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{{quickbar
|image=[[Image:WellingtonPanorama.jpg|noframe|250px|Cable Car over Wellington.]]
|location=[[Image:New_Zealand.png]]
|flag=[[Image:nz-flag.png]]
|capital=[[Wellington]]
|government=representative democracy
|currency=New Zealand dollar (NZD)
|area=268,680 sq km
|population=4,076,140 (July 2006 est.)
|religion=Anglican 15%, Roman Catholic 12%, Presbyterian 11%, Methodist 3%, Pentecostal 1.7%, Baptist 1.3%, other Christian 9%, other 3%, unspecified/none 43%
|language=English, [[Maori]], and New Zealand sign language
|callingcode=+64
|tld=.nz
|timezone=UTC +12
|electricity=230V/50Hz (Australian plug)
}}
'''New Zealand''' [http://www.purenz.com/] is a temperate to sub-tropical island nation in the [[Oceania|South Pacific Ocean]]. A former British colony, the majority of the population is of European descent, with a sizeable indigenous Maori minority and smaller minorities of various Polynesian and other groups.  A modern but sparsely populated country, it boasts natural beauty and a wide range of outdoor and adventure activities.

It was named ''God's Own Country'' as far back as the 1880s and travellers generally agree it deserves that description. ''Lonely Planet'' named New Zealand the world's top travel destination for the second year running (2003/2004), and it was voted best long-haul travel destination in the 2004 ''Guardian and Observer’s People’s Choice award''. It has won the award in three out of the past four years. At the 2005 Condé Nast Traveller Awards, readers voted New Zealand as the best holiday destination in the world. New Zealand is also known by the Maori name of ''Aotearoa'', which is usually translated as "(Land of the) long white cloud".

==Regions==

[[Image:Newer Map NZ.png|frame|Map of New Zealand]]

New Zealand consists of two main islands and a number of smaller ones. The regions are listed roughly north to south. These regions are not necessarily official local government ''Regions''.

*(''The'') [[North Island (New Zealand)|North Island]] — warm, with scenery ranging from sandy beaches, through rolling farmland and forests to active volcanic peaks.
**[[Northland]]
**[[Auckland Region]]
**[[Waikato]]
**[[Coromandel]]
**[[Bay of Plenty]]
**[[Volcanic Plateau]]
**[[East Cape]]
**[[Hawkes Bay]]
**[[Taranaki]]
**[[Wanganui]]
**[[Manawatu]]
**[[Wairarapa]]
**[[Greater Wellington|Wellington]]
*(''The'') [[South Island (New Zealand)|South Island]] — spectacular alps and fiords, large beech forests, beautiful beaches.
**[[Marlborough (New Zealand)|Marlborough]]
**[[Nelson]]
**[[Golden Bay]]
**[[Buller]]
**[[Westland]]
**[[Canterbury (New Zealand)|Canterbury]]
**[[Otago]]
**[[Southland]]
*[[Stewart Island]] — heavily forested, a wilderness paradise for hikers and hunters.
*[[Chatham Islands]]
*[[Sub-Antarctic Islands (New Zealand)|Sub-Antarctic Islands]]
*[[Other Islands (New Zealand)|Other islands]]

==Cities==

From north to south:

North Island:
*[[Whangarei]] - Whangarei is the largest urban area in the [[Northland]] region of the [[North Island]] of New Zealand, two hours north of [[Auckland]]. 
*[[Auckland]] — "The City of Sails." The largest and most populated New Zealand city, with over a million in the metropolitan area, making it the largest city in [[Polynesia]] too.
*[[Hamilton (New Zealand)|Hamilton]] — The city in the [[Waikato]] is an hour and a half south of Auckland. 
*[[Tauranga]] — In the [[Bay of Plenty]], and about two hours south-east of Auckland. 
*[[Gisborne]] — Gisborne is New Zealand's eastern most province, with a city of the same name.  As New Zealand's eastern most point Gisborne sees each day's light first in the world.
*[[Rotorua]] — Famous for geysers, hot pools, that funny sulphuric smell (smells like eggs!), and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maori_culture/ Maori culture].
*[[Hastings (New Zealand)|Hastings]], [[Havelock north]] and [[Napier]] — Art Deco, food and wine in the sunny [[Hawkes Bay]].
*[[New Plymouth]] — New Plymouth is the port and main city in the [[Taranaki]] region on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. 
*[[Wanganui]] — A river city, bloom events and filming spot for the movie "River Queen". 
*[[Palmerston North]] — Palmerston North is a city in the [[Manawatu]]-[[Wanganui]] region of the [[North Island]] of New Zealand. It is the eighth largest urban area in New Zealand. 
*[[Wellington]] — The national capital — home of the Parliament and the Beehive. "The Windy City" - 
South Island:
*[[Nelson]] — Sunny with New Zealands highest sunshine hours.  Also Nelson is the absolute geographic center of New Zealand. 
*[[Christchurch]] — The Garden City. Where the famous 'Wizard' lives and appears every week, by the cathedral, in the square! 
*[[Queenstown (New Zealand)|Queenstown]] — Home to a large portion of the adventure sports in NZ. 
*[[Dunedin]] — The [[Edinburgh]] of the South.  Proud of its [[Scotland|Scots]] heritage and chocolate factory. 
*[[Invercargill]] — The most southerly city in New Zealand.

==Other destinations==
*[[Bay of Islands]] — North Island, nice scenery.
*[[Kerikeri]] — Charming historic town in the Bay of Islands. Bring your camera.
*[[Lake Taupo]], [[Mount Ruapehu]] and [[Tongariro National Park]].
*[[Havelock north]], a great base for exploring the 
*[[Hawkes Bay]] winerys. and home to Te Mata peak.
*[[Hokianga]] - wild, beautiful, bi-cultural
*[[Elsthorpe]] in the [[Hawkes Bay]] is a beautiful country settlement
*[[Feilding]] Voted New Zealands most beautiful town 12 times in a row
*[[Opiki]] Potato capital of New Zealand
*[[Kaikoura]] - Great for whale watching.
*The [[Westland|West Coast]] of the South Island and [[Westland National Park]]
*The [[Southern Alps]] stretch the length of the South Island.
*[[Aoraki Mount Cook National Park|Aoraki Mount Cook]] — New Zealand's highest mountain.
*[[Omarama]] — World famous gliding destination. Scenic alpine glider flights and pilot training
*[[Queenstown (New Zealand)|Queenstown]] — Adventure capital of the world… skydive, bungee-jump, thrill yourself to your hearts content.
*[[Milford Sound]] and [[Fiordland National Park|Fiordland]].

==Understand==

===Geography===

New Zealand consists of two main islands and many smaller ones in the South Pacific Ocean approximately 2000 km southeast of Australia. With a population of four million in a country about the size of the [[United Kingdom]], many areas are sparsely settled. 

Auckland, the largest city (about 1.25 million), is the largest city in [[Polynesia]].

===Settlement and history===

New Zealand was the last significant land mass to be inhabited by humans, both in terms of indigenous settlement and European domination. This, combined with geological youth and geographical isolation, has led to the development of a young, vigorous nation with a well-travelled, well-educated population and some spectacular scenery, flora and fauna.

The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about 800 AD. Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, in 1642, was the first European to discover New Zealand, and his mapped coastline appeared on Dutch maps as "Nieuw Zeeland" from as early as 1645. British naval Captain James Cook rediscovered, circumnavigated and mapped the islands in 1769. A few people (mostly sealers, whalers, traders and missionaries) settled during the next 80 years and the islands were administered by the British colony in New South Wales.   

In 1840, with the assistance of missionaries, the Maori agreed to accept British sovereignty over the islands through the Treaty of Waitangi. More intensive settlement began that same year. A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872, coupled with political maneuvering and the spread of European diseases, broke Maori resistance to land settlement, but left lasting  grievances. In recent years the government has sought to address longstanding Maori grievances, and this is a complicated process. In 2005, the Maori Party was formed, in part in response to the Government's law on the Foreshore and Seabed but also to promote an independent Maori perspective at a political level.

The British colony of New Zealand became a dominion in 1907. It was offered complete independence under the 1931 Statute of Westminster, although it didn't adopt this until 1947. However the Constitution of [[Australia]] permits New Zealand to join as another Australian state.  New Zealand supported Britain (the United Kingdom) militarily in the Boer War of 1899–1902, as well as both World Wars. It also participated in wars in Malaya, Korea and Viet Nam under various military alliances, most notably the ANZUS treaty between Australia, New Zealand and the United States. 

