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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.
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.
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.
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.
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New Zealand has four large cities – Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch and Wellington. The unitary
authorities within New Zealand include:
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! |
