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If you spin a globe and stop it with the tip of your finger, your chances of landing on New Zealand will always be next to none. The country’s isolation from the rest of the world may evoke images of an exotic land—and so it should. In fact, New Zealand’s startling landscapes are nothing if not otherworldly: psychedelic lakes perfectly mirror volcanic peaks, constellations of aqua-blue glow-worms glitter in black-water caves, a 180-million year-old petrified forest dates from the supercontinent Gondwanaland, and twin glaciers creep toward the nearby beach and ocean. The sheer diversity of earthly wonders is matched only by the number of ways to enjoy them. To get to New Zealand, you will cross oceans, perhaps even circumnavigate the globe. In return, New Zealanders (who refer to themselves as Kiwis) make the edge of the world both accessible and hospitable. Sustained by its outgoing and infectiously friendly inhabitants, the country’s budget tourism industry is superb. With an abundance of outstanding hostels (called backpackers), an immense network of accessible hikes (tramps), and the constant invention of new and challenging modes of travel from bungy jumping to zorbing to skydiving, New Zealand both surprises and inspires travelers. Known also as Godzone, the first country that witnessed the dawn of the millennium awaits your arrival.
FACTS & FIGURES
Capital:Wellington
Human population: 3,803,900
Sheep population: 45-50 million Major Exports: wool, Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II
ENTER THE GODZONE
In the adventure capital Queenstown, two bungy jump companies try to outdo each other for the highest bungy jump. One company unveils a gondola suspended by wire cables over a canyon; immediately after, the competing company begins work on its hot-air balloon bungy. New Zealand’s drug of choice is natural adrenaline…in high quantities. Travelers who come here thinking skydiving absurd quickly find themselves facing an appointment with death-defiance. Both set on large lakes, Queenstown in the South Island and Taupo in the North Island offer the most variety of adventure activities. But even some of the smallest towns offer tandem skydiving, and remote rivers once utilized for harnessing the nation’s energy are now used for whitewater rafting and pants-wetting jetboating. Not all of New Zealand’s adventure activities involve a high degree of irrationality or small measure of insanity: swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura, hiking the Franz and Fox Glaciers, contemplating glow-worms in the caves of Waitomo, and sea-kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds are but a few of the hundreds of possibilities. In winter, the only thing to slow your skiing and snowboarding is the sheer beauty of the slopes — New Zealand’s ski fields are usually far above the tree line and from the chairlift, it’s not uncommon to see clear across to the ocean.
Few places in the world combine such spectacular scenery with a solid infrastructure for exploring it. With almost one-third of the country protected as wilderness areas and National Parks under the efficient management of the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand leads the field. You do not have to be Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to conquer Everest—and a Kiwi himself—to participate in what are known as some of the world’s best walking tracks. Nine overnight walks in particular, known as Great Walks, are designed to be accessible for people of all abilities. These very popular, sometimes crowded, walks, offering fully maintained campsites and huts along the track for overnight stays, usually take between three and five days to complete. However, if you don't want to camp out overnight, you'll find plenty of day-hikes to keep you busy, too.
Though New Zealand is most renowned for its natural beauty, each of its most cosmopolitan cities—Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin—exemplifies a distinct and captivating aspect of New Zealand culture. Sprawling Auckland, containing nearly one-third of the nation’s entire population, offers big-city diversity and charming, smaller neighborhoods. In Wellington, the recent opening of Te Papa National Museum has secured the capital city’s transformation from a shipping port into the seat of the country’s arts and drama. Christchurch (p. 254) and Dunedin charm visitors with their English and Scottish atmosphere and architecture respectively. Each one of these cities is surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings, contains a lively nightlife, and beats with the strong pulse of Rugby Nation.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit New Zealand depends on the type of activities (warm or cold weather) you are most interested in and your sensitivity to crowds (which increase dramatically during major holidays). If you are traveling to New Zealand from the Northern Hemisphere, be aware that the seasons are reversed. Summer arrives in December and lasts roughly until February; winter is from June to August. New Zealand enjoys its high season in the warmest months (Nov.-Feb.). Certain areas such as the Tongariro region in the North Island and the ski fields of the South Island draw their biggest crowds in the winter (June-Aug.), when the ski season is in full swing. If cooler, wetter, and less predictable weather doesn’t bother you, you might simply wait until the low season arrives and the crowds disappear. Some areas and activities shut down during low season, however, so you’ll want to weigh your options before you decide. Whenever you go to New Zealand, don’t worry—you’ll never be at a loss for beauty and excitement. Year-round, the temperature fluctuation is far from extreme, even from the tip of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island. Rainfall in most of the North Island and the north end of the South Island is heaviest in the winter (June-Aug.), although the infamous summer rainfall on the West Coast of the South Island can total seven or eight meters annually.