New Zealand's strongly supported opposition to the testing and use of nuclear weapons and nuclear armed warship visits meant that the Parliament enacted anti-nuclear legislation in the mid-1980s. This led to the lapsing of participation in the ANZUS defence alliance. The New Zealand military continues to take a prominent role in UN-sanctioned peacekeeping forces worldwide. 

===Time Zones===

New Zealand Standard Time is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). New Zealand utilises daylight saving in summer. It commences at 2am on the first Sunday in October and ends at 2am on the third Sunday in March of the following year. During daylight savings time New Zealand is 13 hours ahead of GMT. The [[Chatham Islands]] have their own time zone, which differs only in being 45minutes ahead.

===Sports===
The "national sports" in New Zealand are rugby union and netball in winter, and cricket in summer. The Super 14 season runs from February to May, and the National Provincial Championship runs later in the year. The national team, the All Blacks, generally play matches at home during June through to September, mainly in the Tri Nations.

===Climate===

New Zealand has a temperate climate in the south island and sub-tropical climate in the North Island and the nature of the terrain, the prevailing winds and the length of the country lead to sharp regional contrasts. Temperatures sometimes exceed 30°C and only fall below 0°C in the elevated inland regions.  Generally speaking, rainfall and humidity is higher in the west than the east of the country due to the north-south orientation of the mountain ranges and the prevailing westerly/north westerly winds.

Part situated in the "Roaring Forties", unsheltered areas of the country can get a bit breezy, especially in the centre, through Cook Strait and around [[Wellington]]. The winds seem to be stronger around the equinoxes.
In the winter, southerly gales can be severe but they also bring snow to the ski-fields and are usually followed by calm clear days.

<table border=1>
<tr><td>Temperatures in (°C)</td><td>Jan</td><td>Feb</td><td>Mar</td><td>Apr</td><td>May</td><td>Jun</td><td>Jul</td><td>Aug</td><td>Sep</td><td>Oct</td><td>Nov</td><td>Dec</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[North Island (New Zealand)|North Island]]</td><td>23</td><td>24</td><td>23</td><td>20</td><td>17</td><td>15</td><td>14</td><td>15</td><td>17</td><td>18</td><td>20</td><td>22</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[South Island (New Zealand)|South Island]]</td><td>22</td><td>22</td><td>19</td><td>17</td><td>14</td><td>11</td><td>11</td><td>12</td><td>15</td><td>17</td><td>19</td><td>21</td></tr>
</table>

New Zealand is one of the most difficult countries in the world in which to forecast the weather. Although the weather is changeable, there is certainly plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures to enjoy. It is not uncommon, especially in the South Island to experience ‘four seasons in one day’!


New Zealand is a small country surrounded by ocean. A complicating, but often beneficial factor on the day to day weather, is the steep mountain range running down the spine of New Zealand orientated in a southwest-northeast direction. These mountains often shelter eastern parts of the country from an onslaught of westerly winds and rain.

The weather over New Zealand is mostly influenced by fast moving weather systems in the strong westerly winds (often referred to as the ‘roaring forties’) that predominate over southern parts of the country and seas to the south. There tends to be a seven day cycle associated with these westerlies as a cold front sweeps over the country associated with a couple of days rain, somewhere over the country. Often though these westerlies are disrupted by large high pressure systems (that’s good!) or by storm systems (not so good!).

During the summer and early autumn months (from about December to April), the westerlies tend to move south and New Zealand is more likely to experience settled weather. Always be prepared for a change though! Also, during this time, random weather systems from the tropics can make their presence felt, mainly over the North Island, with a period of warm wet windy weather.

Winter weather in New Zealand (May to August) tends to be more changeable than normal. Cold fronts often bring a period of rain to western areas followed by a cold wind from the south bringing snow to the mountains and sometimes to near sea level over eastern parts of the South Island. When the weather turns cold and wet in the east though, to the west of the mountains, it will be fantastic! At this time of the year it is not uncommon for high pressure systems (and clear skies) to park over the whole country for long periods bringing crisp frosty nights and mornings followed by cool sunny days.

In spring, from August to November, the westerly winds (on average) are at their strongest over New Zealand – these are called the equinoctial westerlies. It tends to rain more in western areas at this time (especially in the South Island), while in the east, warm dry winds can give great cycling weather. Once again though, a cold front and its accompanying south winds can give you a taste of winter at any stage.

The best web site for up to date weather forecast for five days in advance is at [http://www.metservice.co.nz/ metservice]  or [http://www.fencepost.com/ fencepost]

===Filming location===

Many movies and television series have been filmed in New Zealand.  Some of the more notable examples are listed below:
*''River Queen'' (2006) — [[Wanganui]]
*''The Lord of the Rings'' trilogy (2001–03) — numerous locations throughout the country
*''Whale Rider'' (2003) — the North Island's East Coast
*''The Last Samurai'' (2003) — [[Taranaki]]
*''Once Were Warriors'' (1994) - [[Auckland]]
*''The Piano'' (1993) — west coast of the [[Auckland]] region
*''The Quiet Earth'' (1987) — Hamilton University, Warkworth Transmitter Station
*''Xena'' television series — west [[Auckland]] region
*''The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'' (2005) — alpine grassland and glaciers around Flock Hill Station in the [[Southern Alps]] near [[Christchurch]], and other places.
*''King Kong'' (2005) — [[Wellington]]
*''The World's Fastest Indian'' (2005) - [[Invercargill]]

==Get in==

There is no land-based entry to New Zealand. Arrivals are by plane or occasionally by boat (typically cruise ships through Auckland).

=== Visas and documentation ===

All visitors who aren't citizens of New Zealand will need a passport to enter. Australian passport holders may enter New Zealand without a visa of any kind and stay as long as they wish without restrictions (including on employment). British passport holders can be granted a visa-free Visitors Permit for up to six months on arrival. Citizens of a large number of other countries can be granted a visa-free visitors' entry for up to three months on arrival, check the list of [http://glossary.immigration.govt.nz/VisaFreeCountries.htm Visa Free Countries]. All these waivers, including the one for Australians, can be refused. In particular, potential visitors with criminal records or who have been refused entry to or deported from any country should check with New Zealand immigration about whether they need to apply for a visa.

Visitors from countries not in the Visa Free list or those wishing to stay longer than the maximum allowed visa free period for their nationality, will need to apply for an appropriate visa. Check the [http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/visit/visitors/canivisitnz/allaboutvisasandpermits/ Immigration New Zealand] web page for details.

=== Biosecurity ===

Because its economy is based on agriculture, importing even small quantities of most food, as well as unprocessed animal or plant materials is tightly controlled.  These restrictions are designed to limit the spread of animal and plant diseases and pests. New Zealand has very strong biosecurity laws, which are taken seriously by enforcement officials. 

At ports of entry, both the MAF Biosecurity New Zealand and Customs Services will inspect passenger baggage and confiscate any prohibited items. Items that must be declared include: food and cooking ingredients including fruit and vegetables; any plant material; any animals products, or meat, fish and poultry; herbal medicines; wooden items or items with feathers, seeds or straw; dirty or soiled sports gear, footwear, and used camping gear; and anything that may have been in contact with soil, been used on a farm or has been used with animals.  Go to [http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/enter/declare] for more details.

If travelling with golf clubs and shoes, make sure you clean them before your trip.  It is also a good idea to remove spikes from your golf shoes.

If you are unsure it is best to declare any questionable items as the biosecurity inspectors will be able to tell you if it needs to be cleaned or disposed of before entry.  Items may be taken for sterilisation or fumigation before being released to you.

If not declared or the biosecurity section of the Passenger Arrival Card is not correctly completed, an instant fine of $200 or more may apply. More serious breaches may result in a fine (up to $100,000) or a prison term (up to five years). Either declare items as required or put them in the amnesty bins before you reach biosecurity.

=== Customs ===

Importation or possession of most recreational drugs, including cannabis, is illegal.

