Lose yourself in the high speed excitement of jet boating, missing rock walls by inches. Drop deep into the spellbinding underground caves to awe at the glow worms. Live the life of a sea gypsy exploring island in a charter boat or Dive deep into the realms of the Pacific. Climb a mountain, ski down a volcano, throw yourself off a bridge (with bungy attached) or take a safe scenic stroll through Rotorua's unique thermal parks, or an awe-inspiring ski-plane landing on one of the longest glaciers in the world. Excitement isn't hard to find in New Zealand. Experience the rejuvenating effects of New Zealand's fascinating attractions. It is so varied that you could spend a lifetime discovering its many treasures.

Area :
North Island :
Length: 825 Km
Area: 115,777 sq Km

South Island:
Length: 750 Km
Area: 151,215 sq Km

Population :
New Zealand is an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. It has a diverse multi-cultural population of 4 million, mostly of British descent. It is the world's least crowded countries. The largest minority is New Zealand's indigenous Maori who make up around 14 percent of the population.

Language :
English is the common and everyday language of New Zealand. New Zealand is a multi-cultural society and you may hear many other languages spoken, including Maori, which is also an official language of New Zealand.

Capital :
Wellington is the political, banking and financial centre for New Zealand. The Parliament building known as the 'Beehive' is one of the city's top attractions. The National Archives, National Library and Old Government Buildings (the second largest wooden building in the world) are located nearby and are open to casual visitors free of charge.

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

Climate :
The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August.

In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC.

Time Difference:
New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). In summer New Zealand uses 'daylight saving', with clocks put forward one hour to GMT+13. Daylight saving begins on the first Sunday in October and ends on the third Sunday of the following March, when clocks are put back to GMT+12.

Currency:
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Coins have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; Notes have values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. (NZD 1=100 cents)
There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into or taken out of New Zealand. Funds may be in bank notes, coins, travelers cheques or in any other form of exchange. Less than NZD 10000(or equivalent); no restrictions on import/export. However, every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete a Border Cash Report. All major credit cards may be used in New Zealand and travelers' cheque are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. Credit cards are not accepted in super markets.

Agricultural Restrictions and Quarantine:

New Zealand's agricultural industries are free of many insect pests, and plant and animal diseases common elsewhere in the world. A lot of effort is put into minimising the risk of these being introduced at ports and airports in New Zealand.
Heavy fines may be imposed on people caught carrying prohibited materials. On arrival visitors should place any questionable items, particularly fruit, in the bins provided.

Domestic pets such as cats and dogs also pose disease and pest risks, and entry requirements are strictly enforced. Import requirements for live animals differ according to the country of origin, so please check with your nearest Embassy before attempting to bring your pet to New Zealand.

Credit Card:
All major credit cards may be used and travellers' cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. Credit cards are not accepted in supermarkets.

Electricity:
The electricity supply in New Zealand is at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most of the hotels have 110 volt ac sockets (20 watts) for electric razors only. An adapter or a converter is necessary for all other equipments. The power outlets accept only 3 or 2-pin plugs depending on whether an earth connection is fitted or not.

Business hours:
New Zealand offices and businesses operate Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm, though some tourist agencies and airlines have longer hours. Stores and shops usually open 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday with late shopping until 8.30 or 9pm on one or two nights each week (usually Thursday or Friday). Saturday shopping varies, many shops shut at 12.30 or 1pm. Many supermarkets and grocery stores, some retail chains, most shopping malls and weekend markets are also open on Sundays. Local convenience stores, known as dairies, are open from 7am to 10pm seven days a week.

Banking:
All banks are open from 0930 hrs to 1630hrs from Mondays to Fridays. ATMs are widely available at banks, shopping streets and in malls. All major credit cards are accepted in New Zealand. The international credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. It is advisable to check with your bank before leaving. Hotel, banks and major stores accept Travelers' Cheques.

Postal Outlets:
Besides specialist Post shops in most areas, stamps can be bought from supermarkets, bookstores and grocery shops, The main forms of postal carriage are Standard post and Fast post. Standard post delivers next day across town and in two to three working days nationwide, Fast post which is also the designation for international airmail letters originating in New Zealand, delivers by the next day between major town and cities.

Shopping :
Malls in larger cities are open seven days a week. Other stores and shops are generally open from 9am to 5.30pm Mon-Fri with at least one late night until 9pm (usually Fri) and Sat & Sun morning. There are many duty free shopping centers in the cities but goods must be collected at the airport of departure. Shopping specialties include sheepskin, Kauri wood paua shell products, pure natural honey, award-winning wines, fruit wines, dried flowers, lanolin skin products, NZ & Maori arts & crafts, feijoa and Kiwifruits, greenstone, fibre & glass arts.

Driving :
New Zealanders drive on the left. All distances are measured in kilometers. The legal speed limit is 100 km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas. The minimum age for renting a vehicle is 21. Both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times. New Zealand accepts the national drivers licences of all other countries. Carry your licence if you intend to drive in New Zealand.

Health, Medical and General Insurance :
Medical Services are not free, except as a result of an accident, and it is strongly advisable to arrange your own health insurance. Visitors bringing in a quantity of medication are advised to have a doctor's certificate to avoid possible problems with customs. Also, doctors' prescriptions are needed to obtain certain drugs.

Arrival Cards :
Every person arriving in New Zealand must complete the arrival card handed out on the aircraft.

Customs Allowances :
Apart from your own personal effects, and as long as you are over 17 years of age, you are allowed the following duty-free concessions:

Passports and Visas:
Passports are required for all visitors to New Zealand and must be valid for at least three months beyond the date the visitor intends leaving New Zealand.
Visitors holding passports from Singapore and Malaysia do not require a visa for a holiday of less than three months. For information on working, studying or living in New Zealand and further visa enquiries, contact the New Zealand Immigration Service or embassy nearest you.

Departure Tax:
A tax of NZ$20-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.

Goods and Services Tax:
All goods and services are subject to a 12.5% Goods and Services Tax (GST), included in the displayed price. Visitors cannot claim this tax back, however when a supplier ships a major purchase to a visitor's home address the GST will not be charged.

Tipping and Service Charges:
New Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service - even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.

Safety Precautions:
Although there are no snakes or dangerous wild animals in New Zealand, you should be aware of the following:

Recommended Clothing:
In keeping with New Zealand's relaxed lifestyle, dress is informal on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities. In summer a light jacket or sweater should be included in your luggage. You can except some rain, so include a light waterproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and September pack warm winter clothing.

Public Holidays:
Public holidays for the year 2001 are:

Emergency Telephone No:
In emergencies dial 111 to summon police, fire or ambulance services. 

Public Call Phones:
Phone cards are available and can be purchased from bookstalls and newsagents. The minimum value of cards is New Zealand Dollars 02. Most public call phones accept these cards. Some public call-phones also accept credit cards and very few of them accept coins.

Laptops:
If you carry a laptop then an RJ45 type plug is required to connect the laptop into a computer socket and an adaptor with a flat two or three-point power plug is needed to connect the laptop to the power supply.