New Zealand is located southeast of Australia in the Pacific Ocean. Consisting of two islands, North Island and South Island, the country enjoys one of the mildest climates in the south Pacific region. World famous beaches and coves in North Island, and some of the most majestic mountain glacier regions in South Island make New Zealand the perfect destination for those enjoying a wide variety of activities in a year-round comfortable climate against a glorious natural backdrop. You can ski, hike and kayak your way through the incredible, unspoilt beauty of the countryside and coastline.
With the country's well-structured and helpful tourist information system, you will have no problems getting the information you want and an excellent bus system will get you to your desired destinations.
Time
New Zealand is exactly twelve hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Tourist Offices
Most towns and all cities have tourism offices. These are linked to the Visitor Information Network (VIN), so you can always receive up-to-date information. You can also plan you trip ahead of arriving in the country by contacting one of your local New Zealand tourist offices. Check out these sites for details:
Head Office New Zealand Tourism Board
P. O. Box 95
Wellington
Tel. 64-4-4728860
Fax 64-4-4781736
Visas & Passports
A valid passport is required for all visitors to New Zealand. Visitors from certain nations also require a visa. Australians and British subjects who may live permanently in the United Kingdom are entitled to enter without a visa. British subjects will be issued with a six-month permit. Most other permits are for only three months. Contact your local New Zealand consulate or embassy for details.
Customs
If you are over 17 years old, you can bring into New Zealand the following:
- 200 cigarettes/50 cigars/250 g tobacco
- 4.5 lt wine or beer
- 1,125 ml of liquor
- NZD 700.00 of gifts and/or personal purchases
There is no limit to any amount of currency entering or leaving the country.
Money
The unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar. One dollar equals one hundred cents. Notes come in denominations of NZD 5, 10, 20, and 100. The coins come in denominations of 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, NZD 1, and NZD 2.
You may exchange your foreign currency at major city airports (Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington), banks, hotels, and even certain shops. Remember, banks offer the best rates; everywhere else is more expensive. Banks open at 09:30 and close at 16:30 Monday to Friday.
Business Hours
Banks are open from 09:30 to 16:30 from Monday through to Friday.
Transport
Air to New Zealand:
There are three international airports in New Zealand - Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. If you are coming from Australia, you can catch a flight from Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Coolangatta, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth or Sydney. A return flight from Sydney to Auckland costs somewhere in the region of AUD 650.00. Add about another 30% during the Christmas period.
Air around New Zealand:
Local travel is relatively cheap by air in New Zealand. With plenty of discounts going, you can get around easily on one of the domestic air services.
Sea to New Zealand:
Unless you can charter a boat of sorts or afford a cabin on an ocean liner, forget this romantic alternative - it doesn't exist. There are no cheap passenger ships serving New Zealand.
Sea around New Zealand:
There is a useful ferry service called the Interislander, operating between Wellington and Picton. Fares start at around NZD 28.00 off season and rise according to demand. Bookings are recommended in peak season. There are other ferry services to the Great Barrier Reef, Stewart Island and Bluff. There are also certain water taxi services, depending on where you are.