===By plane===

There are international airports at [[Auckland]], [[Hamilton (New Zealand)|Hamilton]], [[Palmerston North]], [[Wellington]], [[Christchurch]], [[Dunedin]] and [[Queenstown (New Zealand)|Queenstown]].
The main gateways are [[Auckland]] and [[Christchurch]], with Auckland servicing more than 20 destinations and a dozen airlines, and direct connections from Christchurch to Sydney, Melbourne, [[Singapore]], and [[Tokyo]].  All the smaller international airports service flights only to Australia and are limited to B737 or similar size aircraft.

Due to its large expatriate Polynesian and Melanesian communities, New Zealand has more extensive direct flight options to South Pacific nations such as Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands than almost any other country.

Aerolineas Argentina provides a biweekly service direct to Buenos Aires from Auckland, forging a new connection between the two nations.

==Get around==

===By train===

Both Auckland and Wellington have commuter rail services. These services are operated by [http://www.connexauckland.co.nz/ Veolia] (named Connex until March 2006) in Auckland and [http://www.tranzmetro.co.nz/ Tranz Metro] in [[Greater Wellington]].

Inter-city rail passenger services are operated by [http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz/ Tranz Scenic], but have become increasingly limited, and the focus is now on popular tourist trains, in particular:
* '''The Overlander''' — Between Auckland and Wellington, departing each city each morning. This service is reducing to running Friday to Sunday only outside the summer months due to declining passenger numbers[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10403445]. '''The Northerner''' overnight service was discontinued in November 2004.
* '''The Capital Connection''' — Commuter service from Palmerston North to Wellington in the morning, returning in the evening.
* '''The Tranz Coastal''' — From Christchurch to Picton (via Kaikoura) and return daily. Travels along the rugged north-east coast of the South Island. Meets the Picton-Wellington ferry.
* '''The Tranz Alpine''' — From Christchurch to Greymouth and return daily. Classed as one of the world's great train journeys, this trip crosses the South Island, passing through spectacular mountain scenery, some of which is inaccessible by road, as well as the 12 km Otira tunnel. Many visitors disembark at the [[Arthur's Pass National Park]] and spend four hours exploring the mountains before catching the return train.

Trains run at low speed, sometimes dropping to 50 km/h in the summer due to the narrow gauge and lack of track maintenance following privatisation in the 1980s. Most New Zealanders prefer to drive or fly, as train fares are comparatively expensive.

===By air===
{{infobox|Departure Tax|Before leaving New Zealand any passenger over the age of 12 on any flight is required to pay NZ$22 – NZ$25 at the airport.  This fee ''can'' be paid by credit card.}}
Domestic flights in New Zealand are quite reasonably priced, and are often cheaper than driving or taking the train, especially if crossing between the North and South Islands is required. 

Most airlines operate an electronic ticket system. You can book on-line via the internet (cheapest), or by telephone or through a travel agent (more expensive). Pay using a credit card and just turn up on the day (with the card and photographic ID to prove who you are) and fly. However, you should also bring a copy of your itinerary to serve as proof of your planned departure for the purposes of securing a travel visa.

Check-in times are usually 30 minutes prior to flight departure. Cabin baggage and personal scanning are routinely conducted for jet services from all the major airports, and scanning facilities are due to be installed at smaller regional airports during 2005. 
 
* '''Air New Zealand''', [http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz].  Has the most extensive domestic network, serving most cities over 20,000 people, with jet services between main centres and smaller aircraft elsewhere. Free baggage allowance is 20 kg, with 5 kg carry-on.
* '''Qantas''', [http://www.qantas.co.nz].  Operated by Jetconnect and fly's on the main trunk and principal tourist routes (Auckland–Rotorua–Wellington–Christchurch–Queenstown)
* '''Freedom Air''', [http://www.freedomair.com].  No longer offer NZ domestic services, operating international flights to Australia and Fiji only.

Only Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington have timetabled public transport in the form of buses. Regional airports generally only have on-demand shuttle services and taxis.

===By car===

Driving around both the main islands by car is generally not a problem. You can reach almost anywhere you might need to in a two-wheel-drive car or even a small camper van. You don't need four-wheel drive to reach the best places. The volume of traffic is normally low and drivers are usually fairly courteous.  Within the cities, traffic density is higher and some confusion may set in, given that many drivers are used to the open roads.

If you are looking to discover New Zealand on your own, but do not wish to have the hassle of renting a car and pre-booking your accommodation, then a [http://www.relaxingjourneys.co.nz/self_drive_tours/index.php Self Drive New Zealand Tour] is for you. 

[http://www.discount-car-rental.co.nz/ New Zealand car rental] firms range from the familiar multi-national big brands through to small local car rental firms. The advantage of the big name rental firms is they can be found throughout New Zealand and offer the biggest and newest range of rental vehicles. The disadvantage is that generally they are the most expensive.

At the other end of the scale are the small local operators who typically have older rental cars. Whilst you may not end up driving this year's latest model the advantage is that the smaller car rental firms can be substantially cheaper, so leaving you more money to spend on the many exciting attractions New Zealand offers. Between these extremes you'll find a wide range of NZ car rental firms catering to different needs and budgets.

See also: [[Driving in New Zealand]] and [[Renting a motorhome in New Zealand]].

===By bus===

Buses are a cheap way to get around the country. Companies like [http://www.intercitycoach.co.nz/ InterCity coaches] and [http://www.newmanscoach.co.nz Newmans coaches] offer services to most cities and towns. In the South Island there are lots of small bus companies like Atomic Shuttles with more bus connections than InterCity coaches. Do be aware that most roads in New Zealand are quite narrow and winding, and that travelling a long distance in a bus can be quite slow and tiring.

[http://www.kiwiexperience.com/ "KiwiExperience Backpacker Bus"], [http://www.straytravel.com/ Stray Travel] and [http://www.magicbus.co.nz/ "The Magic Bus"] offer bus trips around New Zealand where you can get on and off as you please.

Naked Bus is a new low cost bus service, which operates in North Island currently. It started its operations in October 2006. When booking in advance you can find $1 tickets at [http://nakedbus.com nakedbus.com].

===By coach===

*[http://www.relaxingjourneys.co.nz/escorted_tours/index.php New Zealand Escorted Coach Tours] One of the most popular ways to tour NZ, escorted tours are designed for travellers who want a no-hassle holiday with everything catered for including the value and security of pre-booked hotels, sightseeing activities and the services of an experienced tour guide or coach captain that travels with you.

*[http://www.relaxingjourneys.co.nz/independent_tours/index.php New Zealand Independent Coach Tours] These unescorted multiday coach tours are designed for travellers who want the value and security of pre-booked hotels and sightseeing activities, but prefer more independent time with the option to add extra days or activities to suit their requirements.

*[http://www.relaxingjourneys.co.nz/small_group_tours/index.php New Zealand Small Group Coach Tours]Dont fancy travelling in a big coach? Well here is another option. You still get a no-hassle holiday with everything catered for, including pre-booked accomodation & sightseeing activities. However by paying a little more, you get to travel in a smaller coach, and you get a more personal service and a more interactive environment with your fellow travellers.

For special interest groups an alternative to scheduled coach tours is chartering a bus for their exclusive use. This allows full itinerary flexibility and is usually cheaper than 'seat in coach' bookings. Coach charters include the a driver but accommodation and entrance fees to attractions are not included. New Zealand bus charter operators range from budget, such as [http://www.busnz.co.nz/ BusNZ], through to luxury operators.

===By boat===

To get your car between the North and South Islands you will need to take a ferry across Cook Strait.  There are several sailings daily between [[Wellington]] and [[Picton (New Zealand)|Picton]]. But be prepared for a delay or a change in sailings if the weather is stormy.  

Harbour ferries, for commuters, operate in Auckland and Wellington.  A number of communities are served by boat, rather than road, while charter boats are available for expeditions in several places.  There are regular sightseeing cruises in several tourist destinations, particularly in the Southern Lakes and Fiordland area.

For thrills, there is the uniquely New Zealand-designed jet boat. You can even travel on the very rivers that inspired this craft.

===By bike===

You can bring your own bike, as well as hire a bike in some of the larger cities. Throughout New Zealand it is the law to wear a helmet while riding, otherwise you are liable to a fine. When hiring a bike you should be supplied with a helmet. Also remember to drive on the left (Most rental cars will however have stickers proclaiming this).

