Destination Guide - New Zealand

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
1	Land of the Long White Cloud Mountain Biking, Sea Kayaking and Hiking (14 Days)
2	Navigating the North Island Mountain Biking, Hiking and Caving (5 Days)
3	Family Adventure Hiking, Rafting, Jet Boating and Kayaking (13 Days)
4	Winter Land of the Long White Cloud Hiking, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Skiing/Snowboarding (14 Days)

Few countries in the world can compare to the splendor of New Zealand. Breathtaking alpine scenery, huge mountains, sparkling blue lakes, hanging glaciers, subtropical rainforests, golden beaches, hospitable people and a vast variety of adrenaline sports make it a premier adventure destination. Fly to the edges of steaming volcanoes, feel the primal legacy of giant kauri trees, walk on top of crystalline glaciers and venture into mystical and uninhabited fiords. New Zealand characterizes nature as it was intended: pure, untouched, energizing.

Official Name: New Zealand
Population: 4.25 million
Capital City: Wellington
People: 74% European (Pakeha), 13.5% Maori, 6% Polynesian, 6% Asian, 0.5% Other
Languages: English, Maori
Religion: Predominantly Christian (81%)
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Time: GMT/UTC +12 (two hours ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time)
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz (http://www.kropla.com)
Major Industries: Service sector (including tourism), manufacturing and construction, and exports (agriculture, horticulture, fishing and forestry)
Airport Departure Tax: $19.30 USD / 25 NZ D (subject to change)

IMPORTANT FACTS

Travel Documents

All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the country. There are no visas required for people traveling with Canadian or U.S. passports. Travellers of other nations should check with the New Zealand embassy or consulate about their specific entry requirements.

Climate

New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere - spring (Sept-Nov), summer (Dec-Feb), autumn/Fall (Mar-May) and winter (June-Aug). The warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are in June, July and August. Given the small landmass relative to the expanse of ocean the seasonal variations are smaller than continental North America. Summer and winter temperatures do not vary drastically, only about 10'C (15’F). The weather patterns are coastal meaning it is variable and will almost certainly rain at some stage of your trip.

Food

Is derived from British and Maori culinary mixtures and best emphasizes the freshness of produce from land and sea available and is traditionally of a meat and three vegetable fare. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are all generally safe to eat.

Water

Tap water in cities and towns have excellent water supplies and in all cases tap water is fresh and safe to drink. Water from rivers and lakes should be boiled, chemically treated or filtered before drinking to avoid stomach upsets. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products are safe for consumption.

Vaccinations

There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter unless you are arriving from an infected country. Health requirements can and do change regularly, so we advise you to contact your doctor and/or a public health official concerning recommended vaccinations specific to New Zealand. A good website for current information is the Centre for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/.

Destination Guide - New Zealand

IMPORTANT FACTS

Travel Documents

Climate

Food

Water

Vaccinations

Suggested Reading List

Travel Guides

Novels

Environment

History

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