Know New Zealand - An Overview
New Zealand is the newest country on the planet. It is correctly called so because it flaunts the most recent history. The borders are flanked by the
south-western Pacific Ocean, with Australia to the north-west and New Caledonia, Tonga and the Fiji Islands to the north. This beautiful ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ is known for its
geographic
isolation, which is also responsible for a very distinctive flora and fauna and wild life.
The Māori population is the largest, while the non-Maori Polynesians also co exist very peacefully. The polity is run by the Queen of New Zealand as Head of State and Governor General. The Queen has
no political influence, only a presence that is symbolic. Now, like many other countries, New Zealand has a democratically elected Parliament.
New Zealand is a target of a series of migrations that has resulted in a distinct culture. It is not only politically independent, but economically too – an economy run primarily on the export of meat
and dairy products.
Best Ways to Get to New Zealand
This holiday destination in the Pacific attracts adventure seekers from across the globe. Getting to New Zealand by air means accessing any of
New Zealand’s three main international airports, which are:
• Auckland International Airport
• Wellington International Airport
• Christchurch International Airport
Your choice of airport will depend on the inland destination targeted. Auckland services more than 20 destinations in Asia, Europe, US and Pacific. There are direct flights from Christchurch to major
airports in Australia, Singapore and Tokyo and the Pacific Islands like Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and Cook. The flight durations are 3-4 hours from Eastern Australia, 12 hours from the United States and 10
hours from most Southeast Asian countries.
Getting to New Zealand by sea involves making reservations on a cruise ship to Auckland.
When to visit NZ
New Zealand is such a nation that you can visit any time of the year as the climatic conditions here are quite perfect so to speak. Almost like any other country, New Zealand also has its mix of 'must
see' attractions along with some not so well known attractions. NZ is an easier journey than to Britain or other parts of Europe and the travel time - from the west coast surprisingly is the same to
that of New Zealand or to Europe. The jet lag is quite less in comparison to other nations as well. There is the involvement of just 3 or 5 time zones while traveling to the Kiwi land while traveling
to Britain and Europe requires 9 to 11 times zones.
The shortest sensible stay in NZ is about a week or it can also be for one week and two weekends. This time is absolutely perfect for visiting or traveling to a couple of different and really
interesting places in detail. You can also lightly skip over the highlights of a greater number of places and enjoy a quick introductory tour to the country. The longest sensible stay in NZ has no
real maximum and you can choose whatever is convenient for you.
i-Site Facility
Tourists to New Zealand can now make the most of the visitor center i-SITE. The special i-SITE centers can be accessed at Auckland and Christchurch International Airports.
The directories of i-SITE highlight locations all over New Zealand and make available information on tourism needs in New Zealand. These directories can be located in over 80 locations and the
information is knowledgeable, objective and very valuable. You can access detailed information on accommodation, transportation, tourist attractions, tour planning, phone cards, restaurants,
entertainment venues and availability of guide books. You can avail of useful tourist information at any of the SITE Visitor Centers. They are officially recognized and provide useful information.
In summer, you can expect a sudden transition and hence, warm sweaters and water-proof clothing should be carried. Proper winter clothing is recommended between May and
September.
Always keep to the left hand side of the road and never exceed 60mph (Cities and residential areas: 50km/h (30mph), Open road: 100km/h (60mph). Speed limits are strictly enforced in New Zealand. Driving under the influence of intoxicants is punishable and you
have to first secure a driver's license from your home country or an International Driving Permit before getting behind the wheel.
The government has taken constructive steps to protect people from passive smoking and has prohibited the vice in all hospitality venues.
With a little care and common sense you can be sure that your trip to New Zealand will be fun filled and enjoyable. You do not need to be vaccinated against any certain disease to enter this country. While in New Zealand you can ask the police for help if you feel threatened and insecure. The emergency service number is 111, which can be dialed from any phone. A doctor’s certificate is a must if you are bringing in a huge quantity of medication. While on stay at any city in New Zealand if you are injured the ACC pays for all your treatment till you recover; however you cannot sue anyone for compensatory damages.
