New Zealand
From Travel Information and Popular Attractions: TravelName.com
New Zealand is a group of Islands in southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two large Islands - The North Island and The south Island, along with numerous small islands. New Zealand's islands are scattered all around the edges of its coastline. Some of these Islands are hangouts for rare bird species or getaways for city dwellers.
New Zealand's outstanding landscape in among the world's top vacation destinations. You'll discover places and interests that go beyond your expectations. New Zealand is a country of rare seismic beauty: glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, deep, clear lakes, hissing geysers and boiling mud. There are a number of outdoor activities like, hiking, bungee jumping and rafting. You can swim with dolphins, gambol with newborn lambs, whale-watch or fish for fattened trout in pristine streams and rivers.
North Island:
Approximately 75% of New Zealand's population lives in the North Island. The most popular tourist cities in North Island are - Auckland, Wellington and Rotorua. Rotorua is a popular tourist destination whereas, Auckland is the largest city of New Zealand and Wellington is the capital of New Zealand.
South Island:
South Island is larger than the North Island. The most popular tourist cities of this Island are - Christchurch, Dunedin and Queensland.Overview
Popular Attractions and Activities
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS IN NORTH ISLAND
Auckland - The City Of Sails
Rotorua - The Geothermal Wonder
Rotorua, the 10th largest city of New Zealand is located on the shores of Lake Rotorua, surrounded with geysers, boiling mud pools and steaming craters, making it a premiere tourist destination of New Zealand.
Wellington - The Capital City
Wellington is the Capital city of New Zealand and is the country's second largest urban area. Wedged between the sea and hills that rear up almost 3,000 ft, Wellington contains some striking juxtapositions.
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS IN SOUTH ISLAND
Christchurch - The Garden City
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and is the most attractive city in New Zealand. It's a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions.
Dunedin - The University town
Dunedin is the second largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and is blessed with inspiring nearby seascapes and wildlife. With New Zealand’s oldest university, and a thriving youth culture and rock music scene, abundant pubs, cafes and bars, this is the place for a lively night life as well as discovering the history of early European settlement.
Queenstown - Adventure Capital
known as the Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown, New Zealand is located at the foot of the remarkable Mountain Range and on the shore of lake Wakatipu. Queenstown is hugely scenic.
OTHER POPULAR ATTRACTIONS
Aitutaki, Milford Sounds, Spirits Bay, Cape Reinga, Kaikoura, Blenheim, Maruia Falls - Buller, Nelson, Picton, Punakaiki, Stewart Island, Wanaka, Bay of Islands, Central North Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Napier, Hastings, New Plymouth, Waitakere and Whakatane.
Additional Information
CAPITAL CITY:
Wellington
LOCATION:
This famous travel and tourism location lies in the South Pacific Ocean, Southeast of Australia.
CLIMATE:
A very important thing about New Zealand's climate is that its seasons are the opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter is June, July, and August, when the average temperature is 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and summer is from December through February, when the temperature generally ranges between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It's climate is largely temperate, since most places lie near the coast, there tend to be mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine. However there are some exceptions to this, the far north has subtropical weather in summer, and alpine regions of the South Island are bitterly cold in winter. Overall, New Zealand has a very mild climate making it a suitable holiday destination all year round. New Zealand is truly a remarkable travel and tourism destination.
VISA:
A valid passport is required. As of year 2007: U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and most European Union nations and few other countries do not need a tourist visa. Return ticket is required. Certain restrictions apply. You should definitely find out the latest tourist visa information at www.immigration.govt.nz .
TRANSPORTATION:
New Zealand has great roads and driving is easy. New Zealand transportation provides a wide variety of public and private transport to suit individual travel requirements and budgets, options are - rental cars, bus and coach services, taxis, shuttles, ferries, airlines and charters, rental motor home, motorcycle hire and excellent train services. The major airport is Auckland International Airport (AKL). TRAVEL TIPS:
Arranging travel insurance that includes accidents is highly recommend.
Although, New Zealand is suitable to visit all year round. February and April are the best months to travel in New Zealand.
New Zealand's three international airports are at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
The national airline is Air New Zealand (NZ).
CURRENCY:
New Zealand Dollar NZD (1 USD = 1.35 NZD apx. as of year 2007) You can use Yahoo finance for latest conversion rate
http://finance.yahoo.com/currency/convert?amt=1&from=USD&to=NZD
LANGUAGE:
English, Maori
RELIGION:
Predominantly Christian
ELECTRICITY:
230V ,50Hz
TIME ZONE:
+12 hrs GMT Standard time.
Daylight savings: +1hr, begins October and ends in March.
New Zealand has 2 time zones
