Guide to New Zealand

Name: New Zealand

Location: Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea in the South Pacific Ocean; around 1000 miles south-east of Australia.

Comprised of: Two main island - North Island and South Island - and several small islands.

Airport: Christchurch

Population: 4 million (Statistics New Zealand, 2004)

Capital: Wellington

Other Major City: Auckland

Area: 270,534 sq km (104,454 sq miles)

Major languages: English, Maori

Major religion: Christianity

Life expectancy: 77 years (men), 81 years (women) (UN)

Monetary unit: 1 New Zealand dollar ($NZ) = 100 cents. There are no 1 or 2 cent coins. $1 and $2 coins available. Notes are $5, $10, $20, $50, $100.

Internet domain: .nz

International dialling code: +64

Time Zone: GMT +12 (depending on daylight savings)

Entry: All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for a least three months after the date of intended departure. A visa os required. Get it from New Zealand Emigration Service

Electricity: 234/240V, 50Hz

Visa Waivers: Currently travellers from more than 50 countries do not require a Visitor's Visa for stays less than three months. You do require:
- An onward or return ticket to a country that you have permission to enter
- Sufficient money to support yourself during your stay - approximately NZ$1000 per month per person
- British citizens and other British passport holders who have evidence of the right to live permanently in the UK may be allowed to stay for up to six months.
www.immigration.govt.nz

Tipping: It is not customary to pay a tip. However long evenings spent in a restaurant with excellent service would merit $5-$10.

Highlights
Spectacular landscapes
Southern Alps - a vast mountain chain
Vineyards
White sand beaches
Maori settlements

Useful Phrases
Kia ora - Hello
Choice - Fantastic, great
Is it what! - Yes it is

11 October 2007