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Full country name: New Zealand
Area: 269000 square kilometer
Population: 3.8 million
Capital city: WELLINGTON (population 345000)
People: 88% European PAKEHA, 12% MAORI and Polynesian
Languages: English and MAORI
Religion: Predominantly Christian (81%)
Government: Independent member of the British Commonwealth
Prime Minister: HELEN CLARK
GDP: US$ 85 billion
GDP per head: US$ 22360
Annual growth: 2%
Inflation: 2%
Major industries: Food processing, wood and paper products, dairy products, iron and steel, wool, textiles
Major trading partners: Australia, Japan, & USA
Currency: 1 Dollar = 100 Cents
Time: UTC plus 12 hours, two hours ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time
Electricity: 240 V AC, 50 Hz
Measures: Metric

Introduction:

New Zealand is a country of rare seismic beauty, glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, deep clear lakes, hissing geysers and boiling mud. There are also abundant forest reserves, long deserted beaches and a variety of fauna, such as the kiwi, endemic to its shores. Any number of vigorous outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, rafting and, of course, that perennial favorite, bungee jumping await the adventurous. Tourists can swim with dolphins, gambol with newborn lambs, whale watch or fish for fattened trout in the many streams. The people, bound in a culture that melds European with MAORI ancestry, are resourceful, helpful and overwhelmingly friendly. The extraordinary place names TE AWAMUTU, WHANGAMOMONA or PAEKAKARIKI for tongue-trippers are resonant and with a modicum of practice, easy to pronounce. Because it's such a compact place, travel within New Zealand whether by plane, bus, rail, car or campervan is affordable and efficient. Accommodation too is cheap and varied. And the culinary promise of venison, fresh seafood, sublime ice cream and award-winning wines should more than whet the appetite.

Geography

Lying between 34 South and 47 South, New Zealand sits squarely in the roaring forties latitude, which means a prevailing and continual wind blows over the country from west to east, this can range from a gentle breeze in summer to a buffeting roof-stripping gale in winter. The North Island and South Island, because of their different geological features, have two distinct patterns of rainfall. In the South Island, the Southern Alps act as a barrier for the moisture-laden winds from the TASMAN Sea, creating a wet climate to the west of the mountains and a dry climate to the east, while the North Island's rainfall is more evenly distributed without a comparable geological feature such as the Alps.

Environment:

New Zealand is in the South Pacific Ocean, 1600-kilometer southeast of Australia. It stretches 1600-kilometer from north to south and consists of two large islands and a smattering of smaller islands, some hugging its shores, others hundreds of kilometers away. The North Island (115000 square kilometer) and the South Island (151000 square kilometer) are the two major landmasses, the next largest is STEWART Island (1700 square kilometer), which lies directly beneath the South Island. The North Island has a number of large volcanoes including the currently active Mount RUAPEHU and highly active thermal areas, while the South Island boasts the Southern Alps, a spine of magnificent mountains running almost its entire length. Another notable feature of New Zealand is its myriad rivers and lakes, notably the WHANGANUI River, Lake TAUPO and the breathtaking lakes WAIKAREMOANA and WANAKA. Much of New Zealand's flora is endemic and its extent is enormous, giant gum-producing kauri and kohekohe forests, rainforest dominated by RIMU, BEECH, TAWA, MATAI and RATA, ferns and flax, alpine and sub-alpine herb fields, and scrub and tussock. One of the most noticeable plants is the POHUTUKAWA known as the New Zealand Christmas tree that detonates with brilliant red flowers around December. About 10% to 15% of the total land area of New Zealand is covered with native flora, the bulk protected in national parks and reserves. Curiously, native fauna is limited, with the only indigenous mammal being the bat. Bird life, however, has thrived. The most common species include the MOREPORK, TUI, WEKA and the KEA, a clamant and mischievous bird which likes nothing better than to sashay up to humans, tip over rubbish bins and slide KEE-AAAING down corrugated roofs at night. Introduced species like pigs, goats, possums, dogs, cats, deer and the ubiquitous sheep are found throughout New Zealand, but their proliferation in the wild has had a deleterious effect on the environment. Over 150 native plants, 10% of the total number of native species and many native birds are presently threatened with extinction. New Zealand's offshore waters hold a variety of fish including TUNA, MARLIN, SNAPPER, TREVALLY, KAHAWAI and SHARK; while its marine mammals like dolphins, seals and whales attract nature-lovers from around the world. There are 12 national parks, 20 forests, 3 maritime parks and 2 marine parks, plus 2 world heritage areas TONGARIRO National Park in the North Island and TE WAIHIPOUNA-MU in the South Island.

