New Zealand

When to go

Weather

All year. Subtropical in the north and temperate in the south.

Festivals

Waitangi Day, in February, commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on 6 February 1840. It's celebrated with various services and functions around the country, as well as by New Zealanders across the world. ANZAC Day on 25 April remembers the actions of New Zealand troops in major wars, with a particular focus on the Gallipoli campaign of World War 1. Public holidays are also held for Christmas, New Year, Easter, and the Queen's birthday, in June. Laugh till your sides split at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, held in Auckland and Wellington in May, or feast on some cinematic treats during the International Film Festival, in Wellington and other big cities each July.

Highlights

“If an English butler and an English nanny sat down to design a country, they would come up with New Zealand” Anon

Queenstown

Strap a giant rubber band to your feet and jump of a bridge into the chilly river below, or get your adrenalin pumping with a jet boat ride on the Shotover River. Now that's just for starters. Fringing the stunning lake Wakatipu, this buzzing and friendly South Island resort is the country's self-styled outdoor adventure capital. Skiing in the aptly names Remarkables Mountains is one of the main winter draws, while daredevils from across the globe flock here to throw their sanity (and bodies) to the wind year round.

Auckland

Busy commercial centre and home to more than a quarter of the population. A waterfront city and a haven for sailing enthusiasts. Yet while the locals love it, the rest of the country remains somewhat suspicious of big city Auckland.

Milford Sound

One of New Zealand's most striking natural wonders. Sheer peaks fall down to scuffed cliffs, over which dramatic waterfalls cascade into icy deep blue fjords below. Take a scenic boat tour, or walk along the famous Milford track.

Rotorua

Smells of eggs, on account of the countless bubbling mud pools and steam baths throughout the town. It has a strong Maori heritage and is a good place to witness a Maori concert or hangi (feast).

All Blacks

Not just a world-beating rugby team, but often seemingly at the very heart of what it is to be a New Zealander, these world-beating sports superstars transcend class and race. The pre-match haka is something else.

Being there

Etiquette

New Zealand lifestyle tends to be relaxed and dress is usually informal, although business dress remains conservative. If invited to a formal Maori occasion, the hongi (pressing of noses) is common. It would also be respectful to learn something of Maori history and traditions.

Food and Drink

New Zealand is a leading producer of meat and dairy products, and cuisine is largely based on these. Venison and game birds are also popular. A wide range of seafood is also available, including snapper, grouper, oysters and crayfish. World-class domestic wines and beers.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Jewellery with New Zealand greenstone (jade) and the translucent paua shell, Maori arts and crafts such as the carved greenstone tiki (charm), carvings, woollen goods, rugs.

Additional Info

People and Places

Capital: Wellington.
Language: English.
Population: 4,009,200.
Population Density: 14.8. (pop per km²)
Size: 270,534. (area km²)

Transport

Auckland (AKL) 22.5 km from the city, Christchurch (CHC) 10 km from the city, Wellington (WLG) 8 km from the city.
Reliable rail service, good road networks.

Red Tape

The national driving licenses of EU nationals and various other countries are valid.
UK: New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4TQ, tel (020) 7930 8422, fax (020) 7839 4580, email aboutnz@newzealandhc.org.uk

State of the Nation

Life expectancy: M75.67, F81.78.

Finance: Major credit cards and traveller’s cheques widely accepted.
Business hours: 0900-1700 Mon-Friday.
GMT: + 12 hours (+ 11 in summer).
Voltage guide: 230/240 AC, 50 Hz.
Country dialling code: 64.