Riding bikes in New Zealand can be fun, but be aware of (tourist) buses and trucks on main highways as overtaking distances can be slim. You should also be prepared for the large distances between towns and cities and the generally windy weather. While some areas of New Zealand are flat, most tourists cycling in New Zealand will find that they need to be able to cope with long periods of cycling up hills, especially in Coromandel.

Being a temperate coastal climate, the weather is changeable and it is recommended that cyclists have all options covered. It is often said that in New Zealand you can get four seasons in one day, particularly in the high country (or Middle Earth as it is known to those who are familiar with the ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies). Due to ozone depletion above NZ and Australia, burn times in the summer are often shorter relative to elsewhere in the world, and a factor 15 or greater sunscreen is essential to avoid the discomfort (and danger) of sunburn.

Flying with your bike can be expensive and problematic with limiting weight restrictions and many cyclist choose to get a bike on their arrival to New Zealand. This offers the additional benefit of not being stuck with a bike when you take on other activities, such as walking, and saves the tricky job of repacking for flights.
[[Christchurch]] has the largest number of guided and self-guided [http://www.cyclehire.co.nz/ tour operators] and there are a number of bike rental companies based there also.

===By thumb===
[[Hitchhiking]] around New Zealand is generally possible on most inter-city and major rural roads. It is illegal to hitchhike on motorways and illegal for motorists to stop there to pick you up. Try to get out of the middle of town, especially where public transport operates. Wear your pack and look like you're touring the country rather than just being a local looking for a lift. You have as much chance of being picked up by another tourist as a local, particularly in tourist areas. Usual risk considerations apply, many locals consider it an extreme sport.

===Tour operators===
* [http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/adventures.php/d/newzealand AdventureSmith New Zealand Travel]. A United States based tour operator specializing in active ecotours to New Zealand.  Trips are geared toward active travelers and nature enthusiasts.  Trips include upscale accommodations, guides, transportation, food and national park entrance fees.  Tours from 5-21 days.  Costs begin at $1599 per person.
* [http://www.relaxingjourneys.co.nz New Zealand Tours]. Relaxing Journeys is a New Zealand based tour operator showcasing an extensive range of NZ tours, including small group guided tours, independent and escorted coach tours, self drive tours and sightseeing day trips throughout New Zealand.
* [http://www.potikiadventures.com Potiki Adventures]. is an Auckland Based, Maori owned tour company. They offer small group Auckland day trips that introduce you to contemporary Maori culture, sites of historical significance and beautiful bush and beach landscapes. They have two tours- Urban Maori Experience (sightseeing) and Marine Reserve Adventure (snorkeling and kayaking). They also do exclusive tours on request.
* [http://www.acrossnz.com Acrossnz.com] is a New Zealand based online travel agent. Acrossnz is able to organise every aspect in planning your New Zealand vacation, complete with hotel bookings, car rentals, air/rail bookings, activities transfers plus provide you with an itinerary that suits your personal requirements.

==See==
New Zealand scenery has long been a major tourist attraction, so spectacular it leaves many lost for words. You need to see it to understand, just describing it is not enough. Mind you, if you have seen some recent movies that were made in New Zealand, you probably have seen it and not realised. Those spectacular landscapes in the ''Lord of the Rings'' trilogy are based on New Zealand scenery. Sure they were computer enhanced, but only in places, and the real scenery is still there to be visited. Selected highlights are:
*[[Fiordland National Park|Fiordland]] and [[Milford Sound]] — they built the road here, including a tunnel under the mountains, just for the tourists.
*[[Queenstown (New Zealand)|Queenstown]] on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and with the other Southern Lakes in easy reach.
*[[Franz Josef]] and [[Fox Glacier]]s — in the [[Westland]] region.
*[[Mount Cook]] — New Zealand's highest mountain, in the heart of the [[Southern Alps]].
*The [[Canterbury (New Zealand)|Canterbury]] plains.
*[[Mount Ruapehu]] and [[Lake Taupo]] — volcanoes with lakes in them.
*[[White Island]], one of New Zealand's more active volcanoes.
*[[Bay of Islands]], where the [[Waitangi]] treaty house can be found and the place where New Zealand's founding document, the ''Treaty of Waitangi'', was signed. The copies are now held by the National Archives in [[Wellington]].
*[[Ninety Mile Beach]]

===Itineraries===
* [[Nine days in New Zealand's North Island]]
* [[Nine days in New Zealand's South Island]]
* [[Two weeks in New Zealand's South Island]]
* [[Eighteen Day Small Group Tour Covering Both Islands]]

==Do==

Outdoor and adventure activities include:
*Abseiling [[Waitomo]]
*Aerial sightseeing (helicopter and fixed-wing)
*Base jumping (Cable-controlled) [Skytower in Auckland]
*Birdwatching
*Black water rafting (cave rafting)
*Boat Tours
*Bungy jumping [[Queenstown (New Zealand)|Queenstown]], [[Auckland]], [[Lake Taupo]] — the modern bungy jump was invented here by New Zealander A.J. Hackett.
*Canoeing and kayaking on rivers and lakes
*Canyoning
*Caving [[Waitomo]], [[Nelson]], South Island West Coast, [[Te Anau]]
*Climbing
*Cycle touring
*Diving
*Fishing — trout (some of the finest trout-fishing in the world), salmon, marlin, broadbill, sharks and many other salt-water species
*Fly by wire (invented here)
*Four-wheel driving
*Gliding — [[Omarama]] is one of the best places in the world for gliding
* '''[[Golf]]''' - see the [[Golf in New Zealand]] article.
*Hang-gliding
*Heli-hiking at [[Fox Glacier]]
*Hiking — New Zealand has a number of national parks and other wilderness and forested areas, much of which is managed by the [http://www.doc.govt.nz/ Department of Conservation]. The activity known in other countries as hiking, trekking or bushwalking is known as [[tramping in New Zealand]] and is a very popular activity for visitors and locals. 
*Horse trekking
*Hot-air ballooning
*Hunting — several species of deer, wild pig (wild boar), tahr, chamois, goat, wallabies (they are protected in Australia but a pest here), gamebirds
*Ice-climbing
*Jetskiing
*Kite surfing
*Luge (on concrete not ice) [[Queenstown (New Zealand)|Queenstown]], Rotorua.
*Mountaineering — this was the training ground for Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the first two people to climb Mt Everest.
*Mountain biking
*Museums http://www.nzmuseums.co.nz/
*Nature tours
*Paragliding
*Parapenting
*Quad biking
*Rafting
*Rap jumping
*River jetboating — the Hamilton jet was invented by New Zealander William Hamilton.
*Rockclimbing
*Sailing — New Zealand has produced many world-champion yachties and is the only country apart from the US to have won and successfully defended yachting's ultimate prize, the America's Cup.
*Scuba diving and snorkelling, especially down to the sunken ''Rainbow Warrior'' at Matauri Bay, not far from [[Kerikeri]].
*Sea kayaking [Abel Tasman Marine Reserve]
*Shark cage diving [[Kaikoura]]
*Skiing and snowboarding including heli-skiing [[Queenstown (New Zealand)|Queenstown]]
*Skydiving
*Surfing
*Swimming with dolphins [[Kaikoura]], [[Bay of Islands]]
*Swimming with seals
*Whale watching [[Kaikoura]]
*White water rafting [[Fox Glacier]]
*White water sledging / dam dropping 
*Windsurfing
*Zorbing (invented here) Agrodome in [[Rotorua]]
*Zoos

There's more but we're exhausted just thinking about it.

==Talk==

'''English''', '''Maori''' and '''New Zealand Sign Language''' are the official languages of New Zealand.  English is by far the major language spoken and is written with Commonwealth ("British") spelling, but being a liberal land, American spelling is also accepted, in Auckland East, Singlish and Maglish count too.  New Zealand English is considered one of the major varieties of English and is different enough from other forms of English to justify it being classed as a separate dialect, as represented by the publication of the Oxford New Zealand English dictionary. A (seldom-used) expression for New Zealand English is Newzild.  Word usage may also differ occasionally, in potentially embarrassing ways for the traveller. Several words that some other English speaking cultures may consider offensive, or have euphemisms for, are considered acceptable usage.   For example: A New Zealand ''bathroom'' refers to a ''room'' containing a ''bath'' while the other facilities that an American might refer to as a ''bathroom'' or ''washroom'' are known as a ''toilet''.  The American habit of "bleeping" swear words from broadcasts is considered quaint and rarely done in local programming.  The New Zealand broadcasting media is unusually tolerant of swear words when used in context. 