Climate:

Temperatures are a few degrees cooler in the South Island, and both islands receive snow in winter. Winter falls in the months of June through August and summer from December through February. It is important to remember that New Zealand's climate is maritime rather than continental that means the weather can change with amazing rapidity and consequence. The busy tourist season falls in the warmer months between November and April, though ski resorts, such as QUEENSTOWN, are full during winter.

History:

The Polynesian navigator KUPE has been credited with the discovery of New Zealand in 950 AD. He named it AOTEAROA ‘Land of the long white cloud’. Centuries later, around 1350 AD, a great migration of people from HAWAIKI, the homeland of KUPE followed his navigational instructions and sailed to New Zealand, eventually supplanting or mixing with previous residents. Their culture, developed over centuries without any discernible outside influence, was hierarchical and often sanguinary. In 1642, the Dutch explorer ABEL TASMAN briefly sailed along the west coast of New Zealand; any thoughts of a longer stay were thwarted when his attempt to land resulted in several of his crew being killed and eaten. In 1769, Captain JAMES COOK circumnavigated the two main islands aboard the ENDEAVOUR. Initial contact with the MAORIS also proved violent but JAMES COOK impressed with the MAORIS’ bravery and spirit and recognizing the potential of this newfound land, grabbed it for the British crown before setting sail for Australia. When the British began their antipodean colonizing, New Zealand was originally seen as an offshoot of Australian enterprise in whaling and sealing. In fact, from 1839 to 1841 the country was under the jurisdiction of New South Wales. However, increased European settlement soon proved problematic. A policy was urgently required regarding land deals between the settlers PAKEHA and the MAORI. In 1840, the Treaty of WAITANGI was signed, with the MAORI ceding sovereignty of their country to Britain in exchange for protection and guaranteed possession of their lands. But relations between the MAORI and PAKEHA soon soured, the MAORIS became increasingly alarmed at the effect the PAKEHA had on their society while the PAKEHA rode roughshod over MAORI rights outlined in the treaty). In 1860, war broke out between them, continuing for much of the decade. The fighting eventually died down, and though there was no formal resolution, the PAKEHAS claimed victory. By the late 19th century, things had temporarily calmed down. The discovery of gold had engendered much prosperity, and wide-scale sheep farming meant New Zealand became an efficient and mostly self-reliant country. Sweeping social changes, women's suffrage, social security, the encouragement of trade unions and the introduction of childcare services cemented New Zealand's reputation as a country committed to egalitarian reform. New Zealand was given dominion status in the British Empire in 1907 and granted autonomy by Britain in 1931; independence, however, was not formally proclaimed until 1947. The economy continued to prosper until the worldwide recession in the 1980s, when unemployment rose dramatically. Today the economy has stabilized, thanks largely to an export-driven recovery. Internationally, New Zealand was hailed during the mid-1980s for its anti-nuclear stance even though it meant a falling-out with the USA and its opposition to French nuclear testing in the Pacific Ocean which France countered, to much opprobrium but little penalty, by blowing up the Green Peace vessel RAINBOW WARRIOR as it sat in AUCKLAND Harbor. The MAORI population is now increasing faster than the PAKEHA and resurgence in MAORITANGA; the MAORI culture has had a major and lasting impact on New Zealand society. Culturally, the most heartening aspect had been the mending of relations between the MAORI and PAKEHA, in 1985, the Treaty of WAITANGI was overhauled, leading to financial reparations to a number of MAORI tribes whose land had been unjustly confiscated. However, a recent clumsy take-it-or-leave-it attempt by the New Zealand government to offer financial reparations has resulted in an upsurge of militant MAORI protests. MAORIS have disrupted events, occupied land claim areas, set up roadblocks, introduced a sledgehammer to the America's Cup and threatened to blow-up the New Zealand parliament. The disharmony has shocked New Zealanders and placed national conciliation at the top of the political agenda. While race relations are once again stable, the issue remains of crucial importance.

