New Zealand is located in the southern Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,600 kilometers (995 miles) southeast of Australia. New Zealand is comprised of two main islands (the North and South Islands) and several smaller islands of which the combined total land area is 270,534 sq. kmh (104,454 sq. mls. It is similar in size to Colorado and somewhere in between the size of Japan and the United Kingdom.
New Zealand's geography includes spectacular landscapes incorporating the vast mountain chain of the Southern Alps (larger than the French, Austrian and Swiss Alps combined), the volcanic region of the North Island, fiords, glaciers, lakes, rain forests and extensive grassy plains.
Highest point:
Mount Cook (3,754 m or 12313 ft)
Deepest lake: Lake Hauroko (462 m 1515 ft)
Largest lake: Lake Taupo (606 km or 234 miles)
Longest river: Waikato River (425 km or 264 miles long)
Largest glacier: Tasman Glacier (29 km or 18 miles long)
Deepest cave: Nettlebed, Mount Arthur (889 m or 2916 ft)
Length of coastline: 15,811 km (9824 miles)
Weather:
Warmest months are
December, January, February and March. The coldest are June, July and August.
In summer the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30°C and in
winter between 10-15°C.
See the current weather conditions for
each city.
|
Mean daily maximum Temp. |
Bright Sunshine Hours |
Mean annual Rainfall mm |
||
|
Jan |
Jul |
|||
|
°C |
||||
|
Auckland |
23.8 |
15.1 |
2,071 |
1,106 |
|
Wellington |
20.3 |
11.2 |
2,024 |
1,269 |
|
Christchurch |
22.6 |
11.1 |
2,066 |
645 |
|
Dunedin |
18.9 |
9.9 |
1,595 |
799 |
Business
Hours:
Monday to Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm
Shopping:
Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Late nights Thursday or Friday - 9.00pm
Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm (most shops)
Sunday 11.00am - 3.00pm (most shops)
GST
All goods and services purchased in new Zealand are subject to 12.5% Goods
and Services tax. This is usually included in the price, although some hotels
and restaurants may quote prices excluding GST.
GST cannot be claimed back from purchases, however it is not included in duty free prices or where the goods are posted by a retailer to an international visitor's home address. GST is not included in international airfares purchased in New Zealand.
Post Office:
Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday 9.00am - 12 noon (some only)
There are more than 1000 New Zealand Post shops in cities and towns throughout
the country. In small places postal services are usually part of another retail
business.
Convenience stores:
or 'dairies' are generally open 7.00am - 10.00pm seven days a week.
Service stations:
Petrol stations are usually open 24 hours.
Electricity & Water:
New Zealand's AC electricity supply operates at 230/240 volts (50 hertz),
the same as Australia. Most hotels and motels also provide 110 volt, 20 watt,
AC sockets for electric razors. An adapter is necessary to operate all other
electrical equipment.
Tap (faucet) water in New Zealand is fresh, treated and safe to drink. City water is both chlorinated and fluoridated. To prevent any problems when travelling in the back-country (tramping, camping etc.), ensure water is boiled or treated before drinking.
Transport & Communication:Air New Zealand is one of the world's most advanced international airlines. Both Air New Zealand, Qantas New Zealand and Freedom Air operate in the domestic commercial air travel industry. Tranz Rail provide all commercial train transportation throughout the country and also operate the Cook Strait ferry service (Interislander). The approximate cost per day for Car Rental of a mid-sized car is NZ$80-NZ$110, with competitive rates negotiable for longer hires. New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road.
New Zealand has a fully developed communications infrastructure and the use of the Internet as a means of communication is very popular.
Mobile telephones can be used and are available for hire on arrival in New Zealand, (outlets are available at international airports). Mobile phones from another country need to have an international roam facility covering New Zealand to work in New Zealand.
Telephone Codes:
New Zealand Country Code: 64
Northland &
Auckland: 09
Waikato & Bay of Plenty: 07
Gisborne; Hawke's Bay; Taranaki & Wairarapa: 06
Wellington: 04
South Island (all areas): 03
Telephone Numbers:
Emergency (fire, police, ambulance): Dial 111
International Operator: 0170
International Directory Assistance: 0172
National Directory Assistance:018
Local Operator: 010
Passports and Visas
All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least
3 months beyond the intended day of departure. A visa is not required for
most visitors travelling to New Zealand for a stay of less than 3 months.
You should check with your local New Zealand embassy or consulate for the
latest information. Also visit the New
Zealand Immigration Service for extensive information on visa's etc.
Currency
New Zealand's unit of currency is the dollar, (NZ$). Foreign currency can
easily be exchanged at banks and at foreign exchange kiosks, international
airports and in most cities. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand.
Travellers cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. Visit the
currency converter
for the latest exchange rates.
Banking:
Banks are open from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Automatic teller machines
(ATM) are widely available at banks, on main streets and malls. Some banks
like the ANZ are open on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.
Electricity
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 240 volts via a slant pin
outlet. Most hotels provide a 110 volt socket for electric shavers. For all
other equipment, an adapter and a converter are necessary.
Medical and Emergency Facilities
Medical and emergency services are available but not free to visitors. Please
arrange for insurance coverage before your departure. Comprehensive travel
insurance is recommended.
Driving
New Zealand road rules follow international standards. New Zealand drives
on the left side of the road (the same as in the UK and Japan, and opposite
to the USA and Europe). You can drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if
you have a current drivers license from your home country or an international
driving permit. You must carry your license with you at all driving times.
The speed limit on the open road is 100km/h except central Auckland where
it is 80km/h and 50km/h in all built up areas. New Zealand has strict drink
driving rules and random breath testing is undertaken regularly.
Tipping and Service Charges
New Zealanders do not depend on tips for their income and tips are not expected
for normal service, however you may wish to show your appreciation for extra
special attention.
International Departure Tax
A departure tax of NZ$25 is payable by anyone (over the age of 12) departing
via the three international airports, (Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch).
This fee can be paid by credit card. Fee is not applicable to passengers in
transit, (less than 24 hours).
Customs Allowances and Quarantine
Please check with your airline for current information about what restrictions
apply. For more information you could visit the New
Zealand Customs web site
Best Travelling
September to April.
Best Skiing
July to September.
Clothing
In keeping with New Zealand's relaxed lifestyle, dress is informal on most
occasions. A jacket is recommended only for those intending to visit a better
restaurant or evening show. A waterproof jacket or umbrella is advisable.
All images can be purchased for commercial and non-commercial use.