Buses around New Zealand:
InterCity is the big name in the bus industry. Other names are Newmans, operating in North Island, and Mt Cook Landline, in South Island. This makes for good competition and means that visitors can strike it lucky on many of the numerous fare discounts. Make a point of finding out which company offers what discounts when and to where before booking. There are many local bus services which will show you around with more flexibility than the large services. For efficient, extensive land travel, your best bet is to bus it.
Trains around New Zealand:
The train service pales in comparison to the bus service. Take a bus instead.
Roads:
You can rent or buy a car in New Zealand. Word has it that there are some good deals going for second-hand cars due to the proximity of car-producing nations such as Korea and Japan.
The roads are well maintained and make for easy travel. Being a small country, distances are not great and a car offers the flexibility you might desire if you want to head off the beaten track. Just watch out for the 80 million resident sheep.
There are some basic road rules worth abiding by. Drive on the left-hand side of the road. Observe the speed limits or suffer the rather stiff penalties: 50 km/h (30 mph) in built up zones, and 100 km/h (60 mph) on highways. Seat belts are compulsory, both in the front and in the back. If you are cycling or motorbiking, you must wear a helmet.
Petrol sells at around a dollar a litre.
Public Holidays
If a public holiday falls on a weekend, the next week day is a holiday. Keep this in mind when travelling, for post offices, banks, government services and many businesses are closed for public holidays. You can still do your shopping on these days, however, although even the shops close on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Anzac Day (morning only) and Christmas Day.
Peak Seasons
Peak season for tourism in New Zealand is over the Christmas period. If this is when you plan to go, book well ahead and avoid the more touristy areas if you want some peace and quiet. The best time to go is during summer, but out of peak season. That means October, November and February, March. From June to September you can enjoy the winter months in the southern alpine regions, and try you hand at skiing. Just remember that this will be the coldest and wettest time of year, and there is another peak season during the winter holidays for two weeks starting in the middle of May and again in the beginning of July.
Post & Telecommunications
Post offices are open 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. The postal service is efficient and telecommunications very inexpensive. A standard stamp currently costs in the region of 45c. A letter will get from one city to another within two days.
Local calls are free from a private phone, cost 4c per minute from a business phone (07:00-22:00) and cost only 20c from a call box. Call boxes accept coins, credit cards and phone cards. Phone cards can be bought at various shops - look for the green sign. The telephone directory explains in detail the costs involved in overseas and national calls, as well as how to attain operator assistance.
The country code for New Zealand is 64.
Emergency calls are free. Dial 111 for police, ambulance, or fire brigade.
Electricity
If you want to bring in electrical appliances bear in mind that the electricity is 240 volts, 50 Hz. Power sockets generally take three-pin plugs with square (flat) pins. Power transformers and plug adaptors can be found in most electrical stores in the cities.
Disabled Travellers
Visitors with disabilities need not worry when it comes to getting around, especially if you are happy to do so by air. Quantas, Ansette Airlines and Air New Zealand all offer good disability services. Contact these airlines for more details.
Budget Travel
New Zealand is quite a find for the student or budget traveller. There are always great discounts being offered on transport, especially if you have valid student ID. The most accepted is the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) available at a nominal price from most tertiary education establishment campuses. Your campus travel agency is your most likely bet. Backpacking is very popular and there are plenty of budget hostels throughout New Zealand.
History
New Zealand is thought to have be originally discovered by Kupe, a Polynesian navigator, in or around the year AD 950. The settlers from this expedition were the Morioris. Some four hundred years later, there took place a large migration of Polynesian's from Kupe's homeland to the island, named Aotearoa meaning land of the long white cloud. These new settlers, the Maoris, soon took control of the island.
Maori culture flourished within its stone-age framework. Devoid of most metals, New Zealand provided little in the form of a catalyst to encourage development to the bronze or iron ages. However, the Maori lifestyle was enriched and diversified by successful trade, military expansion and religion. A fierce warrior nation, the Maoris defeated most encroachments on their turf.