Culture:

The dominant cultural groups are the PAKEHA and the MAORI. Other smaller groups include Yugoslavian Dalmatians, Polynesians, Indians and Chinese. A common thread that binds the entire population is its love of sport especially the national game of rugby union and outdoor pursuits such as sailing, swimming, cycling, hiking and camping. The secular aside, Christianity is the most common religion, with Anglicanism, Presbyterianism and Catholicism the largest denominations. An interesting religious variation is the synthesis of the MAORI RATANA and RINGATU faiths with Christianity. English and MAORI are the two official languages. English is more widely spoken, though the MAORI language, for so long on the decline, is now making a comeback thanks to the revival of MAORITANGA. A mellifluous, poetic language, MAORI is surprisingly easy to pronounce if spoken phonetically and each word split into separate syllables. New Zealand art is multifarious, valuing innovation, integrity and craftsmanship that reflects PAKEHA, MAORI and Melanesian heritage. Wood, stone, shell and bone carvings are readily available while larger works such as wood paneling TUKUTUKU can be seen in most meeting houses MARAES. PAUA shell, greenstone, greywacke and green pebbles are often fashioned into jewels that takes its inspiration from the landscape, earrings shaped like the leaves of a gingko tree, sunglasses modeled on native fern tendrils, and necklaces in frangipani-flower designs. There is a lively theatre scene in the country, especially in WELLINGTON, and a number of galleries, including the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, which is the oldest viewing room in New Zealand and one of its best. The music scene is vigorous and has spawned a pool of talent, from SPLIT ENZ and CROWDED HOUSE to the thrashing guitar pyrotechnics of DUNEDIN’S 3Ds and STRAITJACKET FITS, lauded locally and overseas.

Events:

Some of the noteworthy cultural events include Summer City Program in January to February at WELLINGTON which is a series of festivals around the city; Marlborough Food & Wine Festival in 2nd week of February at BLENHEIM, International Festival of the Arts in February in even-numbered years only at WELLINGTON which is an entire month of national and international culture, Golden Shears Sheep-Shearing Contest in March at MASTERTON which is a must for lovers of sheep, scat and sweat, and Canterbury Show Week in November at CHRISTCHURCH which has agricultural exhibits, rides and local entertainment.

Season:

The weather is never so miserable that there's no point in going to New Zealand, there are things to see and do all year-round. The warmer months November to April are busiest, especially during the school holidays from December 20 to the end of January. Ski resort towns are obviously busier during the winter months. If visitors are traveling during peak periods especially the Christmas season it's best to book ahead, as much accommodation and transport fills up. It's probably more pleasant to visit either before or after this hectic period, when the weather is still warm and there aren't as many other travelers around.

Survival:

The currencies of Australia, UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Japan are all easily changed in New Zealand. Visitors will have no trouble with the major travelers' CHEQUES and credit cards. Banks will give cash advances on Visa and Master Card, but for American Express Card transactions visitors must go to an American Express office. Tipping is becoming more widespread in New Zealand, although many Kiwis still regard it as a rather odd foreign custom. Nevertheless, it is on the increase, principally in the major centers where there's been more foreign influence. Visitors should tip 5-10% of the bill in a restaurant not in a simple café if they feel they have received exceptional service.

Arrival:

The overwhelming majority of visitors arrive by air. There are three airports that handle international flights; AUCKLAND that is the major exit and entry point, WELLINGTON, CHRISTCHURCH and QUEENSTOWN. Departure tax on international flights is NZ$ 25. A few cruise ships visit New Zealand, but there are no regular passenger ship services and working way across the Pacific Ocean as crew on a yacht now seems a thing of the past.

Visa:

Only a valid passport is necessary for citizens of most countries.

Traveling:

It's possible to travel economically in New Zealand. Budget travelers can expect to get by on less than US$ 35 a day if camping or staying in hostels and self-catering. Motor camps and motels all have kitchens for guests to use, so staying in these also gives tourists the option of doing their own cooking. One of the main reasons people come to New Zealand is to participate in the activities the country is known for. Some cost nothing like tramping, swimming, bird watching but as so many enjoyable activities are expensive, they can end up being a major part of the travel budget. If visitors stay in hotels, eat at restaurants and spend money on rafting, bungee jumping and the like, be prepared to outlay about US$ 100 a day. Although New Zealand is compact and generally easy to get around, it makes good sense to fly especially for the views over the mountains or volcanoes. A variety of discounts also make flying economical. Several smaller airlines like MOUNT COOL AIRLINE, EAGLE AIR and AIR NELSON are partly owned by flagship AIR NEW ZEALAND and have been grouped together as AIR NEW ZEALAND LINK. This network provides thorough coverage of the country. 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 in North Island and MOUNT COOK LANDLINE in 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 backpackers and have lots of little extras that make them particularly attractive; other companies, perhaps drawing on the experiences of KEN KESEY and his MERRY PRANKSTERS, can take you around New Zealand on alternative buses that are often an unhurried way of seeing the country. 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, open and unspoiled, and there are plenty of places where visitors can camp or find cheap accommodation. Bicycle rental can be daily, weekly or monthly and is inexpensive.

