South Island – North
Christchurch is the main gateway to the South Island and a convenient starting point for a touring circuit of the top half of the island.
North Island – South
The journey from Auckland to Wellington reveals the stunning diversity of landscapes and scenery found in the North Island. Within this compact area you will experience thermal regions, active volcanoes, bush clad mountains, desert regions, tranquil lakes, and dramatic coastlines.
North Island – North
Welcome to Auckland, an exciting and wonderfully diverse city and the major gateway to New Zealand. Auckland offers loads of activities, attractions, shopping, fine food and wines in a unique natural setting.
New Zealand Road Code
International visitors to New Zealand enjoy nothing more then hiring a rental car and driving around the country. Not only is this an affordable and fun way to see the country, it also means you can plan a trip that suits your interests, timeframe and budget.
Matakana
The wine trail begins south of Warkworth, where a vineyard is located near the highway. The trail then takes in several vineyards on Matakana Road and others clustered around the Matakana township.
Shopping
New Zealand offers a great variety of shopping experiences for visitors from overseas. With currency conversions invariably favouring the overseas visitor, a New Zealand shopping spree is a ‘must do’ activity. Shops are usually open from 9 am to 5.30 pm with late shopping available on Thursday.
Internet Access
New Zealand has embraced the World Wide Web with a zeal and enthusiasm. Cyber cafes are widely distributed throughout the country to enable visitors to keep in touch with friends and relatives back home. Many hostels and backpackers have Internet rooms or booths, which are usually available.
Electricity
New Zealand’s swift-flowing rivers dissect steep, broken country making them ideal for generating cheap hydro power. The vast amount of energy contained in major river systems like the Waikato and the Clutha has been tapped through a series of hydro dams. The stored water is converted.
Clothing
New Zealand dress code is pretty much a reflection of the casual Kiwi lifestyle. Living the good life in ‘Godzone’ as Kiwis describe ‘God’s Own Country’, means dressing informally. This easy-going lifestyle is exemplified by the popular, sizzling backyard barbecue. To dress ‘a la mode’ in this situation.
Regional Weather
Prevailing westerly winds have a major effect on our climate bringing warm, moisture-laden air in from the Tasman Sea. The South Island’s Southern Alps act as a barrier, creating annual rainfall of up to 7000 mm on the West Coast. By contrast the Canterbury Plains, lying in the rain shadow.
Health Services
New Zealand proudly boasts a ‘clean green’ image and compared to other developed world countries we are seen as a great place that provides fresh unpolluted air, low cases of disease, easy access to fresh organic produce and clean drinking water.
Visas
A Visitors Permit is an endorsement in your passport allowing you to visit New Zealand. It states the expiry date of your permit and allows you to visit as a tourist, see friends and relatives, play sport or perform in cultural events without pay, undertake a business trip and/or undertake medical treatment.