NEW ZEALAND
GEOGRAPHY
New Zealand, about 2,012 km southeast of Australia, consists of two main islands and a number of smaller outlying islands so scattered that they range from the tropical to the Antarctic. The country is the size of Colorado. New Zealand's two main components are the North Island and the South Island, separated by Cook Strait. The North Island area contains many hot springs and beautiful geysers. South Island has the Southern Alps along its west coast, with Mount Cook the highest point. Other inhabited islands include Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, and Great Barrier Island. The largest of the uninhabited outlying islands are the Auckland Islands, Campbell Island, the Antipodes Islands, and the Kermadec Islands
Small, remote and thinly populated, yes, but, NZ punches well above its weight with its outlandish scenery, fabulous festivals, superb food ,wine, and magical outdoor experiences.
LOCATION
An isolated country, New Zealand is an island in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses called the North Island and the South Island, and numerous smaller islands. It is situated about 2000 km southeast of Australia across the Tasman Sea.
CAPITAL
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, situated at the southwestern tip of the North Island. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, but actual government is conducted by a Prime Minister and Cabinet drawn from an elected Parliament.
LANGUAGE
English and Maori are the official languages of New Zealand. 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. The ability to read, speak, write and understand English to a relatively high level makes living and working in New Zealand easier and more fulfilling. Samoan is the most widely spoken non-official language (2.3%), followed by French, Hindi, Yue and Northern Chinese.
DEMOGRAPHICS
A small country with a population od around 4,143,279 at 7 March 2006, New Zealand is the home of New Zealanders. The demographics of New Zealand are characterized by a relatively young and growing population and relatively high levels of inbound migration (mainly from the United Kingdom and from Asia and the Pacific) and outbound migration (mainly to Australia and the United Kingdom). The ethnic makeup of the population, originally composed of indigenous Maori only, was dominated by European settlers for most of the 19th and 20th centuries, until immigration from Asia and the Pacific Islands, as well as high Maori birthrates, started to shift this state to a more multi-ethnic mix.
ECONOMY
The country has a relatively high standard of living with an estimated GDP per capita of $27,017 in 2008, comparable to Southern Europe. The Economy is a market economy which is greatly dependent on international trade, mainly with Australia, the European Union, the United States, China and Japan.
Its principal export industries are agriculture, horticulture, fishing and forestry. These make up about half of the country's exports. Exports in agriculture account for around 24% of the output.
Another major industry is tourism. Tourism plays a significant role in New Zealand's economy. Tourism contributes $12.8 billion (or 8.9%) to New Zealand’s total GDP and supports nearly 200,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
New Zealand welcomes and encourages foreign investment without discrimination. Full remittance of profits and capital is permitted through normal banking channels. A number of U.S. companies have subsidiary branches in New Zealand. Many operate through local agents, and some are in association in joint ventures. The American Chamber of Commerce is active in New Zealand, with its main office in Auckland and a branch committee in Wellington.
CURRENCY
The New Zealand dollar (sign: $; code: NZD) is the currency of New Zealand. It also circulates in the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the Pitcairn Islands. It is divided into 100 cents. Informally it is known as the Kiwi dollar.
CLIMATE
The climate in New Zealand is mostly cooling temperate to warm temperate. Mean temperatures range from 8°C in the South Island to 16 °C in the North Island. January and February are the warmest months while July is the coldest. New Zealand does not have a large temperature range however the weather can change rapidly and unexpectedly. Subtropical conditions are seen in Northland. Most of the rain falls along the west coast of the South Island and the least rain on the east coast of the south island, predominantly on the Canterbury Plains. Christchurch is the driest city, while Auckland is the wettest.
TRAVEL DETAILS
Ever visited a place where nature has at display the best of its art work? Well New Zealand is the hidden treasure where you will come across the best kept secrets of the world. New Zealand offers such an incredible variety of experiences that it is sometimes called “The World in Miniature”. Glacial mountains, majestic fjords, lush green pastures, awesome thermal regions and semi tropical islands forge a lifetime of unforgettable memories.
The two major islands which comprise New Zealand are the North Island and South Island. Both of them have plethora to give to the world.
AUCKLAND
Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city. The larger it is the grandeur is its sceneries. It has amazing harbors and beaches to the east and the rugged Waitakere Ranges, the thundering, undeveloped surf beaches and burgeoning vineyards to the west. Invigorating walks, idyllic holiday islands, outstanding food and wine, great shopping and exciting nightlife has made this city a bustling hub for tourists.
