New Zealand is a country of rare seismic beauty: glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, deep, clear lakes, hissing geysers and boiling mud. There are also abundant native forests, long, deserted beaches and a variety of fauna, such as the kiwi, endemic to its shores.Bound by its magnificent harbour, with wooden Victorian buildings terraced up steep hills, New Zealand's capital is home to its parliament and national treasures. Spectacular views, challenging walks, a thriving cafe and entertainment scene, and serious dedication to the arts make Wellington an enormously enjoyable place in which to spend a few days.This waterside city has a strong pulse and a nautical twinkle in its eye. Its location on a thin stretch of the North Island, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, is complemented by the lush subtropical forests of nearby hills and the volcanic terrains of nearby islands. Compact and walkable, 'Welly' is only the country's third-largest city and takes part in a friendly rivalry with larger Auckland. Given its size, there's an astounding number of quality restaurants, bars, shops and theatres. The city prides itself as a cultural centre and is the home of NZ's growing film industry and acclaimed director Peter Jackson.With its spectacular harbour and bridge, New Zealand's largest city ranks with the best and its districts weave their way around a variety of bays ideal for swimming, water sports and particularly yachting - hence the nickname 'City of Sails'.

Weather Overview
New Zealand sits squarely in the 'roaring forties' latitude, which means a prevailing and continual wind blows over the country from west to east; this can range from a gentle breeze in summer to a buffeting, roof-stripping gale in winter. The North Island and South Island, because of their different geological features, have two distinct patterns of rainfall: in the South Island, the Southern Alps act as a barrier for the moisture-laden winds from the Tasman Sea, creating a wet climate to the west of the mountains and a dry climate to the east; while the North Island's rainfall is more evenly distributed without a comparable geological feature such as the Alps. Temperatures are a few degrees cooler in the South Island, and both islands receive snow in winter. Winter falls in the months of June through August and summer from December through February. It is important to remember that New Zealand's climate is maritime, rather than continental, which means the weather can change with amazing rapidity and consequence. The busy tourist season falls in the warmer months between November and April, though ski resorts, such as Queenstown, are full during winter.

Visa Overview
Only a valid passport is necessary for citizens of most countries. 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.

History:

Pre 20C
The Polynesian navigator Kupe has been credited with the discovery of New Zealand around AD 800. Legend has it his wife, Hine-te-aparangi, named it Aotearoa, Land of the Long White Cloud. Continuous settlement of New Zealand dates from about 1200, following which a fairly steady migration of people came from Kupe's homeland of Hawaiki (Ra'iatea in modern-day French Polynesia) who, according to tradition, followed Kupe's own navigational instructions. Their culture, essentially Polynesian but developed over centuries of only limited contact with 'the home lands', was hierarchical and often sanguinary.

In 1642, the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman briefly sailed along the west coast of New Zealand; any thoughts of a longer stay were thwarted when his attempt to land resulted in several of his crew being killed and eaten. In 1769, Captain James Cook circumnavigated the two main islands aboard the Endeavour. Initial contact with the Maoris also proved violent but Cook, impressed with the Maoris' bravery and spirit and recognising the potential of this newfound land, grabbed it for the British crown before setting sail for Australia.

When the British began their antipodean colonising, New Zealand was originally seen as an offshoot of Australian enterprise in whaling and sealing: in fact, from 1839 to 1841 the country was under the jurisdiction of New South Wales. However, increased European settlement soon proved problematic: a policy was urgently required regarding land deals between the settlers (Pakeha) and the Maori. In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, with the Maori ceding governorship of their country to Britain in exchange for protection and guaranteed possession of their lands. But relations between the Maori and Pakeha, although harmonious in some regions, soured in others. Causes were varied and complex, but the most common feature was disagreements about land. The Northland War of 1844-46 was followed by more fighting in other Maori strongholds of Taranaki (1860-61 and 1865-69), Waikato (1863-64) and the East Coast (1868-72). The fighting eventually died down, and though there was no formal resolution to any of the five wars, the Pakehas certainly claimed victory.