Although there are a few poisonous snakes and animals in New Zealand it is advisable that you take the prescribed safety precautions. The other aspects that need attention are the variable weather conditions, sand flies, giardia and sunburn. However with correct measures you can be sure of a splendid vacation. It is a good idea to pack a first aid kit when out on country strolls and hikes in remote parts of the country. To protect the common people from the ill effects of smoking cigarette smoking is banned in all public places, so if you are a smoker remember to some out.
It is mandatory to carry a doctor's certificate for medication in your possession. The New Zealand Customs officials are very strict on this. There has to be a prescription to
buy certain drugs in New Zealand.
111 is the magic number in New Zealand, to help you access response from the police, the Fire Service or the local ambulance service.
New Zealand visas are not difficult to access for tourists. Most travel agents take care of the interactions and documentation submission at the
Consulate and today, the internet connectivity has made the entire process shorter. The bank balance requisite and documentation proof of profession and residence is no different from the requirements
for the visas to other countries. Getting a visiting or tourist visa for New Zealand is a process you can kick start also from the comfort of your living room – online. The online
forms and all the necessary details on the required documentation is available online and all you have to do is adhere to the rules and regulations and meet all the specified requirements. Today, the
tourism boom and the open sky policy has made New Zealand a haven for compulsive and indulgent vacationers.
Read more about New Zealand Tourist
Visa Requirements >
English is the official language, while Samoan is the
most widely spoken non-official language.
New Zealand has four large cities – Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch and Wellington. The unitary
authorities within New Zealand include:
North Island Regions & Dictricts
:
Northland region : Ahipara, Bream Bay,
Dargaville, Doubtless Bay, Hokianga, Kaikohe, Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Mangawhai, Opua, Paihia, Russell, Tutukaka Coast, Waipu, Waitangi, Whangarei, Whangaroa
Auckland region : Auckland, Eastern Bays, Franklin, Great Barrier Island, Helensville, Hibiscus Coast, Kawau Island, Manukau
City, North Shore City, Waiheke Island, Waitakere City, Warkworth, Wellsford
Coromandel region : Coromandel, Paeroa, Tairua, Thames, Waihi, Whangamata, Whitianga
Waikato region
: Cambridge, Hamilton, Huntly, Kawhia, Matamata, Morrinsville, Ngaruawahia, Putaruru, Raglan, Te Aroha, Te Awamutu, Te Kuiti, Tirau, Tokoroa, Waitomo
Bay of Plenty region : Katikati, Kawerau, Mount Maunganui, Ohope, Tauranga, Te Puke, Whakatane
Rotorua region : Murupara, Rotorua
Eastland region : Gisborne, Opotiki, Wairoa
Taranaki region : Eltham, Hawera, Inglewood, New Plymouth, Oakura, Opunake, Patea, Stratford, Urenui, Waitara
Lake Taupo region : Mangakino, Taupo, Turangi
Hawke's Bay region :
Hastings, Havelock North, Napier, Waipukurau
Wanganui region & Manawatu region : Bulls, Dannevirke,
Feilding, Foxton, Levin, Marton, Palmerston North, Taihape, Wanganui
Wairarapa region : Carterton, Eketahuna, Featherston, Greytown, Martinborough, Masterton
Wellington region : Kapiti Island, Lower Hutt, Otaki, Paraparaumu, Upper Hutt, Waikanae, Wellington |
South Island Regions & Dictricts:
Nelson : Golden Bay, Motueka, Murchison, Nelson, St Arnaud, Takaka
Marlborough :
Blenheim, Marlborough Sounds, Picton
West Coast : Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, Greymouth, Haast, Hokitika, Karamea, Moana,
Punakaiki, Reefton, Westport
Central Otago : Alexandra, Cromwell, Ranfurly, Roxburgh
Southland : Bluff, Catlins, Gore, Invercargill, Stewart Island
Canterbury : Akaroa, Amberley, Arthurs Pass, Ashburton, Christchurch, Fairlie, Geraldine, Hanmer Springs, Kaiapoi, Kaikoura, Lake Tekapo, Lyttelton, Methven, Mt Cook Village, Omarama, Rangiora, Temuka, Timaru, Twizel, Waimate, Waipara
Lake Wanaka
: Wanaka
Queenstown : Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Kingston, Queenstown
Fiordland : Manapouri, Milford Sound, Te Anau
Dunedin - Coastal Otago : Balclutha, Dunedin, Mosgiel, Oamaru, Otago Peninsula, Port Chalmers
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It is good to research on each of these places, and plan your tour of New Zealand accordingly. Each is unique and all have something different to offer the tourist. It does well to be informed and
make a knowledgeable decision. Christchurch, the capital is also known as the "Gateway to Antarctica" and rightly so. The country has extensive marine resources and is a haven for snorkeling, scuba
diving, deep sea fishing and the most popular sport here – bungee jumping. There are travel agents around the world who design special packages to New Zealand, inclusive of sightseeing,
bed-and-breakfast/lunch/dinner and special outdoor activities.
