NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL INFORMATION

New Zealand has a population of only 3.8 million - making it one of the world's least crowded countries. It contains six of the seven climatic regions on the planet, boasts a series of unparalleled golden-sand beaches, protected marine parks to explore from on- or beneath the surface, safe-but-active volcanic areas, pristine snow-capped Alps to ski and climb, prehistoric forests and unique flora and fauna. It has a reputation as one of the safest destinations in the world, lacking poisonous animals and boasting a low crime rate. You can walk for miles in New Zealand without seeing another soul, accompanied by rustling trees, running water and unusual bird song but perhaps the country's greatest asset is its warm, friendly and hospitable population.

Getting There: New Zealand is a three and a half hour flight from Eastern Australia, a non-stop overnight flight from the United States is about 13 hours.

International airports: New Zealand's international airports are at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Some flights from Australia also land at Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown and Dunedin.

Departure Tax: A tax of NZ$22-NZ$25 has to be paid at the airport when you leave New Zealand. Please note that this tax is not included in your ticket price.

Entry: All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you intend to leave the country. As a U.S citizen, you do not need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand if you are staying less than 3 months.

Travel Seasons:
Low Season:
April 26, 2005 to June 17, 2005
July 19, 2005 to August 26, 2005
Shoulder Season:
February 23, 2005 to April 25, 2005
June 18, 2005 to July 18, 2005
August 27, 2005 to December 4, 2005
High Season:
December 5, 2004 to February 22, 2005

Climate: In New Zealand the seasons as reversed with our winter being NZ's summer. Higher altitudes are always cooler. The climate is maritime, which means that the weather can change with amazing rapidity, especially in the mountains. The North Island is sub-tropical with Summer temperatures averaging 75 to 54 degrees. The South is temperate with warmest months being December - February (average temp. 72 to 54 degrees) and the coldest are June -August. (average temp. 54 to 37). On the South Island, there exists a wetter climate on the west side of the mountains and a dryer climate on the east side. Here one can find some of the best skiing & snowboarding in the World, ski season usually runs from June to October. To view the weather forecast for any month, log on to: www.weatherbase.com

Getting around: New Zealand also has an extensive bus network, with the main operator being InterCity (servicing both the North Island and South Island). The two other major bus operators are Newmans (North Island) and Mt Cook Landline (South Island). Services on main bus routes are frequent (at least once a day); unfortunately they can be expensive and slow. A good alternative is to use shuttle bus companies, which are smaller, cheaper and friendlier than the large bus companies. Some of them are designed to cater especially to foreign travelers and/or backpackers and have lots of little 'extras' that make them particularly attractive.

Main train routes are few, though train travel is reasonably fast. Trains are modern and comfortable, and the fares are sometimes cheaper than those by bus on the same routes. Car travel (New Zealanders drive on the left) is recommended as the roads are good and well signposted and the distances short. Rentals of cars, motorcycles and campervans are popular with a range of special deals available. There are plenty of boat services, including the Interislander ferry (operating between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island). And finally, there's always cycling around the country. Many travelers describe New Zealand as a cyclists' paradise: it's clean, green, uncrowded and unspoiled, and there are plenty of places where you can camp or find cheap accommodation. Bicycle rental can be daily, weekly or monthly and is inexpensive.

For a travel distance calculator, try this site: http://discovernz.co.nz/driving/smlcalc.html

Tipping: Tipping is become more widespread, principally in the major tourist areas. Generally if service has been good then a 5% - 10% tip is adequate.

Taxes: The Goods & Services Tax (GST) adds 12.5% to the price of just about everything. Prices quoted, though, include the GST tax.

Currency: New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$), comprising coins with values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2, and notes with values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centers.

Costs: (in New Zealand dollars)
Meals
Budget: NZ$7-15, Mid-range: NZ$15-35 ,  High: NZ$35-50,  Deluxe: NZ$50+
Lodging
Budget: NZ$15-30 , Mid-range: NZ$30-80 ,  High: NZ$80-150 , Deluxe: NZ$150+

ATM & Credit Cards: Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.

Activities: New Zealand is a Mecca for thrill seekers and anyone interested in wide open spaces and physical activities. Above the ground you can go bungy jumping, parachuting, skydiving, abseiling and flying; on the ground you can go tramping, mountain bike riding, skiing, horse riding, rock climbing, and 'zorbing'; underground you can go surface caving, cave rafting, and hydro sliding; and on the water you can go jet-boarding, white-water sledging, rafting, boogey boarding, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, sur- rafting, and scuba diving. If there is a difficult and challenging way to get from one point to another you can do it somewhere, somehow, in New Zealand.

Despite the number of off-beat activities available, the most popular one is still tramping (Kiwi lingo for hiking or trekking). Thousands of kilometres of marked tracks and an efficient network of trampers' huts make it a viable activity for everyone from experienced hikers to country strollers. Be warned that some of the more popular tracks such as the Great Walks will be fairly crowded, especially in summer, so if you prefer solitude contact the nearest Department of Conservation for further information on tramping in their area.

New Zealand is also one of the most popular destinations in the southern hemisphere for skiing and other winter sports because of its reliable and abundant snowfall. This usually occurs between June and October. There are a number of ski-package tours available and a variety of ski resorts scattered throughout both the north and south islands.