In 1642 the Maori had their first taste of European explorers - literally. The Dutch Explorer Abel Tasman lost several crew members when the Maoris had them for dinner. Tasman quickly left the island and headed for other lands with more orthodox cuisines. However, his brief exploration of the area had a lasting effect. He named the island New Zealand, after the province of Zeeland in the Netherlands. He also gave Tasmania and the Tasman Sea their names. Lastly, he made known to Europe the existence of a potentially rich colony.
In 1769, James Cook appeared in typical English swashbuckling style on board the Endeavour. Despite the violent attempts by the Maoris to communicate to the captain that New Zealand was already occupied and independent, Cook saw this as no obstacle, proudly planted the British flag in the ground and claimed New Zealand in the name of the British Crown.
British colonisation began a few decades later. It introduced whalers, sealers, diseases and firearms. This lethal combination made quick work of the Maoris. Thousands were wiped out by the various diseases the colonists, known as Pakeha, brought with them during the trade agreements between the two groups. The British traded muskets for war clubs and preserved heads. The firearms were then used by the tribes to subjugate each other as they scrambled for territory and power. By 1830 the Maoris were so few in number they presented little threat to British domination. However, relations between the groups grew increasingly strained until the Maoris entered a phase of armed conflict in 1860. The outcome was fairly predictable, but the war was dragged out over most of the decade before the Maoris were finally defeated.
With the Maoris well under the heel, the British colony thrived. Gold, wool and meat were the prime exports. By 1856 New Zealand became a self-governing colony, and the Liberal Party introduced many progressive reforms, such as suffrage for women in 1893. New Zealand was thus the first colony or country in the world to take this step. In 1907 the crown granted New Zealand dominion status, and autonomy in 1931. In 1947, with a prosperous economy, the colony became independent.
In the 1970s and 1980s the economy followed the worldwide downward trend, but things have recently levelled out and the long trek to prosperity has begun. More importantly, New Zealand has become very conscious of social issues, in particular those relating to the Maoris. Even the Treaty of Waitangi of 1840 (rejected in 1877), which guaranteed land rights to the Maoris was reconsidered and amended, affording the indigenous people the right to claim compensation for land confiscated in the past.
Recent developments in New Zealand's history are the strained diplomatic ties with France and the USA. New Zealand is strongly opposed to Nuclear weaponry and incensed the USA when it banned any nuclear craft from docking in its harbours. France and New Zealand have had some sharp words since the anti-nuclear protests New Zealand led to the Moruroa Atoll, culminating in the French bombing of the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior in 1985 in which one person died. Two French agents were captured by New Zealand authorities and sentenced to 10 years in prison. However, they were soon returned to France.
In 1983 New Zealand signed the Closer Economic Trade Agreement with Australia, allowing for unrestricted trade between the two countries. This has led to closer diplomatic and educational links between the two nations.
Population
There are 3.5 million people living in New Zealand, the only country where citizens are outnumbered by sheep by 25 to 1.This means the average population density is around 13 per square kilometer (33 per square mile). North Island is the most densely populated, however, containing some 75% of the population. About 80% of New Zealand's population are urbanites.
Government
Officially the Dominion of New Zealand, the country is an independent member of the British Commonwealth, with a unicameral parliament consisting of a House of Representatives with 99 members. This house has the capacity to pass a vote of no-confidence, thereby forcing a general election. Decisions are primarily made by the Executive Council, consisting of the Governor-General, the cabinet, and the minsters without portfolio. The Governor-General is still appointed by the British Monarch, although there is evidence to suggest that with the new century approaching Britain might relinquish this power. The cabinet consists of the prime minister and his ministers. The ministers without portfolio have no departments directly under their control, and hence are not included in the cabinet. The prime minister is officially appointed by the Governor-General.