GETTING AROUND TO AUCKLAND
By Air
The city of Auckland is best accessed by air, via Auckland International Airport, the largest airport in New Zealand and gateway to all other locations throughout New Zealand. The airport is served by more than 20 international airlines including New Zealand's national carrier Air New Zealand, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Air Canada, Qantas Airways, British AIrways, Lanchile, American Airlines, Air Pacific, Lauda Air, Cathay Pacific, Mexicana, Polynesian Airways, Japan AIrlines, Malaysian Airlines, Emirates and Pacific Blue. Auckland is just 3 hours flying time from Sydney, Australia.
By Car
The city of Auckland is easily accessible by car via national State highway 1, and is approximately 8-10 hours driving time from the capital city of Wellington.
By Ship
Several cruise ships operate on a frequent basis and stop at the port of Auckland. The frequency of schedules changes on a regular basis. For up-to-date cruise ship information, please contact the cruise ship operators, P&O Pacific Sky cruises.
By Rail
Auckland's main Britomart railway station offers connections originating from many locations throughout New Zealand.
PLACES TO SEE IN AUCKLAND
• Auckland Museum
The Auckland Museum houses priceless treasures of historic New Zealand, and is housed right in the middle of the beautiful Auckland domain and public reserve. The museum is open daily between 10am and 5pm. Admission is free.
• Harbour Bridge
The Auckland Harbour Bridge is an eight-lane box truss motorway bridge over the Waitemata Harbour, joining St Marys Bay in Auckland with Northcote in North Shore City, New Zealand. The bridge is part of State Highway 1 and the Auckland Northern Motorway. It is the longest bridge in the North Island.
Experience the adventure of Bungy in Auckland with our 40 meter Bungy Jump from the Auckland Harbour Bridge. This unforgettable 40-minute experience involves jumping from the purpose-built jump pod suspended over the sparkling Waitemata Harbour. As part of the Bungy, you'll enjoy an exclusive bridge walk to the "Bungy Pod".
• Queen Street
The city's busy main artery and show street is Queen Street, along which numerous high-rise office blocks occupied by banks, insurance companies and commercial firms have mushroomed. Dilworth Building, Gummer and Ford architects, 22 Queen St. Envisaged, as one of a pair of buildings, flank the entrance to Queen Street and thus being a "Gateway to Auckland". There are a variety of architecture in this area, with imposing colonial-period buildings rubbing shoulders with art-nouveau, art-deco and modern buildings, like Ferry Building, Bank of New Zealand Building, The Art Gallery, Town Hall, Civic Theater and many other. There are many department stores, shops and restaurants for you to enjoy.
• Mount Eden
Spectacular views of the City are enjoyed from the summit of Maungawhau, which is reached by either foot or car. The slopes of Maungawhau were once densely populated by Maori and the crater is known as the food bowl of Mataoho. In 1841, Apihai Te Kawau defined from the summit the boundaries of his 3000 acre gift of land to the Crown that established the city of Auckland. Vehicle entry is off Mt Eden Road. There are also walkways off Clive Road, Glenfell Place, Batger Place, Hillside Crescent, Rautangi Road and Owens Road. Entry to Eden Gardens is from Omana Rd, off Mountain Road.
• Parnell Village
New Zealand's oldest suburb is famed for its galleries, cafés, restaurants and charming boutique-style stores. Enjoy the special unhurried village character of Parnell's shopping center, where you're sure to find something quite unique. Wander a little further to explore Parnell's beautiful parks and remarkable historic buildings. Downtown Auckland is only 10 minutes away on the Link Bus which runs through Parnell every 10 minutes from Monday to Saturday; and every 15 minutes evenings and Sundays.
• Eden Park
An award-winning garden created in an abandoned quarry on the slopes of volcanic Mount Eden, with magnificent views over the city and Hauraki Gulf at the garden's highest point. Visit the onsite cafe before exploring one of the largest collections of camellias in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World
Kelly Tarlton's is a wonderland of snow, ice and amazing underwater sights. There is an excellent underwater tunnel, where it's almost like being in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and other kinds of marine life. Explore the wilds of Antarctica and the natural treasures of the ocean depths in the Underwater World - and beyond.