The New Zealand accent is somewhat nasalised with flattened vowel sounds and [[vowel shifting]]. New Zealanders consider their accent to be markedly different from the Australian one and are often mildly offended when mistaken for or confused with Australians.  New Zealand terminology and slang are also markedly different from Australian language. Americans find New Zealand accents easy to understand, so do Australians. English and European dialects find it slightly harder and Asians may find it rather hard to understand, New Zealanders are quite happy however to repeat what they just said if necessary.

'''Maori''' is actively spoken by a minority of both Maori and language learners.  Maori is available as a language to study in, instead of English, at many educational institutes. The Maori language is spoken by some, but not all, Maori and a few non-Maori.  Many place names are in Maori and for the traveller some knowledge of Maori pronunciation is very useful. Most New Zealanders speak English but if anyone knows Maori, you can get around just as easy.

New Zealand '''Sign language''' was given status in 2005 as an official language of the country.

See also: [[Maori phrasebook]]

===Common expressions===
Generally, New Zealand English expressions follows British English. However, New Zealand English has also borrowed much from Maori and there are a number of other phrases that are not commonly encountered elsewhere or may confuse the visitor.

* '''Bach''' (pron. "batch") — Holiday home in New Zealand (often by the beach and comprising of fairly basic accommodation). In the South Island it's often called a crib.

* '''Bring a plate''' — means each attendant of the event should bring a plate of ''food'' to share with the other guests.

* '''BYO''' — Bring Your Own. An addition to the name of a restaurant that has not (or more likely had not) a liquor license. Means that it is perfectly okay to bring your own wine to enjoy with your food, but they often charge a small corkage fee.

* '''Bugger''' — Long a common expletive, it gained a certain legitimacy and/or notoriety when used in an amusing and award-winning prime-time TV ad (for Toyota). Used by politicians, on the back of cars, used by many people. Means "Oh bother". Mildly impolite and may offend a few people, however very acceptable in casual male conversations.

* '''Dairy''' — Convenience store; corner shop, one few outsiders understand though heavily used by locals and find problems when travelling overseas and are surprised when asking where the dairy is.

* '''Entry by gold (or silver) coin (donation)''' — The admission charge to an event, exhibit, gallery or museum is by making a payment of a coin in the appropriate metal, often in the donation box at the door. The gold coins in NZ are the $1 and $2 coins, while silver are the 10c, 20c and 50c coins. (See also "Koha" below). A new currency has been installed recently, where the 5c coins have been removed, the 10c coin is now copper-plated and the 20c and 50c coins have been made smaller. The $1 and $2 coins remain the same.

* '''Ladies a plate''' — At social functions, such as meetings, attendees are expected to bring a plate carrying ready-to-eat food. Typically the food is home baking by a member of each attending family or couple, not necessarily a "lady". 

* '''Claytons''' — Describing something as a ''Claytons'' means that the item lacks full functionality or is a poor imitation of the real thing. From the name of the (unsuccessful) non-alcoholic whiskey that was briefly marketed during the late 1970s/early 1980s under the catch phrase ''The drink you're having when you are not having a drink.''

* '''Glidetime''' — Flexible working hours (or ''flexitime''), often worked by ''public servants''. Under this system, workers can start and finish work at hours of their choosing between 7 am and 6 pm, although they must work the ''core hours'' of 9.30 am to Noon and 2 pm to 3.30 pm and average 40 hours per week. Also the name of a comedy play about such workers.

* '''Public servants''' — People employed by central government organisations, or enterprises owned by the country's government.

* '''Social welfare''' — State operated organisations responsible for child protection services, income assistance and work placement for the unemployed.

* '''Beneficiary''' — A person of working age who is receiving state welfare assistance payments known as ''income support'' or a ''benefit''.

*'''Pensioner''' — Retired person, a ''superannuitant'', or a former soldier receiving a ''war pension''.

* '''Superannuitants''' — Retired people in receipt of a state retirement pension known as ''New Zealand Superannuation''. This payment is paid to all citizens over 65 years old.

* '''Hui''' — A meeting or gathering to discuss and debate issues in traditional Maori fashion.

* '''Iwi''' — A Maori tribe or people, sometimes known as a ''Waka'' (canoe), as many iwi are named after the ocean going canoes that brought their ancestors to New Zealand.

* '''Kiwi''' - Slang for a New Zealander themself and also for the New Zealand dollar. Named after an endangered flightless bird, New Zealanders can be offended when used overseas to describe the fruit locally known as a kiwi-fruit.

* '''Koha''' — A Maori term for gifts or donations. Often an exchange of gifts takes place. (Sometimes the admission signs say, "Entry Koha", meaning gold coin or what you feel like donation.)
 
* '''Kai''' — Food. Common with both Maori and European.

* '''Marae''' — A traditional Maori meeting or gathering place. Also a community centre.

* '''Pakeha''' — The Maori word for European New Zealanders, generally thought to have arisen from a Maori story about white creatures called 'pakepakeha'.  Some European New Zealanders do not refer to themselves as Pakeha, while others see the name as part of their unique identity. Many liberal whites will even call themselves Pakeha to distinguish them from Europeans as whites in New Zealand are referred to as Europeans but are usually of 4th or 5th generation New Zealander.

*'''Powhiri''' — A Maori ceremonial welcome. Especially to a marae, but now also may take place at the start of a conference or similar large meeting in New Zealand.

* '''Whanau''' — A Maori (extended) family. Kinfolk.

* '''Wharenui''' — The ''meeting house'' (literally ''big house'') on a marae. Used often in advertising to alliterate with friends such as 'freinds and whanau'.

* '''Wharekai''' — The dining room and/or kitchen (literally ''food house'') on a marae.

==Buy==

The New Zealand Dollar is used for purchasing goods and services in New Zealand.  A few traders do accept foreign currency, particularly in tourist destinations. At 5 November 2006 the conversion from US dollars to NZ dollars was approximately 1USD=1.51NZD.

===Electronic banking/purchasing===
New Zealanders are amongst the highest users of electronic banking services in the world. Automatic teller machines (ATMs), locally known as 'the hole in the wall', are available in just about every town, even those without a bank.  Most shops have EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale) terminals for debit and credit cards, so most purchases can be made electronically. Credit cards are not accepted by some merchants with Eftpos, especially smaller food retailers such as dairies, takeaways and cafes that do not serve alcohol. Also smaller retailers may often set a minimum purchase of around $10 when obtaining cash, if they agree to provide cash. Banks offer a wide range of telephone and internet banking services. If you are going to be in New Zealand for a while it may be convenient to open a New Zealand bank account and set up a local debit card, to avoid carrying a lot of cash around.

===Price negotiation===
Because of strong advertising laws, the displayed price is normally the purchase price for most goods sold in New Zealand.  The principle ''The price stated is the price you pay'' is strongly ingrained in New Zealand culture.  

Most retailers will not negotiate on price, though some have a formal policy of matching (or beating) the competition and will match or even discount their prices for you if you can find a better price for the exact same product elsewhere. However this seems to be changing as there are stories about people finding appliance/electronics store very willing to negotiate on price to get business, especially if you're looking at high-end items or have a laundry list of multiple high-priced items.  Some places you have to ask for a discount (they will gladly take full price if you are willing to hand it over), while others have salespeople that offer discounts on pricey goods as soon as they approach you.

===Taxes and fees===
Unless it says otherwise the price includes GST (Goods and Services Tax, or sales tax) of 12.5%.  Some shops, especially in tourist destinations, will ship purchases overseas, as export goods which are not subject to GST. Ask about this service before making your purchase.  Goods purchased and taken with you will be subject to GST.

On public holidays, some establishments such as cafes, may charge a ''holiday'' surcharge in the region of 10%–20%, supposedly to cover the cost of employing staff who are working on the holiday. This is a recent development because current holiday legislation requires workers who work on public holidays to be paid for the time they work and be given a paid public holiday as well. The legality of this charge is questionable and should be challenged if not advertised openly or notified at the time of placing an order.