The three parties vying for control of the political arena are the New Zealand Labour Party, the Nationalist Party, and The Alliance. Labour is semi-socialist, emphasising tax restrictions and certain forms of nationalisation. The Nationalists stress the importance of free market enterprise, while The Alliance is a collection of moderates, environmentalists and Maori groupings.
Local government is divided into twelve regions and three unitary authorities. The regions are Northland, Auckland, Waikata, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Manuwatu-Wanguni, Wellington, West Coast, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland. The unitary authorities are Gisborne, Nelson, and Marlborough. Each is controlled by its own council.
Language
There are two official languages: English and Maori. English is more widely used however, and almost all Maoris use it for their everyday communication.
Religion
Christianity in all its forms is the main religion of New Zealand. The Presbyterian, Anglican and Roman Catholic denominations are particularly popular, although the other denominations enjoy a following too. There are a few more obscure Christian sects, such as the Ratana and Ringatu, popular among the Maoris. Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism are also practised. There is a large agnostic and atheist component of the population: roughly 20%.
Economic Overview
New Zealand spent most of this century as an economically successful country. However, in the 1970s and 1980s, it took a turn for the worse along with the rest of the world during the depression. Recently, however, it has showed promising signs of revitalisation and growth. Today it has an estimated annual growth of 5.5% with a consumer product inflation rate of 1.6% in 1994. Unemployment is a problem, however, at 7.5% in December 1994.
The economy relies largely on farming, in particular sheep and dairy farming, which thrives due to the good yearly rainfall and resulting lush vegetation. However, food processing, forest products such as paper and wood, wool, iron and steel are all exported. There are also gold, coal, dolomite, natural gas and suspected uranium deposits.
Art & Culture
Well, you won't find the Louvre, but you will still find the usual museums and art galleries scattered throughout the cities, most of them tracing New Zealand's history in ZD 950. But if you are planning a feast of art and culture, you might be a touch dissatisfied. However the Maoris provide New Zealand with a unique cultural heritage. Drop in at any of these museums to learn about this remarkable culture.
Food & Drink
Kiwis don't waste too much time on the culinary pursuits and instead go in for a good feed. And this is what you'll get in most restaurants. With all its sheep, you can try some of the best lamb and mutton in the world, at very reasonable prices. Also try the local crayfish, similar to a lobster and sometimes referred to as Rock Lobster. As for traditional Maori cooking, there is the hangi - large quantities of steamed meat and veggies. If you can attend a genuine traditional hangi, so much the better, for you will be treated to a taste of Maori singing and dancing. The food is wrapped in leaves and cooked in a hole covered with earth.
The Kiwis make some good wines, but you have to be prepared to pay for them. There's also a good selection of quality beer. If you eat at an unlicensed restaurant, you can bring your own booze.
Entertainment
Being a first world country, you can expect the usual selection of first world entertainment: cinemas, theatres, nightclubs, bars and so on.
Festivals
If you want to get a taste of true New Zealand culture, the first thing you should pick up is a copy of the New Zealand Special Events calender, available at government tourism offices. This will let you know what is happening where and when. Then you can treat yourself to displays of crafts and livestock. You can watch great burly Kiwis chop up tree trunks and even watch to see who's the fastest sheep shearer in town. Here are some other events of note:
- February 1 - Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta
- February 6 - Waitangi Day (Be in Waitangi for this one)
- End of February - Garden City Festival of Flowers in Christchurch
- February 22-27 - Te Arawa Cultural Festival (Maori culture)
- March - Golden Shears International Shearing Championship in Masterton
- March 1-24 - New Zealand International Festival of the Arts (held every second year in Wellington)
- March 17-24 - Bluff Oyster Festival in Invercargill
- April 25 - Anzac Day (military festival)
- July 6-14 - Queenstown Winter Festival (winter sports, fun and games)
- November - Ellerslie Flower Show in Auckland
- Second week of November - Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Show, around Christchurch
Shopping
With all the sheep farming there is plenty of woolen products to buy, such as jerseys. Local specialities include wooden bowls and other containers, carefully crafted and polished. Other intricate figurines and pieces of jewellery are made from Greenstone which is similar to Jade. Bear in mind that New Zealand is not a third-world country with destitute craftsmen who desperately need to sell you their wares to pay for their next meal. For this craftsmanship you will be required to pay up, sometimes dearly. Fix a price before agreeing to take something.