• Sailing in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf
Auckland boasts the busiest recreational harbour in New Zealand and consequently is known as "The City of Sails". It is fortunate to have on its doorstep one of the world’s largest cruising grounds. With numerous islands spread over 1500 nautical miles and with 500 sheltered island anchorages, the Hauraki Gulf is a perfect destination for your cruising holiday. And as the former home of the Americas Cup it attracts the world's best sailors and most amazing super yachts from all over the world. With great sailing like this in our backyard there's no wonder that New Zealand sailors are among the world's finest. If you don't have time to charter a yacht or join one of our sailing tours, there are also a number of day sailing options - from the pure adrenaline of sailing an Americas Cup Yacht through to evening dinner cruises on Auckland's Waitamata Harbour.
• Auckland Zoo
Daily Keeper Encounters allow you to come eye to eye with some awesome native and exotic animals and you can also experience the expanse of the African plains with Pridelands. Watch the graceful movement of the giraffe and see zebra, rhino and springbok quietly grazing. And why not journey through New Zealand's unique coastal habitat. Experience the fragile eco-system of New Zealand coast complete with little blue penguins, sea lions and shore birds.
The city offers excellent shopping, galleries and museums; it has a university and provides a multicultural environment characterized by a blend of European, Asian and Polynesian cultures, particularly on the busy and atmospheric Karangahape Road. There is also the distinctive Sky Tower, a casino with a glorious circular, glass viewing gallery at its bulbous summit. The views of the city, its beaches and the mountains, the coast and sea beyond are stunning.
Wellington
In the south of the North Island, Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, occupies the flat area surrounding the harbor basin and climbs the surrounding steep hillsides overlooking the water. This makes it a compact metropolis with a thriving and lively heart. The city is a center of culture, arts, restaurants, theater, fashion and nightlife. Wildlife sanctuaries, islands, seaside villages, ocean beaches and regional parks provide huge scope for outdoor fun.
PLACES TO SEE
Civic Square
The Civic Square is situated right in the heart of the city. It is made up of an architecturally adventurous complex of buildings with a large public space in the center, and a bridge linking it to the waterfront and to Frank Kitts park. The buildings surrounding the square are: the Michael Fowler center, a circular building where concerts and performing arts are held. There is also the central library, the City Gallery, Capital Discovery Place, the Council buildings and the Visitor Information Center. In mid-November the New Zealand Wine & Food Festival is held in the Square, where you can sample some of the best food and drink in the country.
The Beehive
The building housing the ministerial offices is called the Beehive. In the debating chambers you can watch politicians discuss important matters of state, address crucial parliamentary issues. Organized tours of the building are given each day.
The Cable Car & Botanical Gardens
There are cable cars that service private residences all over Wellington, since these make a handy way of getting up some of the steep terrain. The cable car provides some of the best views of the city, and you can ride it up past Victoria University to the Botanical Gardens. From both stops you can get a great view of the landscape below. At the last stop you will reach the Botanical Gardens. The gardens are very pretty, with 26 hectares of native and exotic trees, forest and plants. There are some really beautiful rose gardens that smell wonderful in the summer and springtime, and which showcase over 300 different varieties of roses.
Lambton Quay
Lambton Quay is one of the main shopping areas in Wellington. It has some good places to shop, some fine drinking establishments and some cafes. It runs from Thorndon Quay, near the Railway Station, alongside the waterfront, up to Willis St., which just a few minutes from the Civic Square.
Cuba Mall
Cuba Mall is one of the main shopping and dining areas in Wellington. It is closed to traffic and is a pleasant part of town to wander around. There are lots of nice pubs, restaurants, coffee houses and arts and crafts shops. Buskers and street performers can often be seen in the mall in the summer.
Oriental Parade
Oriental Parade is a really pretty part of town. It’s a favorite place for joggers, swimmers, sunbathers and cyclists. There is a large fountain anchored about 100 meters off-shore that people often swim out to, and a public swimming pool (the Freyburg) with a climbing wall outside. Oriental Parade has some nice restaurants with ocean views, some pleasant pubs, and affords a great view of the city. It is a very nice stretch of bay to walk along.