Accommodations:

High-range: US$100 and upwards, Mid-range: US$ 20-100, Low-range: US$ 10-20.

Cuisines:

High-range: US$30 and upwards, Mid-range: US$ 15-30, Low-range: US$ 5-15.

Sight Attractions:

WELLINGTON City:
WELLINGTON is the capital city of New Zealand of which population is 345000. It is situated on a splendid harbor at the southern tip of the North Island. Often maligned by its northern counterparts for its ill-tempered weather, the winds are often of gale-force caliber in winter. WELLINGTON is a lively city of culture and arts with festivals almost every month, and great ethnic restaurants and cafes. It is also home to the country's government and national treasures. Buildings of interest include the modernist Beehive which is the executive wing of parliament, the Old Government Building which is one of the largest all-wooden buildings in the world, the National Library which is housing the most comprehensive collection of books in the country, and the KATHERINE MANSFIELD Memorials which is the property where the famous author was born in 1888. In addition, there are museums including the excellent new TE PAPA Museum, a Zoo and stunning views of the city from the top of Mount VICTORIA. CUBA Street has great shopping, THORNDON Street has historic sites of interest, LAMBTON QUAY Street is the primary business street and Mount VICTORIA is the place to go for cheap accommodation and dining. The treetop walk at the Native Plant Museum is also worth the time.

AUCKLAND City:
AUCKLAND is the largest city in New Zealand of which population is 1 million. It is almost enclosed by water and covered in volcanic hills. Like SYSNEY, AUCKLAND has a spectacular harbor and bridge and a fanatical number of yachting enthusiasts that has earned it the sobriquet ‘City of Sails’. A magnet for the people of the South Pacific Islands, AUCKLAND now has the largest concentration of Polynesians in the world. Highlights include the AUCKLAND Museum, which houses a memorable display of MAORI artifacts and culture, and KELLY TARLTON Underwater World & Antarctic Encounter, a unique simulacrum of ocean and exploration activities. There is great shopping in the suburbs of PARNELL and NEWMARKET, well-preserved Victorian buildings in DEVONPORT, Polynesian handicrafts, cafes, restaurants and markets in PONSONBY, panoramic views of the city from the extinct volcano One Tree Hill, and good swimming beaches including KOHIMARAMA and MISSION Bay. HAURAKI Gulf of AUCKLAND is dotted with islands such as Great Barrier, RANGITOTO and WAIHEKE, which have affordable accommodation, a number of walks and diving possibilities and, in the case of WAIHEKE Island, excellent art galleries. AUCKLAND is also a good starting point for visiting the amazingly scenic COROMANDEL Peninsula and HAURAKI Plains regions to the southeast.

Southland:
Three highlights dominate Southland, which cover the south of the South Island, QUEENSTOWN with its adrenaline activities, the walkways of FIORDLAND National Park, and OTAGO Peninsula, which boasts New Zealand's first foray into eco-tourism. QUEENSTOWN, set in a glacial valley on the edge of Lake WAKATIPU, is a town synonymous with hairy adventures like parasailing, schussing down icy rapids in jet boats, white-water rafting, and bungee jumping off Skippers Canyon Bridge, the latest and most terrifying being a plunge 300-meter from a helicopter. FIORDLAND National Park, which takes its name from its glacier-carved coast, is a wilderness of mountains, ice and beech forests. The scenic climax of FIORDLAND is undoubtedly MILFORD Sound where cruise ships bob toy-like beneath the shadows of towering mountains and waterfalls. There are classic alpine walks, including the ROUTEBURN Track in Mount Aspiring National Park, the HOLLYFORD Valley and the MILFORD Track billed as the ‘finest in the world’. OTAGO Peninsula is a significant wildlife area with woodland gardens, albatross, penguin and seal colonies, plus aquariums, museums and historic sites. DUNEDIN, a student city on the peninsula, is a hub for arts and entertainment, and is famous for producing an eclectic pool of internationally successful rock bands. Scottish to its core, the city has a rich architectural heritage with many museums, galleries and castles. There is a series of huge lakes in the area, including HAWEA and nearby WANAKA in OTAGO, and Lake TE ANAU in Southland. TE ANAU, gouged out by a huge glacier, is a New Zealand’s second largest lake and features cave full of glowworms, and waterfalls and whirlpools. The CATLINS, the largest remaining area of native forest on the east coast of the South Island, is between INVERCARGILL and DUNEDIN. It has reserves of rarefied plants and trees, plus fauna such as fur seals, sea lions, penguins and ducks.