Modern
By the late 19th century, things had temporarily calmed down. The discovery of gold had engendered much prosperity, and wide-scale sheep farming meant New Zealand became an efficient and mostly self-reliant country. Sweeping social changes - women's suffrage, social security, the encouragement of trade unions and the introduction of child care services - cemented New Zealand's reputation as a country committed to egalitarian reform.

New Zealand was given dominion status in the British Empire in 1907 and granted autonomy by Britain in 1931; independence, however, was not formally proclaimed until 1947. The economy continued to prosper until the worldwide recession in the 1980s, when unemployment rose dramatically. Today the economy has stabilised, thanks largely to an export-driven recovery. Internationally, New Zealand was hailed during the mid-1980s for its anti-nuclear stance - even though it meant a falling-out with the USA - and its opposition to French nuclear testing in the Pacific (which France countered, to much opprobrium but little penalty, by blowing up the Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior as it sat in Auckland Harbour).

Recent
The Maori population is now increasing faster than the Pakeha and a resurgence in Maoritanga (Maori culture) has had a major and lasting impact on New Zealand society. One of the most heartening aspects of this has been the concerted efforts towards cultural integration between the Maori and Pakeha. However, a clumsy take-it-or-leave-it attempt by the New Zealand government to offer financial reparations has resulted in an upsurge of militant Maori protests over land rights. The issue of reconciliation remains at the top of the political agenda.

Places of Interest

NZ's two most famous glaciers are major attractions, mighty cascades of ice tumbling down a valley towards the sea. The heavy tourist traffic is catered for in the twin towns of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. These small tourist villages provide accommodation and facilities at high-ish prices. Franz is busier but Fox has more of an Alpine-village charm.
Web: www.glaciercountry.co.nz

The Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park is spectacular. More than one-third of the park has a blanket of permanent snow and glacial ice. Of the 27 NZ mountains that stretch over 3050m (10065ft) high, 22 are in this park. The mighty Mt Cook, known to Maoris as Aoraki, the 'Cloud Piercer', is the highest peak in Australasia at 3755m (12,391ft).
Web: www.mtcook.org.nz

Otago Peninsula is the South Island's most accessible wildlife area (albatross, yellow-eyed penguins, blue penguins, fur seals and sea lions all thrive here). It also has a score of historical sites, walkways and unique natural formations. For an overview, pick up the brochure and map from Dunedin's visitors centre and check the peninsula website.
Web: www.otago-peninsula.co.nz

Attractions

Wellington
Bound by its magnificent harbour, with wooden Victorian buildings terraced up steep hills, New Zealand's capital is home to its parliament and national treasures. Spectacular views, challenging walks, a thriving cafe and entertainment scene, and serious dedication to the arts make Wellington an enormously enjoyable place in which to spend a few days.
Compact and walkable, 'Welly' is only the country's third-largest city and takes part in a friendly rivalry with larger Auckland. Given its size, there's an astounding number of quality restaurants, bars, shops and theatres. The city prides itself as a cultural centre and is the home of NZ's growing film industry and acclaimed director Peter Jackson.
Buildings of interest include the modernist Beehive (the executive wing of Parliament), the old Government Building (one of the largest all-wooden buildings in the world), the National Library (housing the most comprehensive collection of books in the country), and the Katherine Mansfield Memorials (the property where the famous author was born in 1888). In addition, there are museums (including the excellent Te Papa museum), a zoo and stunning views of the city from the top of Mt Victoria. Cuba Street has great shopping, Thorndon has historic sites of interest, Lambton Quay is the primary business street and Mt Victoria is the place to go for cheap accommodation and dining.