Bay Island
Step on the golden sand of a the bay which curves out into the sparkling South Pacific Ocean, swim with the dolphins and you will put aside every other thought. The Bay of Islands is one of the most picturesque and popular holiday sites in New Zealand, combining great outdoor experiences with some of New Zealand's most significant historic sites. Cruise from Auckland, or start your holiday in Paihia, the hub of the Bay of Islands, where many tours by both land and sea begin. The 144 islands are a haven for holiday makers who enjoy sea activities and the beauty of the UN crowded sub-tropical sandy beaches and native forests. It is also an area of considerable historical significance and is popular with craftspeople. There are almost endless opportunities for immersing yourself in the blue-green world of island and beach. Charter a yacht or launch. Dive or snorkel. Paddle a sea kayak in and out of the islands’ nooks and crannies. Swim with dolphins. The Maritime Park is a natural wonderland with an abundance of wildlife including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species.
PLACES TO VISIT
Paihia
Tourist center for the Bay's activities, tours, cruises, motels, souvenir shops, restaurants, etc. all centrally located. Paihia is the main visitor center for the Bay of Islands and is the starting point for many sightseeing cruises including the Cape Brett Hole-in-the-Rock cruise, boat hires, diving and swimming with the dolphins excursions. A popular day excursion is the Cape Reinga trip to the northernmost point of New Zealand and features an exhilarating drive along Ninety Mile Beach. Adventure activities, sightseeing, cafes, bars and accommodation are all here. Whether you want to jump out of the sky, dive under the ocean or explore the shore, Paihia can point you in the right direction.
Cape Brett and Hole in the Rock Tour
The tour begins from the historic Russell. While crossing the waters on the way to the Cape Brett Lighthouse, have a look at the playful dolphins. Bottlenose and common dolphins take great delight in gliding alongside the catamaran and showing off their acrobatic flips. Keep a look out for orca whales, penguins, dolphins, seals and bird life. The visit to the beautiful Motukokako Island and skillful navigation through the famous Hole in the Rock will take your breath away.
Feel the adrenalin rush as the power of the two 800hp engines race you past the inner islands of the Bay and out to the open sea. Cross the Hole in The Rock, enjoy the breathtaking scenery, the skipper's commentary and the onboard music to really set the mood
Russell
The old charm, history, modern facilities and access too many attractions make it the perfect base for a romantic stay, family holiday or base to explore the upper north island in the Romantic Russell. Hours can be spent in the museum tracing the town’s history from the first European settlers, whaling and marine history. Even the headstones at New Zealand's first church have a story to tell. Shops include 2 supermarkets, bakery, butcher, liquor, video rental, hardware, news agent, business center, famous fish & chips, antiques, gifts, fuel, fishing tackle, dive fills, attraction booking offices, hardware, fashion, antiques, pottery and more. The wharf is a hive of activity with Paihia ferries, game fishing boats, tours and boats refueling coming and going.
Waitangi
Waitangi is within walking distance of Paihia, and it is here that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, joining the Maori and British peoples together as a nation. The Treaty House is now a museum and is part of the Waitangi Reserve, along with a Maori meeting house. Visit the historic Treaty House, fully carved Maori Meeting House, Maori War Canoe and Exhibition. Experience the award winning Sound/Light display in the Meeting House, enjoy the magnificent park like grounds with their abundant native bird life, heritage trees and wonderful Bay views. Learn all about the signing of the Treaty and select from our range of quality souvenirs.
Opua
It is a recreational port and gateway to the Bay of Islands. Where two rivers meet and the bay stretches northward to the sea. What a view! The gateway to the Bay of Islands! The Coastal Walking Path starts in Opua the Harrison Scenic Reserve (rain forest) is a twenty minute walk and the scenic trip to Paihia takes three Hours.
Haruru Falls
Haruru means “big noise”, which is a good indication that these falls are worth seeing. The water falls in a horseshoe shape – very rare and quite spectacular – and Maori legend states that a taniwha (water monster) lives in the lagoon below. You can walk to Haruru Falls along the Waitangi walking track, or drive to Haruru Falls Township. In the 1800s, there were over 100 Maori villages along the Haruru Falls River.
Kawakawa
Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Kawakawa is marked by its unique entrance sign, an arch constructed in the style of Frederick Hundertwasser. Kawakawa is home to the famous Hundertwasser designed public toilets - a definite must on your itinerary. Also visit the Museum in the old Memorial Library (open Thursdays & Fridays) for a glimpse of Kawakawa's coal mining history. Visit also the Kawiti Glow-worm Caves at Waiomio which boast a galaxy of glow-worm lights, pure white limestone formations and 12 generations of history.
