new zealand

Remote, rugged and absolutely remarkable, New Zealand is top of many travellers’ wishlists. If it wowed you on the big screen in Lord of the Rings, New Zealand will knock you with the force of an All Blacks prop forward when you actually visit.

The two main islands – North and South – have different characters. North Island is warmer, with more rolling hills, beautiful beaches and some seriously sulphurous volcanic goings-on: visit Rotorua for the best thermal bath or Tongariro National Park to see still-active craters in an otherworldly landscape.

Dramatic South Island has the highest peaks, and glacier-carved fiords – a trip to Fiordland will show Mother Nature at her most artistic.

Total Area:  268,021 km², 103,483 sq mi

Capital: Wellington

Country Code: +64

Country Population:  4,537,081

Credit Cards: All major credit cards are accepted in New Zealand, including: American Express, Visa, Master Card and Diners Club

Currency: New Zealand Dollar ($NZD)

Departure Tax: Flying out of Auckland, the departure tax is included with your air fare. Otherwise there is a tax of $25NZD.

Drives: Left

Electricity:  220/240 V. Hotels may have 110V sockets, recommended for razors only.

Ethnic Groups: White/European, Maori, Asian, Pan Pacific

Location: South Pacific hemisphere

Official Language(s): English, Maori

Religion: Predominantly Christian with substantial Baptist, Latter-Day Saints and Pentacostal

Time Zone: New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), 12 hours in advance of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Chatham Islands use Chatham Standard Time (CHAST), 12 hours 45 minutes in advance of UTC.

Tipping: Not customary and not required. With exceptional service (particularly with Concierges or in restaurants and cafes) a tip is always appreciated.