There are a number of dedicated hotel accommodations that your travel agent can source for a great stay in New Zealand. Even if you put your holiday together yourself, the options are available at a
single click. There are many star rated hotels in New Zealand and it hardly matters which city you choose as your touchdown point. Even if this is one huge adventure, you will never regret it. The
hotels offer all the modern amenities that the modern traveler looks out for and the packages are designed according to your specified budget.
Local transportation is not so expensive and if you tie
up with your hotel or travel agent in advance, then you will find a placard announcing your arrival and ready transportation. If not, there is absolutely no need to be apprehensive. New Zealanders
have a reputation of being unassuming and absolutely trust-worthy and you can bank on these characteristics and the hospitality of the locals to see you safely to your hotel.
The contemporary festivities in New Zealand spring from significant influences that are gifts from other cultures - non-Māori Polynesian and Asian. The fesitivals celebrated on a grand scale include
Diwali, Chinese New Year and Pasifika – the world's largest Polynesian festival. The Karakia are performed by Māori prior to important undertakings and the Kapa Haka is a popular song and dance
combination. Also becoming increasingly popular is Waka Ama or outrigger canoe racing. In fact, you can plan your holiday to New Zealand to witness Waka Ama that is now an international sporting
event. Sports like cricket, soccer and netball are common indulgences in New Zealand.
Most travel packages to New Zealand offer sightseeing exclusively and within a combination. It is better to be a part of the latter to access the shopping districts in every city of New Zealand,
without the hassle of organizing the move yourself. There is nothing you don’t get here. Everything in every European market is available in New Zealand. From apparel to footwear and accessories and
canned foods – New Zealand shopping malls flaunt it all. If you want something exclusive to take back home, the best is what what your camera captures – the long-faced Maoris, the low skies, the
picturesque mountains in the distance and the reefs.
The sightseeing venues include local, exclusive New Zealand exhibits and the list of New Zealand Must-Sees cited below:
■ The highest peak – Mount Cook at 3754 meters, with eighteen peaks over 3,000 meters in South Island.
■ The highest North Island mountain – Mount Ruapehu, an active cone volcano
■ Regions marked by locals for dramatic landscape that is celebrated on the celluloid in ‘Lord of The Rings’ and ‘The Last Samurai’.
■ The active volcanic zone Taupo.
■ The snow-capped Southern Alps.
■ Podocarps and the giant Kauri.
■ Grasslands of Tussock
■ The four species of Kiwi, Kakapo and the Takahe.
■ Milford Sound
Heaven is a place on earth and it is called New Zealand! This new island is paradise and is not only distinctive in its natives and terrain, but also in the indulgences that the locals and surrounding
sea offer. Anytime is the perfect time to visit this beautiful land and soak in all the fun! The Land of the Kiwis is witnessing a tourism boom and invites you to be a part of the celebrations!
Public holidays in New Zealand
Public holidays have particular implications for employment and shop trading hours. However if workers work on a public holiday they should be given equivalent time off on another working day. Though
shops can transact business during these days, there are special trading restrictions on Christmas day, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday and before 1pm on ANZAC day. In some provinces there are special
exemptions given by the city or district council to the shops to transact business during Christmas day and on Good Friday. This is done to help the local tourists as many would not know for what
reason the shops would be closed on these days. There are generally two types of holidays statutory holidays and provincial holidays. Statutory holidays are those that are legislated by law, while
provincial holidays are those which commemorate the founding of a province or particular settlement. The general holidays or the statutory holidays that everyone is entitled to are New Years Day, the
day after New Year’s Day, Waitangi day,
Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, ANZAC day, Queen’s Birthday, Christmas day, Boxing Day, and Labor Day. Provincial holidays are generally given to commemorate the founding of a particular
region; each province in New Zealand has a special day reserved which is declared as a holiday.
