New Zealand

New Zealand, 'Land of the Long White Cloud', is a small, sparsely populated country consisting of two major islands, North and South Island, and a scattering of smaller ones. Despite its small size it is crammed with magnificent natural beauty and has an incredible amount to offer; the only complaint travellers have is that they haven't allowed enough time in the country. Fresh air, breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities are the main attractions of New Zealand, with a tremendously friendly, honest and helpful population, colloquially nicknamed after their country's distinct symbol, the unusual but amiable flightless kiwi bird.

The two islands have surprisingly different characters. The North Island has dramatic volcanic landscapes and highly active thermal areas, long stretches of beautiful beaches and excellent sailing, ancient indigenous forests and a strong Maori cultural influence. The South Island has a slower pace of life dominated by a magnificent spine of mountains, the snow-covered Southern Alps, and the spectacular scenery of the southern waterways of the fjordlands, with glaciers, deep lakes and verdant forests.

The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 was New Zealand's founding document, an attempt to settle disputes between the European settlers and the Maoris, conceding the country to British rule while guaranteeing the Maori people possession of their land and cultural identity. Today, integration has been replaced by a policy of upholding two different cultures alongside each other. Their shared love of sport, most notably the revered national sport of rugby union, and their enthusiasm for adventure and the outdoors is the unifying factor among the whole population.

New Zealand offers a huge variety of action-packed and laid back activities, from bungy jumping to skiing, swimming with dolphins, scenic flights and boat cruises on the fjords, as well as several world famous walking trails with unrivalled scenery. Alternatively visitors can immerse themselves in culture at the museums and galleries of the country's main cities - Auckland and the capital Wellington in the North, and Christ Church in the south.

New Zealand is an easy and compact place in which to travel and its spectacularly dramatic landscape alone, famous for its setting for the 'The Lord of the Rings' film trilogy, makes the long trip to these southern islands more than worthwhile.

Climate

The weather in New Zealand is changeable throughout the year. The North Island has mild winters and warm and humid summers, the South Island has lower temperatures with cold winters and extensive snowfields and glaciers. Snow falls on all the mountains in winter. The west coast receives the most rain. Summer months are from November to April.

Language

The official languages are English and Maori, but English is the everyday language most widely spoken.

Time

Local time is GMT +12 (GMT +13 from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March).

Money

Local currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), divided into 100 cents. Most businesses accept MasterCard and Visa, and while Diners Club and American Express are also widely accepted in the main tourist centres, they might have limited acceptance elsewhere. Travellers cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some hotels. ATMs can be found in all towns and cities.

Activities

Bungy Jumping
Undoubtedly the most prominent sport in Queenstown, bungy jumping takes place from four of the world's most scenic bungy sites. Visitors can choose to throw themselves off a bridge or a gondola, or there are milder options that include cable swinging or the Bungee Rocket that shoots people into the air while strapped into a cage-like device on the end of a bungy cord. The first commercial bungy jump site in the world is on the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge, situated 137.5 ft (43m) above the river, with viewing platforms for spectators. The urban option is Hackett's Ledge, situated at the top of the gondola, and it is open even at night. The second highest is the Pipeline Bungy, operating from a suspension bridge across Skippers Canyon on the site of the 1864 gold-sluicing pipeline. The engineering masterpiece is the highest bungy jump, and the world's first gondola jump, a pod suspended terrifyingly 440 ft (134m) above the riverbed, spanning a remote gorge. A glass-bottomed cable car takes the jumpers out to the gondola.

Swimming with dolphins
The beautiful and sheltered Akaroa Harbour is the only place in the world where visitors can swim with the world's smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hector's or New Zealand dolphin. All necessary equipment is included such as wetsuits, masks and snorkels and supervision is provided throughout. It is also possible to simply watch the graceful antics from aboard the vessel.

Hiking
The area around Queenstown offers some excellent hiking, known locally as tramping. Some of the country's excellent multi-day hiking trails start from nearby, including the spectacular Routebourne Track, one of the best in the country for its variety of countryside and scenery. The Rees-Dart Track is a rugged circular track, and the Greenstone Caples Track is a less challenging option. All the tramps have well maintained paths and comfortable mountain hut accommodation.

Jet Boating
Hurtling up and down the churning rivers around Queenstown in jet boats is a very popular activity. The Shotover River surges through Skippers Canyon, the narrowest and deepest section, and trips include heart stopping 360-degree spins, last minute turns away from the canyon edges and high speed boating on either the Shotover or the Kawarau Rivers. It is an exhilarating experience that continues to draw the crowds.

The Milford Track
The Milford Track is considered to be the finest walk in the world, a four-day hike ending at Milford Sound that has been attracting tourists and locals for over 100 years. Following glaciated valleys and crossing an alpine pass it traverses some fabulous scenery, past towering snow-clad peaks, rivers and waterfalls, along grassy plateaux and through dense rainforests. The number of hikers is limited and accommodation is provided in comfortable mountain huts along the way. For more information go to www.doc.govt.nz

Passport Visa

Visitors must be in possession of a return ticket, documents for onward travel, and proof of sufficient funds. Visitors must hold per month of stay NZ$400, if holding evidence of pre-paid accommodation. In other cases, visitors must hold NZ$1,000 per month of stay. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond period of stay, or for one month if country of origin has consular representation in New Zealand.

Entry Requirements

United States citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months. British citizens holding a passport endorsed British Citizen do not require a visa for a stay of up to six months. British citizens with passports endorsed British National (Overseas) may stay for up to three months without a visa. In all other cases, a visa is required. Canadian citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months. Australian nationals must have a valid passport for travel to New Zealand. No visa is required. South Africans must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months. Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.

Embassy Consulates

United States Embassy, Wellington: +64 (0)4 462 6000.

British High Commission, Wellington: +64 (0)4 924 2888.

Canadian High Commission, Wellington: +64 (0)4 473 9577.

Australian High Commission, Wellington: +64 (0)4 473 6411.

Honorary Consulate of New Zealand, Wellington: +64 (0)4 234 8006.

Honorary Consul General of Ireland, Auckland: +64 (0)9 977 2252.

Health

There are no health risks associated with travel to New Zealand. A reciprocal health agreement exists with the UK, which entitles nationals, with proof of residence, to free emergency hospital treatment, but health insurance is recommended to cover any additional charges and for those not entitled to free emergency treatment. Those intending to participate in adventure activities, such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, etc should ensure that their travel insurance covers these types of activities.

Safety

New Zealand has a reputation as one of the safest destinations in the world, however sensible precautions against petty theft are still advised.

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Oblique flat blade plugs are standard.

Business

Business in New Zealand is usually conducted formally and conservatively. Standard business etiquette applies; punctuality is important, business attire is formal (for men and women suits are appropriate), meetings begin and end with a handshake and business cards are exchanged. Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Communications

The international access code for New Zealand is +64. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0061 for Australia). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)9 for Auckland and (0)4 for the Wellington region. Vodafone offers GSM 900 coverage in and around the main cities and popular holiday areas. Internet cafes are widely available.

Duty Free

Travellers to New Zealand over 17 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, or a proportionate mix of these; 1.125 litres or 1 litre spirits or liqueurs, and 4.5 litres wine, port or sherry, or 4.5 litres beer. Goods exceeding the allowances must be declared. Personal effects not dutiable include items such as jewellery, binoculars, portable radios, prams, camping equipment, cameras and video cameras. Prohibited items include concealed firearms, foodstuffs, animals, plants and plant products. It is forbidden to export Greenstone, Maori antiquities and Paua shells (unless they are products manufactured from such shells).