Kia Ora ! Welcome to New Zealand also known as Aotearoa, the "Land Beneath the Long White Cloud" ! You could come to New Zealand for a hundred holidays and have a totally different experience each time. This will weave a spell on you and leave you enchanted. This is New Zealand.

New Zealand is a South Pacific country with spectacularly beautiful landscape, located midway between the Equator and the South Pole, and is approximately 1600 kilometres east of Australia. The island of New Zealand split off from Gondwanaland approx. 50 million years ago and has since been vigorously shaped by earth's mantle. New Zealand was first discovered about 1000 years ago by the great Polynesian navigator Kupe who sailed here from his homeland Hawaiki. He named the islands Aotearoa, Land of the Long White Cloud. Kupe returned to Hawaiki and left instruction on how to get here. In the legend, the South Island was Kupe's canoe. Stewart Island was its anchor and the North Island was the enormous fish caught by Kupe. About 400 years later Maori arrived back in Aotearoa with seven great canoes and began to populate the North Island. The Dutchman Abel Tasman landed in 1642, charted part of the coastline and named it Staten land, believing it was part of the Australian continent. When his mistake was discovered the country was renamed Nieuw Zeeland.

New Zealand is made up of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, and numerous smaller offshore islands. The total area is 268,680 sq. km (103,740 sq. miles. The coastline is 15,135 km (9,405 miles). It is the largest nation closest to the International dateline. Comparable in size and / or shape to Great Britain, Colorado and Japan, New Zealand has a population of only 4 million - making it one of the world's least crowded countries. English and Maori are the official languages, although English is the common language of everyday use. It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers. A temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it a year-round holiday destination.

New Zealand is more than a holiday destination; it's a state of mind. The nation enjoys image as a clean and green land with magnificent mountains and waterways, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforests. There is much more to New Zealand than its natural beauty, this country is also a dynamic 21st century society with sophisticated cities, diverse economy and a vibrant arts and cultural life.

"If Oscars were awarded for location, New Zealand would scoop the lot," says Clive Irving of Conde Naste Traveller. From Hollywood to Bollywood New Zealand landscape is hauntingly evoked in over 150 feature films like Lord of the Rings, The Last Samurai, Perfect Strangers, Whale Rider, The Piano, Kaho Na Pyar Hai, Heaven, Vigil, Rain, Heavenly Creatures, Willow, The Rescue, The Returning etc. to name a few. Hollywood blockbuster "Vertical Limit" was made in New Zealand. TV series Hercules and Xena were also made here.

Getting to New Zealand
New Zealand is a 3.5 hour flight from Eastern Australia, a non-stop overnight flight from the United States, and around 10 hours flight from most places on the Pacific Rim, like Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

Passports and Visas
Arrivals and Departures
New Zealand Visitor Information
Road Information and Climate
Health, Medical and Insurance

Road Information and Climate

International Driving Licences and Permits
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country, or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Make sure your overseas driver's licence is current. If your licence is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you or obtain an International Driving Permit. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP.

Road Safety
If you prefer to drive yourself, please note the following important points:

• In New Zealand, all motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road When turning left, give way (or yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right
  
• When the traffic light is red, you must stop.
  
• There is no left turn rule as in North America
  
• The speed limit on the open road is 100km/h.
  
• In built up areas the speed limit is 50km/h.
  
• Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times

Check out the New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority website for details on the New Zealand Road Code, as well as cycle safety and other general motoring information.

Climate

New Zealand's warmest months are December to March; with winter June to August. Northern New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. For most of the North Island and northern South Island the driest season is summer. However in the South Island winter is the driest season for the West Coast, much of inland Canterbury, Otago and Southland.

Recommended Clothing
Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities. In summer a light jacket or sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit the high country. You can expect some rain, so include a light waterproof jacket or coat. Pack warm winter clothing if visiting between May and September. Layer your clothing.

Water Supply
Tap (faucet) water is safe to drink. City water is chlorinated; most is fluoridated. Water sourced from rivers and lakes should be boiled or treated before drinking.