Get Started Today! New Zealand Travel Guide
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New Zealand, 'Land of the Long White Cloud', is a small, sparsely populated country consisting of two major islands, North and South Island, and a scattering of smaller ones. Despite its small size it is crammed with magnificent natural beauty and has an incredible amount to offer; the only complaint travellers have is that they haven't allowed enough time in the country. Fresh air, breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities are the main attractions of New Zealand, with a tremendously friendly, honest and helpful population, colloquially nicknamed after their country's distinct symbol, the unusual but amiable flightless kiwi bird. The two islands have surprisingly different characters. The North Island has dramatic volcanic landscapes and highly active thermal areas, long stretches of beautiful beaches and excellent sailing, ancient indigenous forests and a strong Maori cultural influence. The South Island has a slower pace of life dominated by a magnificent spine of mountains, the snow-covered Southern Alps, and the spectacular scenery of the southern waterways of the fjord lands, with glaciers, deep lakes and verdant forests. The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 was New Zealand's founding document, an attempt to settle disputes between the European settlers and the Maoris, conceding the country to British rule while guaranteeing the Maori people possession of their land and cultural identity. Today, integration has been replaced by a policy of upholding two different cultures alongside each other. Their shared love of sport, most notably the revered national sport of rugby union, and their enthusiasm for adventure and the outdoors is the unifying factor among the whole population. New Zealand offers a huge variety of action-packed and laid back activities, from bungee jumping to skiing, swimming with dolphins, scenic flights and boat cruises on the fjords, as well as several world famous walking trails with unrivalled scenery. Alternatively visitors can immerse themselves in culture at the museums and galleries of the country's main cities - Auckland and the capital Wellington in the North, and Christ Church in the south. New Zealand is an easy and compact place in which to travel and its spectacularly dramatic landscape alone, famous for its setting for the 'The Lord of the Rings' film trilogy, makes the long trip to these southern islands more than worthwhile.
New Zealand Climate and Weather
The weather in New Zealand is changeable throughout the year. The North Island has mild winters and warm and humid summers, the South Island has lower temperatures with cold winters and extensive snowfields and glaciers. Snow falls on all the mountains in winter. The west coast receives the most rain. Summer months are from November to April.
New Zealand Currency
Money:Local currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), divided into 100 cents. Most businesses accept MasterCard and Visa, and while Diners Club and American Express are also widely accepted in the main tourist centres, they might have limited acceptance elsewhere. Travellers cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some hotels. ATMs can be found in all towns and cities.
Currency Exchange Rates |
| NZ$ 1 = | US$ 0.74 | £ 0.45 | C$ 0.79 | A$ 0.81 | R 5.70 | EUR 0.50 | NZ$ 1.00 |
Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.
New Zealand Passport & Visa Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:United States citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:British citizens holding a passport endorsed British Citizen, or a passport accompanied by documents that establish right of abode in the UK, do not require a visa for a stay of up to six months. British citizens with passports endorsed British National (Overseas) may stay for up to three months without a visa. In all other cases, a visa is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians:Canadian citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Australians:Australian nationals must have a passport valid on arrival for travel to New Zealand. No visa is required.
Entry requirements for South Africans:South Africans must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:Passport/Visa Note:Visitors must be in possession of a return ticket, documents for onward travel and proof of sufficient funds. Visitors must hold per month of stay NZ$400, if holding evidence of pre-paid accommodation. In other cases, visitors must hold NZ$1,000 per month of stay. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond period of stay, or for one month if country of origin has consular representation in New Zealand.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
New Zealand Airports
Auckland International Airport
Location: The airport is situated 14 miles (22km) south of Auckland.
Time: Local time is GMT +12 (GMT +13 from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March).
Contacts: Tel: +64 (0)9 275 0789 or 0800 247 767 (NZ only).
Transfer between terminals: A free bus runs between the International Terminal and the Air New Zealand and Qantas NZ Domestic Terminals from 6am until 10.30pm.