===Tipping===
In accommodation places, restaurants and bars the prices charged include the services provided and ''tips'' are not expected, though the practice is known of in some establishments that cater for tourists. However, do not be surprised if you receive bemused looks in some situations. Also do not be offended if your tip is initially refused or questioned, as most New Zealanders rarely encounter tipping, except from tourists. New Zealanders' unfamiliarity with tipping makes many of them very ill-at-ease with it when travelling in countries where it is practised. It is viewed very negatively by New Zealanders as an alien vulgarity, being made to 'pay twice', or as a form of bribery. Staff in some establishments may risk their job in accepting a tip. In the major cities, tipping tends to be embraced by workers, especially over the summer when students wait tables for part-time work, but a source of annoyance to older kiwis.  Tipjars may be placed on counters, but these are for loose change and you are not expected to place coins in them.

==Eat==

New Zealand has a wide range of eating places, from fast food outlets to stylish restaurants. Many petrol stations have a convenience store with sandwiches or food such as pies that can be microwaved on-site. Fast food chains include KFC, McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Pizza Hut and Subway. There are also many independent, owner-operated takeaways outlets selling one or more of burgers, pizzas, fried chicken, Chinese or other Asian fast food or fish and chips. At least a burger bar and/or fish and chip shop can be found in almost any small town or block of suburban shops. The humble fish and chip shop is the archetypical New Zealand fast food outlet. The menu consists of battered fish portions deep fried in oil (or fat) together with chunky cut potato chips (''fries'' but not the ''McDonald's Shoestrings'') as well as a range of other meats, seafood, pineapple rings and even chocolate bars, all wrapped in newsprint paper—today it is unprinted but traditionally it was yesterday's newspaper, until someone decided it was unhealthy. A good meal can often be had for under $5, a bad one for the same price.

===Cuisine===
New Zealand's cultural majority (ethnic British) does not have a definitive and recognisably distinct cuisine that differs markedly from the traditional British (or North American) cuisine.  However there are a number of small differences
*Roast '''kumara''' — the sweet potato (''Ipomoea batatas'') roasted in the same manner as potatoes and often served instead of or alongside.  May also be deep fried like potato chips (i.e. ''fries'') and known as '''kumara chips''' — nice served with sour cream but rarely done well as kumara cooks at a different temperature than potatoes, so it needs a skilled chef for the dish to be done perfectly.
*'''Pavlova''', or '''pav''', a cake of whipped egg whites baked to have a crusty meringue-like outside but soft in the middle, topped with whipped cream and decorated with sliced fruit. Australians claim they created the dish but this is strongly disputed.
*'''ANZAC biscuits''' — Plain hard biscuits (''cookies'') made primarily from oatmeal bound with golden syrup. Originally made for and by ANZAC troops during the first world war. Also found in Australia.
*'''Pies''' — Unlike Americans, New Zealanders eat large numbers of non-flakey-pastry meat pies containing things like beef, lamb, pork, potato, kumara, vegetables, and cheese.
*'''Kiwifruit''' — A plum sized green fleshed fruit, with fine black seeds in the flesh, originating from China, selectively bred in New Zealand, and first known to the home gardener as the ''Chinese Gooseberry''.  Now commercially farmed, with production centred on [[Te Puke]] but in many orcharding areas. Slices often served on pavlova. Known by its full name of kiwifruit and never shortened to ''kiwi'' in New Zealand, as ''kiwis'' are endangered birds or New Zealanders and neither are eaten nowadays.
*'''Whitebait''' — The translucent sprat or fingerlings of native freshwater fish species that migrate from spawning in the sea each year. After being caught in coastal river mouth set or hand nets during November/December, this highly sought after delicacy is rushed to all ends of the country. Served in a fried pattie made from an egg based batter. May be seasonally available from a local fish and chip shop. Is served without gutting or deheading.

The Maori also have a distinctive cuisine…
*The '''hangi''' or earth oven is the traditional way that Maori cook food for large gatherings. Meat, vegetables and sometimes puddings are slowly steam-cooked for several hours in a covered pit that has previously been lined with stones and had a hot wood fire burn down in it.
*'''Kaimoana''' (literally: ''sea food'') — particularly shellfish gathered from inter-tidal rocks and beaches as well as '''crayfish''' (rock lobster) and inshore fish caught on a line or with nets. Species such as '''paua''' (blackfoot abalone) and '''toheroa''' have been overfished and gathering restrictions are strictly enforced, while '''green mussels''' are commercially grown and sold live, or processed, in supermarkets.

==Drink==

New Zealanders have a reputation for enjoying their beer. Although there are now only two major breweries, there are many regional brands, each with their own distinctive taste and staunch supporters. Watch out for brewery owned pubs, the competition's beer is not sold there.

More recently, the wine industry has developed into a significant export industry. Many vineyards now offer winery tours, wine tasting and sales from the vineyard.

Take care when and where you indulge in public.  New Zealand has recently introduced liquor ban areas that means alcoholic drinks cannot be consumed or even carried in some streets, such as city centres and popular beaches, at certain times of the day or night. Police can instruct you to empty bottles and arrest you if you do not comply.

Coffeehouses are a notable daytime socialisation venue in many of the larger cities and tourist destinations. The ''cafe culture'' is notable in downtown Wellington, where many office workers have their ''tea breaks'' now, following the demise of the office cafeteria during the restructuring of the public service in the 1980s and 1990s.

''Coffee styles''
* Short Black/espresso — a single shot (25 – 30 ml) of thick black coffee.
* Long Black — a long (double espresso) equal part hot water, but very strong cup of black.
* Flat White — very strong coffee with creamy hot milk and no foam.
* Latte — a large cup (double espresso) of very milky coffee with a thin layer of dense foam on top (the foam holds the coffee down).
* Cappuccino — one-third espresso, one-third hot milk and one-third creamy, dense foam. An optional topping of chocolate or cinnamon can be added.
* Americano — a Long Black with extra hot water.
* Moccaccino – made with hot chocolate instead of milk.
* Affogato — a scoop of vanilla ice cream served in a regular size glass with espresso coffee.
* Macchiato — two shots of espresso served in a small glass.
* Corretto — black espresso with a shot of alcohol.
* Vienna — half black with added whipped cream and a sprinkling of chocolate shavings.
In cafes, there is often more than one milk jug which is colour coded; dark blue is normal, light blue is lite and green is super trim.

Bottled '''water''' — both flavored and unflavored — is available in most shops. Not that there is anything wrong with the tap water, it is just that some town supplies are drawn from river water and chlorinated. If you do not want to pour your money down the drain, fill your own water bottle from the tap, unless you find it is too heavily chlorinated for your taste. Tap water in New Zealand is regarded as some of the cleanest in the world, it is safe to drink from in all cities, most come from artesian wells or freshwater reservoirs - however, some are from rivers which can be chlorinated to be made safe but do not taste very nice. The water in Auckland comes from the end of the river Waikato, a long river that comes from freshwater sources in Taupo, but by the time it reaches Auckland the water quality is no better than that of the Thames in London or the Hudson in New York: be warned. Tap water in places such as Christchurch and Hastings is not chlorinated at all as it is drawn from the pure artesian aquifers of the Canterbury and Heretaunga plains (the same places the bottled water and other beverages comes from). But the water in some cities is heavily treated.

'''L & P''' or '''Lemon & Paeroa''' is "world famous in New Zealand". It is a sweet carbonated lemonade style drink sold in a brown plastic bottle with a yellow label because they used to sell it in brown glass ones (like beer bottles) before they switched to plastic. Generally one for the kids or parties (it mixes quite well with whiskey), though the big bottle in Paeroa itself is a hit with the tourists.

==Sleep==

New Zealand offers a wide range of accommodation. 

International quality '''hotels''' can be found in the major cities. And New Zealanders seem to have perfected the art of the top-end homestay. Hosted '''luxury lodges''' are the top-end equivalent of the bed-and-breakfast market and New Zealand has upwards of 40 internationally recognised lodges. Per capita, that's probably the highest in the world. They tend to be situated away from cities, though some are right in the heart of the major centres, and can be difficult to get to. At the very top-end, helicopter transfers and private jets help the luxury traveller move between the lodges they've chosen for their visit.

