New Zealand

Where is New Zealand?

• Sydney to Auckland - 3½ hours
• Sydney to Christchurch - 3½ hours
• Los Angeles to Auckland - 13 hours
• Bangkok to Auckland - 12 hours
• Frankfurt to Auckland - 21 hours plus stop over
• London to Auckland - 23 hours plus stop over
• Auckland to Christchurch - 1½ hours

Entry requirements

People from the US, Canada, Britain, Germany and most Western countries will be issued a 90 day visitor’s permit upon arrival in New Zealand.  Provided your passport is up to date, you will not need anything else to get into the country. Hunters will require a visitor’s licence & import permit for their firearms. Please note that hunting with pistols is prohibited.

New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world and therefore no vaccinations are required.

Boots and camping gear must be cleaned and declared to Customs to avoid any problems. It is also illegal to bring any fresh food or produce into New Zealand.  If you have any perishable goods, please declare these to avoid a large fine.

Comprehensive advice for travellers is available on the New Zealand Customs Service Web site.

Physical New Zealand

New Zealand has an area of 270,534 sq km (104,454 sq mi), stretching from the sub-tropical north 1,600 km (1,000 mi) to the cooler south.  Our country comprises the North and South Islands plus numerous outer islands, including Stewart and Chatham Islands.

With a very long coastline, 14 national parks and many conservation areas, New Zealand has a high percentage of open space for the enjoyment of outdoor enthusiasts. From the highest snow-covered peaks (Mt Cook / Aoraki 3,754 metres), volcanic mountains down through open tussock lands, lush rain forests, sparkling lakes and wild rivers to either golden sand beaches or wild coastlines, New Zealand has it all.

Cultural New Zealand

While New Zealand /Aotearoa (described by our indigenous Maori as: the land of the long white cloud) is increasingly a multi-cultural society, it is officially considered bi-cultural with its Maori people and its people of European ancestry. This rich social fabric makes New Zealand very special. English and Maori are the official languages.

The North Island is the more heavily populated of the two main islands. Auckland (the City of Sails) is known as the gate way city and is the largest city, while Wellington, the cultural hub, is New Zealand’s capital.

The South Island is dominated by its mountainous backbone with its own gate way city, Christchurch, centrally located.

New Zealand Flag

Population 4,315,800 (2009)

Transport

There is an excellent network of roads and we drive on the left. All main roads are tar-sealed. Access roads to many wilderness areas are metaled and suitable for most rental vehicles.  International road signs are used with all points of interest signposted. An International Driving Permit or your current driver’s license from your home country (English translation) is required and must be carried with you while driving.

Check out the New Zealand Land Transport Authority www.ltsa.govt.nz for details on the New Zealand Road Code, cycle safety and other general motoring information.

Air travel is widely available, including smaller airlines and charter flights.
Ferries connect the main islands.

Driving Distances

The following chart gives you an approximate indication of distances between main centres:

Measurements and quantities

We use the metric system; the same as Australia and Europe.

Banking

All but the smallest towns are well served with ATMs and banks. Most retailers will accept eftpos or credit cards. Carrying some well-concealed cash would also be useful. You will be able to exchange your own currency into New Zealand dollars (NZ$) on arrival.
Tipping is not routinely required in New Zealand but, for very good service, is appreciated.

Food/water

There is a great selection of fresh food available with fantastic cafés in most towns and many isolated locations. The cities have some of the best restaurants and chefs in the world utilising New Zealand’s best ingredients and wines. Supermarkets have everything you want if you wish to create your own banquet or snack. All tap water is safe to drink throughout New Zealand, as is water from most wilderness streams and rivers.

Electricity

New Zealand voltage is 240 AC. We use a three prong plug that is the same as Australia, but different from North America and Europe.  Adapters are available at travel and outdoor stores.

Telephones/Internet

There is an excellent land line service throughout the country, with cell phone coverage very good in built up areas, but generally non-existent in the remoter regions. Internet facilities are available in most towns and tourist locations.  To fully appreciate and to maximise your wilderness experience, we recommend leaving the outside world behind you until re-emerging.

Environmental Care Code

As New Zealanders, we are very proud and very protective of our beautiful environment.  It is important to dispose of rubbish and human waste in the environmentally correct way.  Please refer to the Environmental Care Code.

Dangers

New Zealand is fortunate to have no snakes or other fatally dangerous species in the wilderness.  The most annoying problems are sandflies, a very small insect that bites you and leaves a smaller, itchy lump than a mosquito. Please bring a strong insect repellent for these and for mosquitoes, which frequent some regions.