New Zealand is very accessible with modern and efficient transport, quiet roads, plenty of flights and some of the world's most beautiful scenic rail journeys. The scenery is stunning with craggy coastlines, sweeping golden beaches, verdant forests, snow-capped alpine mountains, gurgling volcanic pools, fish-filled rivers and glacier-fed lakes, all beneath a brilliant blue sky.
The plant and animal life are unmatched, giving opportunities for close-up experiences with birdlife (including kiwis), seals, dolphins and whales. For the energetic there is bungee jumping, caving or whitewater rafting: you can ski or snowboard on world-class slopes, scuba dive in unique marine reserves, sail on exciting waters or play golf on tournament-class courses. Not to forget the capital Wellington which offers culture in the museums and galleries, world-class restaurants and hotels, and a clean safe environment.
Food & Drink
New Zealand has a reputation as a leading producer of meat and dairy produce with lamb, beef and pork on most menus. Venison is also widely available. Locally produced vegetables, such as kumara (a natural sweet potato), are good. There is also a wide range of fish available including snapper, grouper and John Dory. Seasonal delicacies such as whitebait, oysters, crayfish, scallops and game birds are recommended. New Zealand is also establishing a reputation for French-type cheeses: Brie, Camembert, Bleu de Bresse and Montagne Bleu. Restaurants are usually informal except for very exclusive ones. Waiter service is normal, but self-service and fast-food chains are also available. Some restaurants invite the customer to 'BYO' (bring your own liquor). New Zealand boasts world-class domestic wines and beers, some of which have won international awards. A wide range of domestic and imported wines, spirits and beers are available from hotel bars, 'liquor stores' and wine shops. Bars have counter service and public bars are very informal. Lounge bars and 'house bars' (for hotel guests only) are sometimes more formal and occasionally have table service. The minimum drinking age in a bar is 18.
Shopping
Special purchases include distinctive jewellery made from New Zealand greenstone (a kind of jade) and from the beautiful translucent paua shell. Maori arts and crafts are reflected in a number of items such as the carved greenstone tiki (a unique Maori charm) and intricate woodcarvings often inlaid with paua shell. Other items of note include woollen goods, travel rugs, lambswool rugs, leather and skin products.
Activities
New Zealand's wild coastlines and national parks (two thirds of the country is mountainous and nearly a quarter is protected as some form of park) create perfect conditions for every kind of outdoor activity. Not surprisingly, some of the world's most cutting-edge adventure activities originated in New Zealand including helicopter flights, bungee jumping, high-speed jetboating, whitewater rafting, rap jumping, river sledging and paragliding. New Zealand's coastline stretches for a total of roughly 16,000km (10,000 miles) and the conditions for swimming, diving, surfing, sailing and yachting, windsurfing and kayaking are ideal. Swimming with dolphins is possible in the Bay of Islands (north of Auckland), Whakatane, the Coromandel Peninsula); numbers are limited and advance booking is recommended. More traditional sports, such as rugby, cricket and golf continue to be pursued with unwavering passion. New Zealand offers good skiing and snowboarding, with ideal conditions from June to October. Resorts tend to be less crowded than European ones. On the North Island, the best ski regions are Whakapapa and Turoa (both located on Mount Ruapehu).
North Island
North Island is a tapestry of thriving cities and rich natural scenery from the Bay of Islands to the beaches and rainforest of the Coromandel Peninsula, the pasturelands of Waikato and the thermal springs of Rotorua. Enjoy the National Parks of Tongariro and Egmont and their spectacular landscapes, including the caves of Waitomo, Lake Taupo and the snow-capped Mount Taranaki. On its southern tip lies New Zealand's beautiful capital Wellington.
Auckland Airport is 14 miles south of the city (travel time - 40 minutes)
Wellington Airport is 5 miles southeast of the city (travel time - 30 minutes).
Departure tax: Up to NZ$25 (depending on airport) plus NZ$5 security tax; children aged under 12 are exempt (except at Wellington where only passengers under two years of age are exempt and passengers aged two to 11 pay NZ$10). Transit passengers are exempt for 24 hours.
Flying Time
From London to Auckland is 25 hours.