'''Motels''' of a variety of standards from luxury to just adequate can be found on the approaches to most towns. There is a wide range of '''backpackers''' accommodation around the country, including a network of '''Youth Hostels''' that are members of the [http://yha.org.nz/ Youth Hostels Association] (62 in 2004), as well as '''homestays''', '''farmstays''' and similar lodgings—some in the most unlikely places.  New Zealanders are also registered on hospitality exchange sites, such as [http://wiki.couchsurfing.com/ CouchSurfing].  The [http://www.couchsurfing.com/ CouchSurfing] organization has announced its plans to host a Collective in New Zealand for six months.   

For uniquely New Zealand accommodation, there are Maori homestays and tourist-catering marae stays.

There are a number of commercial camping grounds around the country, as well as camping sites within all of the national parks. One way that many tourists travel around New Zealand is in a self-contained '''campervan''', a motorised caravan or large minibus, that can be driven by anyone who holds an ordinary car driver's license.

If you are travelling into the backcountry, the '''Department of Conservation''' has many backcountry huts that can be used under a permit system.

Free camping is also available in many places. Unless there is a "no camping" sign it's common to find a tent or hammock pitched for the night in many picnic areas or in a grove of trees off the road. Cycle tourists especially will rarely need to pay for camping, only for showers and laundry. Multi-day camping in these areas is often frowned upon, and in conservation areas camping outside designated areas may attract a fine.

==Learn==

For many years, New Zealand schools and universities have educated foreign students from the countries of [[Southeast Asia]] and education has now become a major source of export earnings for the country.   In recent years English language schools have been established for students from the region, particularly [[South Korea]] and [[China]], but also many other countries.

Education in New Zealand is compulsory from age 6 to 16 years, though almost all children begin attending school at age 5 and often stay at school for 13 years, until 17 or 18 years old. ''Primary'' schooling is from ''Year 1-6'' (formerly J1 - Standard 4), ''intermediate'' schooling is ''Year 7 and 8'' (formerly forms one and two), while ''secondary'' schooling is from ''Year 9-13'' (formerly forms 3 to 7). In some primary and secondary schools one or both of the intermediate years may be combined with either the primary or secondary years.  There are also ''Middle Schools'' which cover the intermediate years and the first two years of secondary, but these are rare.

Secondary schools are also called ''high schools'' (generally Years 9-13) and ''colleges'' (generally Years 7-13). A ''college'' does not refer to universities in New Zealand unlike in some other countries, though some specialised single-subject tertiary training-centres may also be called ''colleges''.

Primary, intermediate and secondary compulsory schooling is ''free'' for citizens and permanent residents, although some nominal ''fees'' are generally charged to cover consumable materials. Tertiary education is state assisted, with part of the tuition costs funded by the state.  International students will need to pay for their education; in some cases this includes a national profit margin.  

The Ministry of Education has established a ''Code of Practice'' that New Zealand educational institutions enrolling ''international students'' need to abide by. This ''Code of Practice'' includes minimum standards for the ''pastoral care'' of international students. Primary school students, or those age 10 or under, need to either live with a parent or else board in a school hostel. Additionally, older students, who are under age 18, may live in homestays, temporary accommodation or with designated caregivers. Where the institution arranges accommodation for students older than age 18 the code of practice applies to their accommodation situations also.

New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and refugees can receive financial assistance, through loans and allowances, to pay the tuition fees and to attend tertiary education at ''Universities'', ''Polytechnics'', ''Whananga'' (Maori operated universities/polytechnics) and ''Private Training Providers''.  Overseas students will need to pay the full tuition fees and their own living costs while studying at a New Zealand institution.

Overseas students need to have a student visa in order to undertake a course of study at a New Zealand based educational institution. Visas are generally valid for the duration of the course of study and only while the student is attending the course of study. New Zealand educational institutions will inform the appropriate immigration authorities if a student ceases to attend their enrolled courses, who may then suspend or cancel that student's visa. Educational institutions often also exchange this enrollment and attendance data electronically with other government agencies responsible for providing student assistance.

==Work==

To work in New Zealand you need to be a citizen or current permanent resident of either '''New Zealand''' or [[Australia]], or else have a work permit or appropriate visa.  If you are intending to work in New Zealand you should obtain a work permit along with any tourist visas you might apply for.

You will also need to have a '''New Zealand bank account''', as most employers pay using electronic banking rather than in cash; an '''Inland Revenue Tax Number''', as ''witholding tax'' or ''income tax'' will be deducted from your wages by your employer; and a '''tax declaration form''', as tax will be deducted at the ''no declaration'' rate of 45% unless you have a tax code.  More information about New Zealand's tax system, including appropriate forms, can be obtained from [http://www.ird.govt.nz Inland Revenue]. 

The process of applying for an IRD number is between 8-10 working days. You will need to fill in the IRD number application form, and provide a photocopy of a passport or New Zealand birth certificate. It is possible to apply for the IRD number, then call the department around a week later to request the number by phone, however this will depend on the workload of the processing centres at the time. Calling the IRD requires several forms of ID, it is ideal to be able to provide your passport number and full address when requested.

New Zealand operates a ''simplified'' tax system that tends to collect more tax than people need to pay because employers pay their worker's tax when they pay their workers.  The obligation is then on the worker to claim overpaid tax back, rather than declaring their income and paying any extra tax. Be careful though, if you choose to work in New Zealand and you stay more than 183 days in any 12-month period, your ''worldwide income'' could be taxed. New Zealand has ''double taxation'' agreements with several countries to stop tax being paid twice.

Being a foreigner does not mean that your New Zealand income is not subject to local income tax. Although many people believe that they can collect all their tax back when they leave the country, this is not true. It may be the case that filing an income tax return may result in a refund if only working for part of the year, however this is not always true.

===Short term===
New Zealand is currently (2006) experiencing a period of ''full employment''. A number of employers are having difficulties finding workers, particularly short term workers.

Seasonal work such as fruit picking and other agricultural work is sometimes available for tourists such as backpackers.  More information about seasonal fruit picking work can be found at [http://www.picknz.co.nz/ Pick NZ].

New Zealand has a number of reciprocal Working Holiday Schemes, which allow people between 18 and 30 to travel and work in New Zealand for up to one year and vice versa.  At present young citizens of a number of countries from Europe, South America, North America and Asia can apply.  These schemes are enormously popular and in many instances participants can apply to stay in New Zealand longer once they have completed their one year stay.  Information on all the various schemes and application details can be found at: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/workingholiday/

===Long term===

If you are wanting to stay in New Zealand long term, you should apply well ahead of time. New Zealand operates a points system for assessing applicants.

New Zealand will accept refugees, though applications should be made beforehand as the country has a formal refugee induction programme.  Those who turn up in a New Zealand airport arrival lounge without papers, claiming refugee status, may find themselves put on a return flight to their country of origin or in jail awaiting the outcome of legal proceedings.

==Stay safe==

The emergency telephone number in New Zealand is '''111'''. Ambulance, Fire and Police can be contacted through this service. Full instructions are on the inside front cover of every telephone book.

===Crime and security===
While difficult to make international comparisons, the level of crime in New Zealand is similar to many other western countries. Dishonesty offences, such as theft, are by far the most frequent type of crime. Travellers should take simple, sensible precautions such as putting valuables away out of sight or in a secure place and locking doors or vehicles, even in remote locations, as much of this crime is opportunist in nature. Violent crime is generally associated with alcohol and illicit drug consumption and rowdy bars or drunken crowds in city centres are best avoided, especially late at night.

There is in addition a disturbing trend for tourists to be targetted in violent and/or sexual crimes, also some visitors have been unfortunate enough to have been murdered. In recent times the northern half of the North Island has been worst affected.

Chances of falling victim to such misfortune is still low but it would pay for visitors to be extra vigilant.

The police, a national force, are generally polite and helpful but will promptly arrest anyone making trouble. Being caught drinking and driving will result in an arrest and police regularly conduct blitzes, often setting up screening checkpoints all around an area, even doing this on motorways. Fixed and mobile speed cameras as well as hand held and car speed detectors are used at random, ''anywhere — anytime''. Police have no discretion for speeding offences and will write tickets for all vehicles caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 km/h. Police have recently upgraded their ''pursuit'' training, following a number of deaths of both offenders and innocent third parties during vehicle pursuits. 

In New Zealand, ''armed'' police are a media event. Although all police officers are trained to handle firearms, these are normally only openly worn when the situation requires such weapons, such as an armed offender. Traditionally, New Zealand police only carry batons and offender control (''pepper'') spray. However, first response patrols will generally have recourse to weapons locked away in their vehicle.