International calling in New Zealand
The international calling system is used to call countries from various other parts of the world. The international calling system is made possible with the help of various systems including the
calling cards. When a particular part of the country is to be reached from outside the country, people have to know the procedures to be followed.
If you have to call New Zealand from outside the country, you have to have a basic idea of the calling system in the country. The important aspect of the calling system will be slightly different
based on which country is you situated in. still, you will have a city code which is varying for each city.
The international calling in New Zealand is possible if you know the country code of the place to which you are making calls. If you are making a call from outside to New Zealand, you have the country
code 64. Again, you should know the basic city code of each important city in the country. The city code of Auckland is 9 that of Christ Church are 3, Dunedin is 3 and Hamilton is 7.
Other important cities of the country are Hastings with a city code of 6, Invercargill with 2 and Napier with 6. Nelson can be reached through the city code 3.
Foreign Embassies
Knowing the information concerning the foreign embassies in New Zealand is crucial for any tourists interested in visiting the country. Information on the high commissions and other representative
offices of the nation are highly important for such people. A listing of the addresses and other contact information will be of great blessing to the tourists and those who are interested on a visit
to this main land.
The foreign high commission will provide the latest and important updates necessary for a travel to New Zealand. The embassy of Argentina is in Wellington and the contact number is 6 4 4 4 7 2 8 3 3
0, 6 4 4 7 2 8 3 3 1. The Australian high commission can be contacted through 6 4 4 4 7 3 6 4 1 1 6 4 4 4 9 8 7 1 3 5. the embassy of Belgium situated in Wellington can be reached through 4 7 2 9 5 5
8 or 4 7 2 9 5 5 9.
The phone number of the embassy of Brazil is 6 4 4 4 7 3 3 5 1 6. Wellington has the embassy of Chile which can be contacted through 6444716270 or 6444725324. Chinese embassy is also situated in
Wellington and can be reached through 0064447213820064 and the Royal Danish consulate General of Wellington can be reached through the office number 6 4 9 5 3 7 30996495373067.
The Royal Thai Embassy of New Zealand can be reached with the number 6 4 4 4 7 6 8 6 1 6 9. Embassy of turkey, Wellington has the contact number 6 4 4 4 7 2 1 2 9 0. The consulate general of Sweden in
Wellington can be reached through 6 4 4 4 9 9 9 5 9 5. the High Commission of Singapore is in Wellington and their contact number is 6 4 4 4 7 0 0 8 5 0 or 6 4 4 4 7 9 4 0 6 6.
Time zone in New Zealand
New Zealand has mainly two different time zones. The time zone followed in the main islands is the New Zealand Standard time zone. This is twelve hours advanced of the coordinated universal time zone.
Another time that is followed in the Chatam Islands is the Chatham Standard time and this is 12 hours and forty five minutes advanced to the coordinated universal time.
There is a day light saving system in the summer and during this period; the clocks are advanced one hour. This will make the New Zealand daylight time to be thirteen hours ahead and Chatham daylight
time to be 13 hours and 45 minutes ahead of UTC. This country is considered to be the first one to adopt a standard time and this happened in the year 1868. Since then they are maintaining a time zone
that is observed nationally.
The standard time zone was based on the 172 degree 30 minutes longitude and this was 11.5 hours ahead of the GMT. This standard time followed in New Zealand was known as the New Zealand Mean time.
Measurements standards Laboratory is responsible for maintaining the standard for time in this country. This is done with the help of time pips broadcast, the speaking clock service and the Network
Time Protocol.
New Zealand Communication
The Communication system of New Zealand is quite typical for an industrialized nation. The communication system here is quite advanced and is in par with the rest of the world.
Telephones
The telephone industry here is quite advanced and modern. The total number of main lines in use is 1.92 million according to a count done in the year 2000 and Telephones - mobile cellular in use was
3.6 million according to the last count in 2005. There are a couple of network operators namely the CDMA, EV-DO, GSM, HSDPA and UMTS systems.
Telephone system of Nz is awesome in case of both the international as well as the domestic systems. Domestic System comprise of Individual lines that are easily available to 99% of residences. There
is no dearth of many electronic exchanges, optical fiber as well as many microwave links that connect several Kiwi cities. There is a major presence of many submarine optical fiber cables spread
between North Island and South Island.
