designed with this flexibility in mind.
Located about 1,400 miles southeast of Australia, New Zealand consists of two main islands, the North and the South, which are separated by the 20 mile wide Cook Strait. In this wonderful and refreshing land with clean, uncluttered landscapes, visitors can travel from the heart of the biggest city, Auckland, to a remote island or the lush green bushlands in under an hour. The main attractions are uncrowded and accessible, but still maintain the service and facilities that tourists would expect to find anywhere.
And yet, for all of her majestic beauty, perhaps the best kept secret about New Zealand is her people. New Zealanders (or “Kiwis”) have a reputation for being fiercely protective of the environment and native habitats, but they do not let this interfere with the numerous outdoor activities that attract visitors. They are genuinely friendly and outgoing, and always enjoy talking with Western tourists. Although New Zealand has long-standing ties to the west (primarily to the U.K.) Kiwis are very independent-minded and often have a unique perspective on global politics. It is never hard to strike up a friendly conversation over a cup of coffee or meal anywhere in New Zealand.
General Information:
Population: 3.8 million.
Area: 266,200 square km (103,735 square miles)
Capital: Wellington.
English and Maori are the official languages.
New Zealand is a centralized democracy with a western style economy. Parliament and central government are based in Wellington. Visitors should keep valid entry documents in their possession, have fully paid return travel tickets and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay. (This can be in various forms, including traveler checks, credit & ATM cards, cash, etc.)
Air Travel:
The two major international airports are: Auckland (north island), and Christchurch (south island). However, there are scheduled flights linking the following cities: Kaitaia, Paihia, Whangarei, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatane, Gisborne, Taupo, Napier, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Blenheim, Westport, Hokitika, 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. For example, you could be fined $200 for forgetting to declare the apple or banana you have in your hand bag! Further information on customs formalities and those visitors planning to bring in any material of this sort should make detailed inquiries to: www.customs.govt.nz <http://www.customs.govt.nz> Currency:
The New Zealand Dollar is divided into 100 cents. On June 2, 2004 you could buy roughy $1.60 New Zealand for $1 U.S. For up-to-date currency conversions please click on the Currency Calculator.
Climate:
New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. Summer is December - February and winter is June - September. Summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 45-50'F (10'C) over most of the country, making New Zealand an ideal holiday destination all year round. Although it enjoys mild temperatures, the seasons are quite distinct. Summer is warm and pleasant, has plenty of sunshine, and activities in and around the water are popular. From December to March (summer) the weather is the most settled and is the best time for “holidaying” by the locals.
New Zealand winters are mild. There is snow on the mountains in winter and excellent skiing, while away from the mountains temperatures generally do not fall below freezing. There is no wet or dry season. Rainfall is generally spread evenly throughout the year. So many tourists find that they enjoy bargains and have the “attractions” more to themselves during the fall and spring. There is simply never a bad time to visit New Zealand.
For more detailed information on New Zealand's climate and current weather forecasts visit: www.metservice.co.nz/learning/weather_climate_of_nz.asp <http://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 traveling with something a little more formal for the evening. 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 Queenstown area, where 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 strongly suggest specific items of clothing to be worn on their trip, and most provide gear included withthe price of that excursion. Lastly, please keep in mind that New Zealand is a "touring" country. In order to appreciate it fully, you must be mobile. So please don't bring the kitchen sink, as you will likely tire of transporting the extra baggage long before you return home.
Driving and Licenses:
International licenses are valid in New Zealand as are the licenses from many individual countries. All drivers must be at least 21 years of age to rent a car or motorhome. Because of their British heritage, New Zealanders drive on the left hand side of the road. For more information visit:
www.ltsa.govt.nz <http://www.ltsa.govt.nz>
Electricity:
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz). Although many hotels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only, North American style plugs are genearlly not available. You should bring adapters from the U.S. for your electrical products.
Emergency and Medical Services:
New Zealand's medical facilities, both private and public, provide a high standard of treatment and care, which is provided at a minimal charge to visitors injured as a result of an accident. Visitors should have their own medical insurance coverage. 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 traveling between the North and South Islands, we strongly recommend that ferry reservations are made in advance, particularly during the peak summer months 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 plans to depart New Zealand. Citizens of the U.S. need visas only for extended stays. For more information about visitor regulations visit the New Zealand immigration service: www.immigration.govt.nz <http://www.immigration.govt.nz>
Rail Travel:
Although rail travel is limited in New Zealand, the rail service that does exist is very scenic. The Overlander and the Northerner run between Auckland and Wellington, The TranzCoastal between Picton and Christchurch and the TranzAlpine between Christchurch and Greymouth. The TranzAlpine is considered to be one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.
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. Driving is on the left side of the road, the speed limit on the open road is 100kph and 50kph in cities and towns. North American drivers should be very alert when reading suggested speed limit signs, especially regarding curves in the road. When a sign in New Zealand says “20 kph”, take it literally! Please slow down, and enjoy the fabulous scenery.) 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 traveling times. A good rule of thumb, is to calculate driving times at posted speeds, then DOUBLE it! This will give you time to stop and take photos, enjoy brief walks on the many available nature trails, etc.
Taxes:
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.
Travelers from the Northern Hemisphere crossing the dateline lose a full day crossing the International Dateline and regain a full day returning from New Zealand. In order to know what time it is when calling back home to North America, you may find it easiest to simply add a few hours to the clock. For example, noon in New Zealand will be 3:00pm in California, 4:00 pm Mountain, 5:00 pm Central, and 6:00 pm Eastern. (Keeping in mind of course, that it is “yesterday” back home.)
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 certainly not obligatory.
|
|