The police are free from corruption, and bribes should never be offered to police officers; this will more likely make your situation worse, not better. In fact, offering a bribe is an excellent way of getting a free tour of a New Zealand prison, court room and police cell, not to mention deportation.

===Natural hazards===
'''Severe weather''' is by far the most common natural hazard encountered in New Zealand. Although New Zealand is not subject to the direct hit of tropical cyclones as such (though coastal areas often experience the tail end of them), stormy weather systems from both the tropics and the polar regions can sweep across New Zealand at various times of the year. There is generally a 7 to 10 day cycle of a few days of wet or stormy weather followed by calmer and drier days as weather systems move across the country. The phrase ''four seasons in one day'' (also a famous Kiwi song) is a good description of New Zealand weather, which has a reputation for both changeability and unpredictability. Weather forecasts in New Zealand are generally reliable for overall trends and severe weather warnings should be heeded when broadcast. However both the timing and intensity of any weather events should be assessed from your own location.  Simply looking out the window is probably good enough to allow you yourself to predict what the weather will be like for at least the next 15 minutes or so, according to one eminent New Zealand meterologist, though knowing that Northerlies are warm, Southerlies are cold, westerlies are rainy but warm and easterlies are humid (these vary slightly from place to place in NZ) you can predict for yourself quite accurately. 

Other natural hazards you may encounter in New Zealand, though far more rarely are:
*'''Strong Earthquakes''' — New Zealand sits astride a tectonic plate boundary and experiences large numbers (~14,000/year) of small earthquakes every year, a few (~200/year) are noticeable and the occasional one causes damage and sometimes loss of life. However, the last ''big one'' causing serious loss of life was at [[Napier]] and [[Hastings, New Zealand|Hastings]] in 1931. The latest quake is reported by [http://www.geonet.org.nz/ GeoNet].
*'''Volcanic eruptions''' — New Zealand has a number of volcanoes that are classified as active or dormant. Only [[Mount Ruapehu]] and [[White Island]] have been active recently. Volcanic activity is monitored by [http://www.geonet.org.nz/ GeoNet].
**'''Lahar''' — There is currently an active ''Lahar Alert'' for Mount Ruapehu's crater lake breaking through a tephra dam and flooding the Whangaehu River with a ''lahar'' sometime between the beginning of 2005 and late 2006.


*'''There are no poisonous or substantially dangerous animals in New Zealand'''. No large mammalian predators are present and no large predatory reptiles. Certain species of '''Weta''' can deliver a very painful but harmless bite and there are a few non-venomous spiders on the coastal regions, but overall New Zealand's fauna is harmless.

==Stay healthy==

New Zealand has a high level of ultraviolet radiation, around 40% more intense than you will find in the Mediterranean during the summer.  Sunglasses and sunscreen are highly recommended, especially if you are of European descent.

Visiting the doctor will cost about NZ$50 and may vary between practices and localities. The New Zealand public hospital system is free of charge to citizens but will charge foreign nationals for treatment received.  Travel insurance is highly recommended.

==Respect==

===Maori culture===

Maori cultural experiences are popular tourist attractions enjoyed by many, but as with any two cultures encountering one another, there is room for misunderstanding.  Some tourists have found themselves more confronted than they expected by ceremonial challenges and welcomes.  These are serious occasions, and chatter and laughing during rituals is not recommended.  There will be plenty of time to relax later when the hangi is lifted.

Maori and Pakeha New Zealanders are generally on good terms, but from time to time there have been frayed relationships between the two.  Enter discussion about this with politeness and caution, or, of course, not at all.

Remember also, that New Zealand is still a very young nation by many standards and it's identity is still being formulated. Commenting that New Zealand is a subservient to the United Kingdom is generally frowned upon, and although New Zealand coinage is adorned with British royal figures New Zealand is still an independent member of the Commonwealth and saying that New Zealand is almost identical can not only be offensive but is foolish, as underneath the two nations are quite different in a number of ways. 

===Relationship with Australia===

While Australia and New Zealand have close foreign policy ties, considerable inter-immigration, and cultures that overlap, saying New Zealanders are basically Australians will not gain you any New Zealander friends (or Aussie ones). Although Australians and New Zealanders may seem the same to you they do not consider themselves similar at all. It is pretty much the same relationship as with Canadians and people from the United States. Some Australians may joke about New Zealand being another state of Australia, but that doesn't make it one.

An inferiority complex with Australia still persists in some circles. Some New Zealanders seriously believe that Australians hate them, when in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Although, in many ways Australia and New Zealand have a similar outlook towards the other, with the same cliched jokes being made. (A common, if uncouth joke oft made by Australians is that Kiwis enjoy intimate relations with livestock. New Zealanders have been known to make the same joke about Australians).

Sir Robert Muldoon, National Prime Minister in the early 1980's, is famous for, when responding to a question about the movement of New Zealanders to Australia, saying: "New Zealanders moving to Australia has the effect of raising the IQ on both sides of the Tasman."

Despite the jokes about New Zealand, many Australians have a genuine affection for the country. This can be traced back to the participation in two world wars Gallipoli, Timor, Solomons, etc. In recent times there has been an increasing divide in politics between NZ and Australia with New Zealand passing civil union bills (akin to gay marriage) and refusing to join US led invasion of Iraq, both of which oppose the policies of Australia. Despite this the two nations do still agree on many things and the relationship remains in good shape. 

==Contact==

Internet access is available in cyber cafes. 

Many public libraries have public Internet access. Generally there is a charge. Hourly rates are usually in the range of $4 to $8, with a few cheaper or dearer than that. Some (Such as the Christchurch City Library network) offer free access to some sites, usually ones of interest (such as Google, BBC and CNN) and those in the .nz namespace.

New Zealand has a well developed and ubiquitous telephone system. However public phones are relatively rare, except in major transport facilities and other high pedestrian volume areas such as shopping centres. Most public phones accept proprietary prepaid cards, some also accept credit cards and a few accept coins. 

Mobile telephone coverage is effectively national although the mountainous terrain means that outside the urban areas, and especially away from the main highway system, coverage does have dead patches. (Do not rely on mobile phones in hilly or mountainous terrain.) Mobile telephone users (only) can call '''*555''' to report '' '''Non-emergency''' Traffic Safety'' incidents, such as a breakdown, road hazard or non-injury car crash, to the ''Police''. There is one CDMA network (Run by Telecom New Zealand) and one GSM network (Run by Vodafone), so most phones should work. Airports and shopping malls will have stores from both companies available for negotiating and getting information about their networks. 

The country code is '''64'''. New Zealand telephone numbers can be looked up online at http://www.whitepages.co.nz/.  The emergency telephone number from ''all'' telephones is '''111''' (you may need to use a prefix to get an outside line from business systems, usually '''1''') and a voice request for Police, Fire or Ambulance to be switched to the requested service. (Other common international emergency numbers like 112, 911 and 999 may also work, but don't rely on it)

New Zealand has five nationwide free-to-air television networks, as well as some regional stations and several networks with sub-national coverage. Cable television is not well developed but '''Sky''' provide the equivalent using direct broadcast satellite technology. Most hotels and motels have the national channels, some '''Sky''' channels and whatever else is broadcast in the local area.  Most New Zealand televisions are equipped to handle '''Teletext''' which provides news, weather, sport, etc. in text format. The main page is page 100. Page 431, for example, is Auckland Airport arrivals and departures. Page 801 provides a caption text service for some TV programs which allows hearing impaired people to read subtitles.

New Zealand has a large number of radio stations, on both AM and FM, with at least one local station and a number of nationwide network stations broadcast in each major city or town. 
*'''National Radio''' is probably the most popular. It is the government funded, non-commercial, ''spoken features'' style national network (with some music). It broadcasts news and detailed weather forecasts, generally hourly, with detailed mountain and marine forecasts a couple of times a day on both AM and FM (around 101 MHz FM). Operated by [http://www.radionz.co.nz Radio New Zealand].
*There are a number of FM ''visitor information'' stations around the country.


== References: ==

small>This article uses material from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand Wikipedia, "New Zealand"] and [http://wikitravel.org/en/New_Zealand Wikitravel, "New Zealand"]

Any material derived from Wikitravel articles is released under the [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0/ Creative Commons Attribution share alike licence]</small>