New Zealand

    Pictures of New ZealandPictures of New Zealand
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    New Zealand is like no other place on earth - packed full of amazing and diverse landscapes.

    The North Island is dominated by ancient volcanoes, stunning coastal scenery and pristine beaches. The South Island is famous for high mountain peaks, deep fiords, lush rain forest and magnificent glaciers.

    Information New Zealand

    Country guide
    Capital city Wellington
    Population

    4,268,000
    Area 103,738 sq miles
    Local time

    GMT/UTC +12
    Language

    English and Maori
    Currency New Zealand Dollar / NZD / NZ$
    New Zealand Dollar = 100 cents.
    Religion

    55% Christian: Anglican, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and Methodist are all represented.
    Travel information
    Passports and Visas

    Full ten year passports are required for all visitors to New Zealand and must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you intend to leave New Zealand.

    No visa is required for British Passport holders for stays of up to six months.
    Payment options American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are common.

    To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Pounds Sterling.
    Climate
    Climate / season

    New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere:

    Spring (Sept - Dec); Summer (Dec - Mar); Autumn (Mar - Jun) and Winter (Jun - Sep). 

    The North Island has a subtropical climate whilst the South Island is generally cooler. During winter, the temperatures can reach freezing but snow is usually limited to the high peaks of the Southern Alps.
    Technical Details
    Telephone dialling codes The country dialling code for New Zealand is +64
    Electricity

    230 volts, 50 cycles. An international adaptor is required.
    Health
    Health care information New Zealand's medical and hospital facilities are of a high standard. Medical services are not free to visitors, except as a result of an accident, and we therefore insist you have adequate medical insurance cover. Hotels normally have individual arrangements with duty doctors, should illness occur.
    Culture
    Politics Prime Minister Helen Clark since 1999
    Customs


    Clothing

    In keeping with New Zealand's lifestyle, dress is informal on most occasions. Even in the top restaurants and clubs, men are generally not expected to wear formal suits. Due to the ever changeable climate, we recommend taking both lightweight cottons and warm clothing. Comfortable shoes and a light raincoat / umbrella are advisable as rain can be expected at any time of year.

    New Zealand 

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