Transfer between terminals: A free bus runs between the International Terminal and the Air New Zealand and Qantas NZ Domestic Terminals from 6am until 10.30pm.
Transfer to the city: An Airbus bus service leaves regularly (every 20 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night) for the city centre and costs NZ$15 for a single ticket. Shuttle buses also offer economical transportation between the airport and city or suburbs on a 'shared ride' basis. Maxx also offers public transport to and from the city and surrounding areas. Visit their website www.maxx.co.nz for details Taxis are also available; the airport to city fare is about NZ$50 to NZ$65.
Car rental: There are numerous car rental companies including Avis, Budget, Hertz and Ezy Rentals.
Facilities: Facilities at the airport include left luggage, business facilities, a medical centre, banks and ATMs, bars, restaurants and shops, a crèche, a post office, a hairdresser, supermarket, Internet kiosks, tourist information and hotel reservations desks. Disabled facilities are good, but those with special needs should inform their airline or travel agent in advance.
Parking: There is short and long-term parking available, both covered and uncovered.
Departure tax: None.
Website: www.auckland-airport.co.nzChristchurch International Airport
Location: The airport is situated eight miles (12km) from Christchurch.
Time: Local time is GMT +12 (GMT +13 from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March).
Contacts: Tel: +64 (0)3 358 5029.
Transfer between terminals: Transfer between terminals: Transfer to the city: The Airport Flyer offers a public bus service to and from the city centre. It costs NZ$7 and is a 30 minute journey. There is also a door to door shuttle bus that travels to all areas within Christchurch and costs NZ$15-20. Taxis go to the city centre for NZ$30.
Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, Maui rentals and Thrifty.
Facilities: There are shops, bars and restaurants, banks, ATMs and bureaux de change at the airport. Other facilities include left luggage, mobile and sim rental, showers, a business centre, a post office, and a hotel reservations desk. Disabled facilities are good, those with special needs should inform their travel agent or airline in advance.
Parking: Short and long-term car parking is available.
Departure tax: Airport tax is NZ$25, except for children 11 years of age and under and transit passengers of up to six hours.
Website: www.christchurch-airport.co.nzWellington International Airport
Location: The airport is situated five miles (8km) east of Wellington.
Time: Local time is GMT +12 (GMT +13 from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March).
Contacts: Tel: +64 (0)4 385 5100 (24 hours).
Transfer between terminals: Transfer between terminals: Transfer to the city: The Stagecoach Flyer bus will cost around NZ$3.50 and NZ$10 for an adult fare, depending on where you are going. Shuttle services and taxis all go to the city centre for around NZ$15 and NZ$30 respectively.
Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar and Thrifty.
Facilities: Facilities at the airport include left luggage, bureaux de change, ATMs, bars, shops and restaurants, a parent's room, post office and a tourist information and hotel reservations desk. Disabled facilities are good, those with special needs are advised to inform their airline or travel agent in advance.
Parking: Long and short-term parking is available.
Departure tax: Airport tax is NZ$25 (adults) and NZ$10 (children).
Website: www.wellington-airport.co.nz New Zealand Health Overview
There are no health risks associated with travel to New Zealand. New Zealand's accident compensation scheme (ACC) covers emergency treatment for visitors, but health insurance is recommended to cover any additional charges and for those not entitled to free emergency treatment. Those intending to participate in adventure activities, such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, etc should ensure that their travel insurance covers these types of activities.
New Zealand Contacts
Tourism New Zealand, Wellington: +64 (0)4 917 5400 or www.newzealand.com/travelNew Zealand Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 328 4800.New Zealand High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7930 8422.New Zealand High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 5991.New Zealand High Commission, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6270 4211.New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 435 9000.United States Embassy, Wellington: +64 (0)4 462 6000.British High Commission, Wellington: +64 (0)4 924 2888.Canadian High Commission, Wellington: +64 (0)4 473 9577.Australian High Commission, Wellington: +64 (0)4 473 6411.Honorary Consulate of South Africa, Wellington: +64 (0)4 815 8484.Honorary Consul General of Ireland, Auckland: +64 (0)9 977 2252.
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