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Please reconfirm
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| Facts |
Map |
| Population |
| 3.6 million |
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| Language
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English, Maori |
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| Country Code |
64
AREA:
Auckland(9), Christchurch(3), Dunedin(3), Hamilton(7), Nelson(3),
Wellington(4) |
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| Currency |
New Zealand Dollar
check out our Travel Tips/Tools
CURRENCY
CONVERTER
to
get the rates you are looking for! |
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| Climate |
Four Seasons
use our Travel Tips/Tools
for the CURRENT
CLIMATE
there! |
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Introduction
New
Zealand (Maori Aotearoa),
self-governing country in the South Pacific Ocean, a member of the
Commonwealth of Nations, situated southeast of Australia. It comprises two
large islands—North Island and South Island—and numerous smaller
islands, including Stewart Island to the south of South Island.
New Zealand is a generally mountainous country with several large regions
of plains. Two-thirds of the area is between about 200 and 1,070 m (about
650 and 3,500 ft) above sea level; the country has more than 220 named
mountains exceeding a height of 7,500 ft (2,300 m).
A
majority of the New Zealand population is Christian. The primary
denominations are Anglican (22 percent), Presbyterian (16 percent), and
Roman Catholic (15 percent). Methodist, Baptist, and other Protestant
denominations are also represented. Most of the Maori are members of the
Ratana and Ringatu Christian sects. Jews, Hindus, and Buddhists constitute
small minorities. About 21 percent profess no religious faith.
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General Information
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| Area : 269,000 sq km
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| Capital : Wellington
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| Population : 3.67
million ( European - 85%, Polynesian - 12%)
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| Language : English
(Official) and Maori
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| Religion :
Protestant(50%), Roman Catholic(15%)
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| Major cities : Auckland,
Christchurch, Dunedin and Hamilton
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Currency : One New
Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents
Notes : 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars
International credit cards are widely accepted in departmental stores and
restaurants.
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Transportation
Taxi - Metered taxis are available in major
cities and most towns. Rates vary between day and evening trips.
Bus - Coach travel is cheaper than air or
rail. Scheduled buses serve main urban areas.
Railway - Picton-Invercargill line runs
down the entire east coast of the South Island. Trains link Auckland,
Wellington
and Napier on the North Island.
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 Communications
Local calls cost 20 cents from public
phones. Long distance calls from public phones have to be placed through
the operator. International telephone, fax and telex facilities are
available at main post offices and major hotels. Post offices open from
9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
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 Economy
Major Exports : Lamb, beef, wool, leather,
diary products, processed foods and Kiwi fruits.
Major Imports : Motor vehicles, machinery,
oil and petroleum products and electrical goods.
Major Trading Partners : Australia, Japan,
UK and US.
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Business Hours
Government and most business offices open
from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
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Banks
The major local banks include the Australia
and New Zealand Bank (ANZ), Bank of New Zealand, National Bank of New
Zealand. Banking hours are from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday.
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 Health
Good hospitals and good medical facilities
are available in major cities and towns throughout the country. |
 Climate
New
Zealand lies within the Temperate Zone; the climate is generally mild, and
seasonal differences are not great. The north end of the Auckland
Peninsula has the warmest climate; the coldest climate occurs on the
southwestern slopes of the Southern Alps. Rainfall is generally moderate
to abundant and, except in a small area in the south central part of South
Island, exceeds 500 mm (20 in) annually. The heaviest rainfall (about
5,600 mm/about 220 in) occurs around Milford Sound on the southwestern
coast of South Island. The average high temperature at Wellington varies
between 20°C (69°F) in January and 11°C (52°F) in July; the average
rainfall is 1,270 mm (50 in). In Auckland, the average January and July
high temperatures are 24°C (75°F) and 15°C (58°F), respectively; the
annual rainfall is 1,260 mm (49 in).
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Traveller's Tips
Leisure time usually revolves around
outdoor activities. New Zealand is not a place for excessive formality.
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 Eating Out
Seafoods is plentiful when in season. Lamb,
beef and fish are inexpensive. There is a good selection of restaurants in
large cities. Asian food is common in most places.
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Visas
Only a valid passport is
necessary for citizens of most countries.
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What to wear
Casual clothing is acceptable virtually
everywhere. Jacket with tie or evening dress are recommended for special
functions and dinner. Business people wear lightweight western-style suits
in summer.
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 For Further Information
New Zealand Tourism Board
Level 7, 89 The Terrance
P.O. Box 95
Wellington, New Zealand
Tel : (64) 4-917-5400
Fax : (64) 4-915-3817
Email : enquiries@nztb.govt.nz
New Zealand Trade Development Board
Pastoral House, 25 The Terrace
P.O. Box 10 341
Wellington, New Zealand
Tel : (64) 4-449-2244
Fax : (64) 4-470-3193
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