Auckland
This waterside city has a strong pulse and a nautical twinkle in its eye. Its location on a thin stretch of the North Island, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, is complemented by the lush subtropical forests of nearby hills and the volcanic terrains of nearby islands.
With its spectacular harbour and bridge, New Zealand's largest city ranks with the best and its districts weave their way around a variety of bays ideal for swimming, water sports and particularly yachting - hence the nickname 'City of Sails'.
This combination of water and Antipodean cosmopolitanism makes Auckland one of the world's most vibrant waterside cities. There's no lack of history, either. The area is punctured by volcanic cones, evidence of former pa - fortified Maori villages that indicate occupation stretching back a millennium. Indeed, Auckland now has the world's largest concentration of Polynesians; alongside a more recent wave of Asian migrants, they lend Auckland a liveliness matched by no other New Zealand city.

Travel Advice:

Danger and Annoyance
Theft, primarily from cars, is a major problem. Avoid leaving valuables in a vehicle no matter where it's parked - the worst places to tempt fate are tourist parking areas and the car parks at the start of walks.

Don't underestimate the risks posed by NZ's unpredictable, ever-changing climate in high-altitude areas if you're tramping.

Sharks exist in NZ waters but they rarely pose a threat to humans (there have been less than nine deaths in recorded history! Much greater hazards in the ocean, however, are the rips or undertows that haunt some beaches and are capable of dragging swimmers right out to sea - take notice of any local warnings when swimming, surfing or diving.

The islands' byways are often made hazardous by speeding locals, wide-cornering campervans and traffic-ignorant sheep. For a safer trip, set yourself a reasonable itinerary instead of careering around the country at top speed, and try to stay alert on the road despite the distractingly beautiful scenery.

In the annoyances category, it's hard to top a sandfly visitation. Equip yourself with insect repellent in coastal areas unless you're keen to imitate a whirling dervish when these little bastards start biting.

Getting there
Overview
The overwhelming majority of visitors arrive by air. There are seven airports that handle international flights: Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown and Wellington. A few cruise ships visit New Zealand, but there are no regular passenger ship services and working your way across the Pacific as crew on a yacht now seems a thing of the past.

Getting around
Overview
Although New Zealand is compact and generally easy to get around, it makes good sense to fly - especially for the views over the mountains or volcanoes. A variety of discounts also make flying economical. Air New Zealand flies widely (including smaller routes via partly owned smaller airlines), Origin Pacific flies to main centres, and even smaller regional airlines fill in the gaps. Altogether there's very thorough coverage of the country - kiwis can fly. New Zealand also has an extensive bus network, with the main operator, InterCity (servicing both the North Island and South Island), and subsidiary Newmans, running frequent (at least once a day) services on main bus routes including a cheap fare on the main Auckland to Wellington route. An alternative is to use shuttle bus companies, which are smaller, cheaper and friendlier than the large bus companies. Some of them are designed to cater especially to foreign travellers and/or backpackers and have lots of little 'extras' that make them particularly attractive; other companies, perhaps drawing on the experiences of Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters, can take you around New Zealand on 'alternative' buses, which can be an unhurried way of seeing the country. Train routes are few, though train travel is reasonably fast and the trains modern and comfortable. Tranz Scenic no longer runs between Auckland and Wellington but still has services on the South Island from Picton to Christchurch and Christchurch to Greymouth. Car travel (New Zealanders drive on the left) is recommended as the roads are good and well signposted and the distances short. Rentals of cars, motorcycles and campervans are popular, with a range of special deals available. There are plenty of boat services, including the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries (operating between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island). And finally, there's always cycling around the country. Many travellers describe New Zealand as a cyclists' paradise: it's clean, green, uncrowded and unspoiled, and there are plenty of places where you can camp or find cheap accommodation. Bicycle rental can be daily, weekly or monthly and is inexpensive.

Fast Facts:

Time Zone
GMT/UTC +12

Weight measures
Metric

Area Sqkm
268,680 sq km

Area Code
Country Code: 64

Population
4,000,000

Spoken Language
English (official)

Religion
Predominantly Christian (75%)

Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZ$)

Electricity
230V   50Hz

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD DETAIL INFORMATION