Vacation Rentals in New Zealand
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Travel destination New Zealand.
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Destination
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Overview of New Zealand
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| Size |
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270,534 sq km (104,454 sq mi) |
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| Population |
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3,864,129 |
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| Language |
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English is the common and everyday language, Maori is New Zealand's second official language. |
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| Time Zone |
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12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+12 GMT). |
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| Electricity |
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240V AC, 50 Hz |
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| Clothing |
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In summer a light jacket or sweater should be included in your luggage should
the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. Include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and
September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing. |
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| Religion |
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Christian (Anglican, Roman Catholic). |
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| Currency |
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New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
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Location of New Zealand
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New Zealand is situated in the South Pacific ocean 1930 km (1200 mi) southeast of Australia.
The two main islands - the North Island and the South Island it consists of are separated by Cook Strait.
Stewart Island is located immediately south of the South Island, and the Chatham Islands lie
800 km (500 mi) to the east of Christchurch. The North Island has a number of large volcanoes
(including the currently active Mount Ruapehu) and highly active thermal areas, while the
South Island boasts the Southern Alps - a spine of magnificent mountains running almost its
entire length. Another notable feature of New Zealand is its myriad rivers and lakes:
notably the Whanganui River, Lake Taupo and the breathtaking lakes Waikaremoana and Wanaka.
The South Island is larger, although only about one third of the population lives there. |
Climate in New Zealand
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The seasons in New Zealand are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere: July is the
coldest month and January the warmest. Overall, the climate is fairly mild with few extremes
of temperatures. The average temperature ranges from 15°C (60°F) in the upper regions of
the North Island to 10°C (50°F) near the bottom of the South Island. The North Island and
South Island, because of their different geological features, have two distinct patterns
of rainfall: in the South Island, the Southern Alps act as a barrier for the moisture-laden
winds from the Tasman Sea, creating a wet climate to the west of the mountains and a dry
climate to the east; while the North Island's rainfall is more evenly distributed without
a comparable geological feature such as the Alps. Temperatures are a few degrees cooler
in the South Island, and both islands receive snow in winter. During New Zealand's winter,
the weather on top of the mountains can be very cold, so take winter coats and rain gear if you'll
be spending much time there. It is also important to remember that New Zealand's climate is maritime,
rather than continental, which means the weather can change with amazing rapidity and consequence. |
Best Time to Travel to New Zealand
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The warmer months (November to April) are busiest, especially during the school holidays
from December 20 to the end of January. Ski resort towns are obviously busier during the winter
months. If you're travelling during peak periods (especially the Christmas season) it's best
to book ahead, as much accommodation and transport fills up. It's probably more pleasant to
visit either before or after this hectic period, when the weather is still warm and there
aren't as many other travellers around. |
Events in New Zealand
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The following is only a selection of the noteworthy cultural events held in New Zealand:
The Summer City Programme in January to February is a series of festivals around Wellington).
The Marlborough Food & Wine Festival takes place in Blenheim on the 2nd week in February.
You can visit the International Festival of the Arts in Wellington in February, but only in
even-numbered years. The Masterton Golden Shears Sheep-Shearing Contest in March is a must
for lovers of sheep, scat and sweat; the Canterbury Show Week in Christchurch in November
has agricultural exhibits, rides and local entertainment as well. |
Society in New Zealand
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If you get an invitation to a formal Maori occasion, don't be surprised of the hongi
(pressing of noses) - it is common. Casual dress is widely acceptable. New Zealanders are
generally very relaxed and hospitable. Stiff formality is rarely appreciated and after
introductions first names are generally used. Smoking is restricted where indicated.
Tipping: Service charges and taxes are not added to hotel or restaurant bills. Tips are not expected. |
Food in New Zealand
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Over the past five years or so, New Zealand's cuisine has come into its own.
Excellent restaurants have popped up all across the country, serving homegrown
fare as well as a wide variety of international cuisines, particularly Asian.
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. For dessert, the country's specialty is pavlova,
an incredibly sweet baked meringue flavored with passion fruit. Many picnic
areas with barbecue facilities are provided at roadside sites.
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 is available from hotel bars, ‘liquor stores’ and wine shops.
Some restaurants invite the customer to ‘BYO’ (bring your own liquor).
Note:
Be aware that the wait staff will not bring your bill until you ask for it. |
Visa for New Zealand
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You must get a visitor's visa before travelling to New Zealand unless you are a citizen
of one of the following visa-waiver countries:
Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Guam, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati,
Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,
Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tuvalu, UK, USA, South Korea, Brunei,
South Africa or Czech Republic. A visitor's permit is normally issued for three months
(6 months for British Citizens) on arrival. Visitors wishing to extend their stay should
apply for an extension before their current permit expires. However, if you intend to stay
longer than three months you should apply for a visitor's visa for the required length of
time (up to 9 months) before you arrive in New Zealand. |
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