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New Zealand Overview

New Zealand is a top tourist destination often described as a country that exists on the verge of a dream. One desirable and unique aspect of touring in New Zealand is the rapid geographical change within relatively small travelling distances. This means you can quickly cover destinations that involve coastline, farmlands, native forests, snow covered peaks, glaciers, rivers and cities... thereby maximizing your holiday time. New Zealand's awesome landscapes, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind.

New Zealand society is diverse and multicultural. With only over a thousand years of human settlement, New Zealand has a young yet colourful cultural history, primarily by the indigenous Maori and European settlers, with various Polynesian and Asian influences.

New Zealanders brandish a strong pioneering and seafaring heritage. Located in the Southern hemisphere just below Australia, New Zealand is surrounded by subantartic and subtropical oceans and their corresponding coastlines. Boating in this country has been tempered by its ocean wilderness, but it's passion is perpetually rekindled by its alluring beauty. The maritime industry has achieved much over its short history, especially in the area of boat design and manufacture. The industry found itself in an accelerated state of advancement because there was never a need to develop production lines for the country's small population. In effect, new boats were built free from constraint benefiting from accumulative knowledge gained from previous accomplishments. The skills and attributes gained during these formative years have given New Zealand boat builders a good worldwide reputation. The industry is now maturing to serve the ever growing demand from the international market.

Population - 4 million with an Ethnic proportion of about European 80%, Maori 14%, Pacific Islands 5%, Other 1%
Language - English
Geography - two main islands totalling 270,500 sq km in the South Pacific Ocean 1,600km East of Australia. Approximate flight time from LA airport is 12 hours.
Time - New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). In summer New Zealand uses "daylight saving", with clocks put forward one hour to GMT+13. Daylight saving begins on the first Sunday in October and ends on the third Sunday of the following March, when clocks are put back to GMT+12. The time difference from Auckland to LA is minus19 hours.
Climate - Southern temperate zone with seasons reversed from Northern Hemisphere. Average maximum temperatures in summer (November to March) 20-30C, and average maximum temperatures in winter (May to September) 10-15C.
Currency - Decimal system based on the New Zealand Dollar.
Power - 230/240 volts at 50 hertz.
Passports and Visas - Not required for US citizens in possession of a return or onward ticket staying up to 90 days. Passports must be valid three months beyond date of departure.
Driving - 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. Motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road with right-hand vehicle steering. The speed limit on the open road is 100kph (approx 60mph). In urban areas the speed limit is 50kph. Seat belts are required to be worn at all times, in both front and rear seats.