Sport
If getting out into the fresh air is your idea of a good holiday, then New Zealand won't disappoint you. With a great temperate climate, plenty of sunshine and a local population fairly fixated with sport itself, there is always plenty to do. Sports which are big in New Zealand are: mountain biking, hiking and golf. If its water sports you prefer, there are numerous clean and picturesque beaches, or try sailing, surfing, canoeing or even fly fishing.
Then, if you arrive in winter and the water feels a little cold, head south to the Alpine area and try some skiing or mountain hikes. Other things to do in New Zealand are whale watching, horse-riding and sea, river, or lake kayaking.
Parks & Reserves
There are 13 well-administered national parks or reserves in New Zealand - four in North Island and nine in South Island. There are plenty of other parks, including those which are part of the forest park system. Each aims at preserving the native land, flora and fauna as it was hundreds of years ago. Some parks concentrate on volcanoes, others coastal areas, some lakes, and some glacier regions. The North Island is generally the summer sports and beach paradise area, while South Island is far more mountainous and covered in glaciers.
North Island
Coromandel Forest Park - 740 km² (286 miles²) of forest land on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Great Barrier Forest - just north of Auckland, includes rugged coastal walks edged with forests leading down to sheltered beaches. Also great for hot springs.
Kaimanawa Forest Park - offers the chance to view a large forested area set in the Kaimanawa Range with the sources of four major rivers in an extremely rough and ready fashion. Amenities and paths are ill-suited to the unseasoned tramper, hence it has much fewer visitors than other parks.
Mt Egmont National Park - home to Mt Egmont, also known as Mt Taranaki, an old volcano capped in snow and ice.
Tararua National Park - a park unique in its harsh, broken landscape weathered by cold, lonely winds, twirling mist and fleeting squalls of snow. For experienced trampers.
Te Paki Reserves - stirring coastal scenery starring some incredible beaches.
Te Urewera National Park - for a forest wonderland straight out of a fantasy novel, spotted with pristine lakes for some of the best trout fishing in the world.
Tongariro National Park - Ancestral home of the Maoris, this sacred park features some of the most magnificent volcanoes in New Zealand, as well as New Zealand's only desert.
Whanganui National Park - a lowland forest area, this park is famous for the Wanganui River, the longest navigable river in the country (329 km/204 miles long).
Whirinaki Forest Park - The most recent addition to the New Zealand forest park system, this park is unique for its overwhelming density of trees, most of them indigenous to New Zealand.
South Island
Abel Tasman National Park - the perfect park for the inexperienced hiker, this is the most popular reserve in New Zealand, offering some of the most wonderful coastal walks in the country with one of the best climates.
Arthur's Pass National Reserve - world renowned for its mountains, ski slopes and hunting territory, set amid the huge Southern Alps.
Fiordland National Park - the largest park in New Zealand, it is world famous for its waterfalls and incredible fiords, including the Milford Sound.
Kahurangi National Park - the country's most recent national park, it includes the wonderful Tasman Mountains, home to Mt Snowden (1,856 m/6,087 ft), five large rivers, plenty of shrub-land and scenic beaches. A bit of everything here.
Lewis Pass National Reserve - featuring accessible subalpine routes through magnificent mountain passes.
Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park - a delightful collection of tiny islands scattered off the northern coast of South Island. Perfect for those who enjoy caves, coves, beaches and coastal walks.
Mt Richmond Forest Park - Set in the Richmond Range of mountains, this park is entirely covered with forest and features uncommon bushes and birds, including the national bird, the kiwi.
Mt Aspiring National Park - a glacial and mountain paradise, including Mt Aspiring (3,027 /9,928 ft), New Zealand's second highest mountain.