Radio
Radio broadcast stations include AM 124, FM 290, shortwave 4 and there are approximately 3.75 million radios.
Television
Television broadcast stations comprise of a total of 41 stations.
The TV stations all firmly transmit 4 nationwide free-to-air networks along with 3 nationwide UHF pay TV networks. The stations also broadcast a few regional or local single transmitter stations.
Internet
Internet Service Providers in NZ is 36 according to the 2000 count and the total number of Internet users is 2.11 million according to 2002.
New Zealand Currency
The New Zealand dollar having the currency code of NZD is the official currency of the nation. The currency is generally abbreviated by the dollar sign of $ or NZ$. This is done so as to distinguish
it from other dollar prevalent nations. The Kiwi Dollar is often divided into 100 cents and happens to be one of the 16 most currencies of the world that are used for various trading purposes.
The year 1967 saw the introduction of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and whiles the 1 and 2 cent coins were minted in bronze, the rest of the lot that is the 5, 10, 20 and 50 were all in cupro-nickel.
Till the year 1970, all the 10 cent coins had the ‘one shilling’ legend carved on them and featured the portrait of Elizabeth II done by popular artist Arnold Machin. The year 1986 saw the Kiwi
government adopting the portrait of the Queen done by Raphael Maklouf on every side and the 1 and 2 cent coins were minted at the last moment to be circulated in 1987. The coins were finally
demonetized on the Firs of May 1990.
Several aluminum-bronze 1 and 2 dollar coins were introduced in 1990. These coins replaced the all ready existing $1 and $2 notes. In the year 1999, the portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley was
introduced and the legend was rearranged to be read as the NEW ZEALAND ELIZABETH II.
Presently the older 50, 20, 10 and 5 cent pieces are no longer in use and are out of the legal tender. However, some are still redeemable at the Reserve Bank.
New Zealand Etiquette
Etiquettes in NZ are as important as any where else in the world. The traditional etiquettes are as follows:-
Meeting and Greeting
. These are usually casual and at times just comprise of a simple handshake accompanied by a smile.
. New Zealanders usually move to first names quickly; however it is best to address them by their honorific titles as well as surnames till the point they themselves suggest coming to a more familiar
level and call you by your first name.
Maori meeting and greeting customs
. The Maori people have distinct protocols about how the visitors should be welcomed and be seen off.
. In case of certain business dealings that take place within a tribal group, the welcoming protocols might just be practiced through the process of Powhiri that is nothing but a formal welcome taking
place on a Marae.
. A Powhiri usually dictates where people sit and in what position should they sit in their group and also decides about who would speak.
. The welcoming speeches at these meets are given by the agreed speakers and these speeches always end with the most important speaker or by an elder speaker.
. Mostly the speeches are given in the Maori language while each one of the speeches are accompanied by a traditional song.
The NZ people also have certain Gift Giving Etiquettes that involve the following:-
It is a custom to bring a small gift like flowers, chocolates, or a book about your home country for the hosts and these gifts should not be lavish.
. All the gifts are opened when received.
Dining Etiquette of NZ comprise of:-
. In case of a more formal dining occasion an even more strict protocol is maintained.
. You should wait to be told where to sit.
.All the meals are often served family-style.
Religion of New Zealand
The predominant Maori culture used to exist in the days before the European colonization and several missionaries that included the likes of Samuel Marsden successfully converted almost all the Maori
people to Christianity.
The Maori cultured people quite zealously accepted the terms and norms of Christianity in the early 19th century and till date karakia or the Christian prayer is the first thing that precedes each and
every Maori public as well as social gatherings. The nation has gradually become secular in the present times. A third of the natives belong to the class of agonistics or atheists and apatheist. Just
a little over half the population of the land identifies a religion that is based on the confirmed results of a 2006 Census that dealt with both Population and Dwellings.
The traditional old Maori religious customs or the pre-European belief system of the Maoris wasn’t changed a lot and most of the Eastern Polynesian culture was conceived including the elements of
Nature as well as every living thing that were connected through the whakapapa by common descent. The primary deities of the Maori were Rongo the god of peaceful activities and agriculture while Tane
was the god of the forest and the origin of all birds.
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