Getting Around
Good local bus services are provided in the main towns. The North and South Islands are linked by modern ferries operating between Wellington and Picton, carrying passengers and vehicles across Cook Strait. The Interislander makes several daily crossings (travel time - 3 hours). The faster Lynx, a high-speed catamaran, takes 2 hours 15 minutes, and operates all year round. Tranz Rail Ltd operates a reliable rail service of railway with many routes of great scenic attraction. Tranz Scenic operates the scenic long-distance trains the Overlander, which runs between Auckland and Wellington (daytime and overnight) with good views of forests, gorges and volcanic peaks. InterCity Coachlines operates scheduled services throughout the country. Newmans Coach Lines operates services in both islands. There are regional bus networks, which serve most parts of the country and are on the whole friendly and cheaper than the larger companies.
Climate
The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC.
Clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens are worn in the North Island most of the year. Rainwear is advisable throughout the year. Restaurants tend to be informal, except for very exclusive ones.
South Island
South Island boasts a dramatic and varying landscape . From charming Christchurch to Nelson, renowned for its fine beaches and the low-lying wine regions of marlborough to Dunedin, the 'Edinburgh' of the south. The southern Alps run the length of the island, dominated by mighty peaks, stunning alpine glaciers and plunging fiords. Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's adventure capital.
Christchurch airport is 6 miles northwest of the city (travel time - 20 minutes).
Departure tax: Up to NZ$25 (depending on airport) plus NZ$5 security tax; children aged under 12 are exempt.Transit passengers are exempt for 24 hours.
Flying Time
From London to Christchurch is 28 hours.
Getting Around
Good local bus services are provided in the main towns. The North and South Islands are linked by modern ferries operating between Wellington and Picton, carrying passengers and vehicles across Cook Strait. The Interislander makes several daily crossings (travel time - 3 hoursThe faster Lynx, a high-speed catamaran, takes 2 hours 15 minutes, and operates all year round. Tranz Rail Ltd operates a reliable rail service with many routes of great scenic attraction. Tranz Scenic operates the Transcoastal which runs between Christchurch and Picton along the east coast between the snow-capped Kaikoura Mountains and past the Kaikoura coast, which is famous for whale-watching. The TranzAlpine runs between Christchurch and Greymouth through spectacular landscapes of gorges and river valleys and across the snow-capped Southern Alps. There are regional bus networks which serve most parts of the country and are on the whole friendly and cheaper than the larger companies.
Climate
Temperate climate in the South. Winter can be quite cool in the South, with snow in the mountains. The eastern areas often experience drought conditions in summer; the West of the South Island, has more rain.
Clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens are worn in summer in the South Island and Mediumweights are worn during winter. Rainwear is advisable throughout the year, and essential if visiting the South Island's rainforest areas. Restaurants tend to be informal, except for very exclusive ones.
GENERAL INFORMATION (A-Z)
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (approx. NZ$2.58 to £1 as at 14/01/05) Notes are in denominations of NZ$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of NZ$2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
Driving
Traffic drives on the left as in the UK.
Electricity
230/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Most hotels provide 110-volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.
Electricity
230/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Most hotels provide 110-volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.
Health
For the latest immunisation requirements please contact your GP. Medical facilities, both public and private, are of a high standard. Long-staying visitors with a valid permit to stay for two or more years are entitled to health care services on the same basis as New Zealand citizens. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK, which entitles short-term British visitors to publicly funded health treatment. They will receive free treatment as a hospital inpatient, but must pay some charges for any services provided by outpatients and private doctors. Medical insurance is advised to cover any additional charges.
Holidays
Jan 1-2 2005 New Year. Feb 6 Waitangi Day. Mar 25-28 Easter. Apr 25 ANZAC Day. Jun 16 Queen's Birthday. Oct 24 Labour Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 Boxing Day. Note: Each region also observes its particular anniversary day as a holiday.
Language
English is the common and everyday language, but other languages are also spoken, including Maori, which is New Zealand's second official language (spoken by the indigenous Maori people who constitute approximately 15 per cent of the population).
Opening Hours
Banks are usally open Monday-Friday 09.00 - 16.00
Time
GMT + 12 (GMT + 13 from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March).
Tipping
Service charges and taxes are not added to hotel or restaurant bills. Tips are not expected.
Tourist Board
Tourism New Zealand, New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4TQ, UK Tel: (020) 7930 1662 or (09069) 101 010 (recorded information line; calls cost £1 per minute). Fax: (020) 7839 8929.
Visa Requirements
None for Nationals of the UK and other British passport holders who have evidence of the right to live permanently in the UK for visits of up to six months may be granted a visitors permit on arrival.