Northland:
Northland is the cradle of both MAORI and PAKEHA culture. It was here that the PAKEHA first made contact with the MAORI, the first whaling settlements were established and the Treaty of WAITANGI was signed. Often referred to as the ‘winterless north’ because of its mild year-round temperatures. Northland has a number of interesting museums such as OTAMATEA KAURI and Pioneer Museum, glorious, blonde beaches such as Ninety Mile Beach and diving spots such as Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, reckoned by JACQUES COUSTEAU to be among the top 10 diving sites in the world, historic towns such as PAHIA and WAITANGI, game fishing such as Bay of Islands, and flora and fauna reserves such as WAIPOUA KAURI Forest.

HARIHARI Town:
HARIHARI is a small town on the west coast of the South Island, and it made world headlines in 1931, when GUY MENZIES completed the first solo flight across the TASMAN Sea from Australia. The journey was hassle-free but the landing proved a disaster, the aircraft overturned in a swamp, and GUY MENZIES, upon undoing his safety straps, fell much to the delight of the cheering locals head first into the mud. The town is now known as a base for coastal walks, bird watching and trout and salmon fishing.

Great Barrier Island:
Great Barrier Island, at the mouth of the Hauraki Gulf has acres of long, white sandy beaches on its eastern shore, deep-water sheltered inlets on its western shore, and a rugged spine of steep ridges running down the center. The 80000-hectare reserve has a number of walking tracks that combine old logging trails and tramways. Natural hot springs, towering kauri forests and a serene aura make it a perfect escape. Flights and ferries operate from AUCKLAND, 88-kilometer south.

Stewart Island:
Stewart Island is New Zealand's third largest island. It is an ornithologist's delight; TUIS, parakeets, kakas and bellbirds abound. The kiwi, rare in both the North and South Island, is common over much of this island, particularly around beaches. A good network of walking tracks and huts exist in the northern part of the island but the south is forgettable, being undeveloped and isolated. The people, less than 400 all up, are hardy, taciturn and suspicious of mainlanders. The weather is changeable and the accommodation is basic, there are, however, excellent-value home-stays on the island.

WHANGAPAROA Bay:
A succession of picturesque bays leads to WHANGAPAROA Bay ‘Cape Runaway’, at the very tip of the North Island's east cape. The beaches are deeply shelved and littered with driftwood, and the old Anglican Church, nestled under NORFOLK Pines on a lone promontory, should not be missed. Foot can only reach Cape Runaway and it's advisable to seek permission before going on private land.

Mount Cook National Park:
The grueling four-day Copland Pass Trek in the South Island's Mount Cook National Park is an once-in-a-lifetime adventure that can only be completed in good weather by well-prepared, experienced teams or with professional guides. The terrain varies from glaciers and snowfields to rainforest and thermal pools. The pass is 2150-meter high and is surrounded by dramatic 3000-meter peaks. This is no stroll and should only be attempted by professional masochists experienced in the use of ice axes, crampons and alpine route finding. Apparently the sense of achievement in crossing the pass entitles visitors to enter an elite club of euphoric high-achievers.

Activities:

New Zealand is a Mecca for thrill seekers and anyone interested in wide-open spaces and physical activities. Above the ground visitors can go bungee jumping, parachuting, skydiving, abseiling and flying; on the ground visitors can go tramping, mountain bike riding, skiing, horse riding, rock climbing, and ZORBING; underground they can go surface caving, cave rafting, and hydro sliding; and on the water they can go jet-boarding, white-water sledging, rafting, boogey boarding, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, and scuba diving. If there is a difficult and challenging way to get from one point to another they can do it somewhere, somehow, in New Zealand. Despite the number of offbeat activities available, the most popular one is still tramping, Kiwi lingo for hiking or trekking. Thousands of kilometers 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 visitors 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.