Mt Cook National Park - home to Mt Cook (3,754 m/12,313 ft), the highest mountain in New Zealand, and other impressive peaks constantly smothered in snow and ice. For the experienced hiker.
Mt Somers Recreation and Conservation Area - set in the foothills of the Southern Alps around the sources of the rivers which lead across the Canterbury Plains to the sea.
Nelson Lakes National Park - featuring the world famous Rotoiti and Rotoroa Lakes.
Paparoa National Park - for an unusual combination of lowland valleys and plains and wind-swept granite mountain-sides with limestone rock formations and caves.
Westland National Park - magnificent mountain park with glaciers connecting the Southern Alps to the Tasman Sea. For the experienced hiker.
Climate
Visitors can enjoy a mild climate all year around, although summer is obviously the preferred time to visit. The warmer areas of New Zealand lie to the north, on North Island, while the coldest lie in the southern reaches of South Island, home to many glaciers. Wellington, on the southern end of North Island, has a summer average temperature of 20° C (68° F) and a winter average temperature of 6° C (43° F). Auckland, lying on the northern end of North Island, experiences average temperatures ranging from 23° C (74° F) in summer to 8° C (47° F) in winter. Christchurch, a third of the way down South Island enjoys summer averages of 22° C (72° F) and winter averages of 8° C (46° F).
New Zealand is a wet country. Rainfall in any area is seldom lower than 500 mm (20 in), and can be as much as 8,000 mm (315 in)! So break out your galoshes and pack a good raincoat. If you really like the rain, head to the southwestern coast of South Island, for the most rain you are ever likely to see. For those who grow mould in embarrassing places or suffer from rheumatism when it rains too much, make your destination central South Island, for the lowest rainfall in New Zealand (less than 500 mm/20 in). Wellington receives some 1,230 mm (48 in) of rain annually, while Auckland receives 1,850 mm (73 in) per annum.
Flora & Fauna
Horticulturists and those with green fingers will be delighted by the vast variety of plants in New Zealand, many of them being unique to the country. There are still impressive natural forests covering the landscape, protected by the state, which provide homes for all sorts of small animals which arrived with the settlers: possums, wild pigs, goats, cats, rabbits, wallabies and deer. What is even better is that the variety of plants and animals changes significantly depending on location. What you will see in the southern Alpine region will differ greatly from what you will find on North Island.
Bird life is proliferate throughout the country, although many native bird species are endangered by the successful introduction of non-indigenous species by the settlers. There are almost no native animals in New Zealand. There are no snakes or dangerous animals to worry about. Sandflies and mosquitos are a nuisance, but little else. The only critter to watch out for is the deadly katipo spider, although this is extremely rare.
Health
You require no special vaccinations to enter New Zealand. The water purification system is an efficient one, providing drinkable water throughout the country. Avoid drinking water in lakes or ponds before you boil it. Likewise, avoid swimming in warm pools of slow moving water, as this is how you can catch Amoebic Menningitis.
Medical insurance is a good idea if you are travelling to New Zealand, especially if you are planning an adventure holiday. You will get free medical attention if you are involved in an accident, but otherwise you could be in trouble without such insurance.
Pharmacists follow normal working hours (09:00 - 17:00) but there are emergency chemists, or Urgent Pharmacies, as they are referred to in the telephone directory.
If you are worried about horrible beasties while trekking through the forests, relax. The only creature of danger is the katipo spider, and this is extremely rare despite being deadly. You can get and anti-venom from most hospitals. A common nuisance are sandflies, so make sure you buy a good insect repellent in New Zealand designed for these little pests.
Safety
Crime is pretty low in New Zealand and the streets are safe enough from violent crime. Unemployment is a bit of a problem, so theft is on the increase. Keep a close eye on your gear and keep your car locked whenever you aren't in it.
The emergency number to call in case you require the police, an ambulance, or the fire brigade is 111. |