Christchurch
Moving to the South Island, “Garden City’ of Christchurch is the largest community. The tree-lined River Avon meanders through the center of the city, which with its public school, old university buildings, and examples of Neo-Gothic architecture is reminiscent of an old English university town.
Central City
Take advantage of the unique and diverse retail outlets; experience the multitude of must-see visitor attractions such as the Botanic Gardens, The Arts Centre and Art Gallery. Visit Cathedral Square where you will find, Chalice, artwork by internationally renowned sculptor Neil Dawson. Known as the Garden City, Christchurch has many parks available for you to enjoy.
Victoria Park and Port Hills
The gateway to one of the most loved landscapes in Christchurch, Victoria Park offers the ideal starting point for your Port Hills adventure! With picnic areas, playground, Dog Park and Information Centre the park offers all you need for a quick or full day visit. The Ports Hills offer a selection of adventures and experiences including scenic drives, mountain bike tracks, running, rock climbing and a range of wildlife habitats running in an almost continuous line from Godley Head to Coopers Knob.
Botanic Gardens
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens was established in 1863 and has always been the jewel in the crown of the ‘Garden City’. Covering over 30 hectares of landscaped, world class, plant collections, everyone is very welcome.
Queens Town
Queens town is an international resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is New Zealand’s premier four season lake and alpine resort. Whatever you do, whatever your style, Queens town will feed your imagination, fuel your passions and revitalise your spirit. We hope you enjoy browsing to discover more about Queens town and we look forward to seeing you soon. Queenstown also now hosts an annual International Jazz Festival.
Hair Raising Adventure
Known as the Adventure capital of the world, the resort town is a center for adventure tourism. Skiing, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, mountain biking, tramping and fly fishing are all strong promotional themes. Queenstown is a major center for snow sports in New Zealand, with people from all over the country and many parts of the world travelling to ski at the four main mountain ski fields. The freshwater lakes and rivers of Central Otago offer keen fishermen something very special. Clear, unpolluted waterways and peaceful surroundings help ensure a memorable experience.
Downtown
Born as an 1860’s gold mining camp, 140 years later Queenstown has a compact and sophisticated downtown area tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Dwarfed by the surrounding mountains, there are amazing views from everywhere. There’s also a permanent buzz in the downtown area where you’ll find a lively café/bar scene and excellent shopping.
Nightlife
Dusk to dawn, Queenstown rarely sleeps. Sophisticated wine bars, live jazz, top DJ’s, long summer nights in a garden bar serving locally brewed beer or après ski in front of a roaring log fire, there’s more than 160 licensed bars and cafés in downtown Queenstown and the socialite is spoilt for choice all year round, any night of the week.
Fiordland
Fiordland is New Zealand's largest national park at almost 3 million acres. It covers much of the southern part of the South Island's West Coast. The Sounds in Fiordland are arguably the most beautiful places in New Zealand, and that's saying something! Wildlife, waterfalls, unfrosted valleys, crystal clear lakes, and elegant mountains are what make up the views, and the only signs of human inhabitance are the tracks running deep into the bush, and the cruises down the sounds.
Milford Sound
The spectacular Milford sound has often attracted the title of "The Eighth Natural Wonder of the World". Fiordland is one of the wettest places in the world, and is as beautiful raining as it is with clear skies. When it rains, waterfalls spring up anywhere, too many to count. Cruise ships going into Milford Sound can take you right underneath massive waterfalls, and the whole 16km to the end of the sound, where you meet the vast, angry Tasman Sea.
Doubtful Sound
Doubtful Sound is the second longest in Fiordland at 40km long. On a cruise down Doubtful Sound you will experience more shades of lush green than you knew existed, while you drift over 420 meter deep water. In both Milford and Doubtful Sounds, you will experience a host of wildlife; seals and crested penguins gather on the shores, and sometimes bottlenosed dolphins can be sighted playfully swimming alongside the boat.
Te Anau
Te Anau is the centerpiece town of Fiordland, is the starting point for famous southern walking tracks the Milford, Kelper, and Hollyford tracks. Located on the shores of Lake Te Anau, with full view of snowy mountains, the scenery makes the town a relaxing destination. Take a short cruise to see the unique glow worm caves, the only freely changing ones in the world. This is the best place to base you while exploring the sounds.
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