Frequently Asked Questions, how why, what, where, when

Frequently Asked Questions What types of accommodation are available in New Zealand? Should I go on a guided walk or an independent walk? What clothes should I take? What's the climate like? When is the best time to visit New Zealand? Do I need to pre-book accommodation and transport? Where is the capital of New Zealand? What is a 'Kiwi'? How many islands are there in the South Pacific? What is Oceania? Who lives in the South Pacific? What is the most isolated inhabited island in the world? Where is the most remote major city in the world? What is the most remote capital city in the world? What's different about driving in New Zealand? SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVING When is the best time to visit New Zealand? Back to Top New Zealand is an extremely popular summer destination, both for overseas and domestic visitors. Tourism New Zealand strongly recommends you book at least your first two nights accommodation during the months of January, February and March to avoid disappointment. It's a good idea to make contact with the local i-SITE visitor centre in the region you are travelling to, and discuss with them whether late bookings will be available. Summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 10ºC over most of the country, making New Zealand an ideal holiday destination all year round. New Zealand has four quite distinct seasons - Spring (Sept- Nov), Summer (Dec-Feb), Autumn/Fall (Mar-May) and Winter (June-Aug). In summer there's plenty of sunshine, and activities in and around the water include rafting, snorkelling, diving and kayaking. You'll find snow on the mountains in winter and excellent skiing. Away from the mountains, New Zealand winters are mild and temperatures generally do not fall below freezing. What's the climate like? Back to Top New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are in June, July and August. Don't let cold months put you off - winters tend to be short and generally fairly mild. That said, on any given day the weather and temperature can change unexpectedly and sometimes dramatically. You should be prepared for that, particularly if you are going hiking or doing other outdoor activities. Travel What clothes should I take? Back to Top Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. 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 jacket and sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so also include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing. Should I go on a guided walk or an independent walk? Back to Top If you like hot showers and other home comforts, you should book a guided walk. But if you don't mind 'roughing it a bit' then try independent walking, carrying your own pack and staying in basic huts or tents. If you wish to walk the popular Routeburn and Milford Tracks, you will need to book through the Department of Conservation's Great Walks Booking Office. Email greatwalksbooking@doc.govt.nz for further information or fax +64 3 2498 515. Accommodation What types of accommodation are available in New Zealand? Back to Top New Zealand offers a wide range of accommodation options from top-class hotels, exclusive lodges, motels, guest houses, and farm or homestays to holiday parks and backpacker hostels. You might also like the freedom to discover New Zealand at your own pace in a campervan. Two, four or six berth vans are available to rent, offering all the comforts of home including a shower, refrigerator and microwave. See our Accommodation section for more information. Do I need to pre-book accommodation and transport? Back to Top It's a good idea to book at least your first two nights of accommodation in advance, especially during the busy summer period in New Zealand - from December to February. Booking transport in advance is also recommended, especially in summer. Visit the local Visitor Information Center to book further travel. Where is the capital of New Zealand? Back to Top Wellington is the political, banking and financial center for New Zealand. The Parliament building known as the 'Beehive' is one of the city's top attractions. The National Archives, National Library and Old Government Buildings (the second largest wooden building in the world) are located nearby and are open to casual visitors free of charge. What is a 'Kiwi'? Back to To The kiwi, New Zealand's national emblem, is a flightless bird with hair-like feathers and a long, slender bill which it uses to pull worms and insects out of the ground. Found only in New Zealand, it is active at night in the wilderness areas of the country. Be sure to visit one of the many kiwi houses where you can watch them under special 'nocturnal' lighting. New Zealanders often refer to themselves as Kiwis, and the term is also used as a short form for the famous kiwifruit. On the stock exchange, the New Zealand Dollar is also referred to as 'the kiwi'. How many islands are there in the South Pacific? The Pacific Islands comprise 20,000 to 30,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean. Those islands lying south of the tropic of Cancer are traditionally grouped into three divisions: Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. What is Oceania? Back to Top Pacific islands are also sometimes collectively called Oceania (although Oceania is sometimes defined as also including Australasia and the Malay Archipelago). Melanesia means black islands. These include New Guinea (the largest Pacific island, which is divided into the sovereign nation of Papua New Guinea and the Indonesian provinces of Maluku, Papua and West Papua), New Caledonia, Zenadh Kes (Torres Strait Islands), Vanuatu, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands. Micronesia means small islands. These include the Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, *Nauru, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Most of these lie north of the equator. Polynesia means many islands. These include New Zealand, the Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, the Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, the Cook Islands, Wallis and Futuna, Tokelau, Niue, French Polynesia, and Easter Island. It is the largest of the three zones. Who lives in the South Pacific? The South Pacific is a very large place with over 20,000 islands. The population is very diverse and constructed with a range of people including Pacific Islanders eg Fijian, Tongans and Tahitians but it also includes Australians and New Zealanders. What is the most isolated inhabited island in the world? Back to Top Some say its Stewart Island but after some research we can safely say that Stewart Island is not the not isolated island in the world. The most remote inhabited island in the world, Tristan da Cunha is a daunting six-day cruise from Cape Town, South Africa and is located approximately 1,350 miles from its nearest neighbor, Saint Helena. Located smack in the middle of nowhere, the Tristan da Cunha island group is composed of six islands that total 52 square miles, with the namesake island claiming 21 miles of coastline and a six-mile girth. Where is the most remote major city in the world? The most remote major city with a population in excess of one million is Auckland in New Zealand. The nearest city of comparable size or greater is Sydney in Australia, 2,153 kilometres (1,338 mi.) away.[citation needed]. Coming in a close second at 2,139 kilometres (air travel distance) is Perth, Australia. Its nearest large city is Adelaide, Australia. What is the most remote capital city in the world? The most remote capital city in the world (longest distance from one capital of a sovereign country to the one closest to it) is a tie between Wellington, New Zealand and Canberra, Australia at 2,330 km (1,448 mi) Driving in New Zealand (Information provided by Land Transport NZ) New Zealand's tourist routes are of a generally high standard and the main roads are sealed. All roads, including those in rural locations, are signposted. Remember to drive on the left! What's different about driving in New Zealand? Back to Top You can find out what's different about driving in New Zealand on the Land Transport New Zealand website. International Driving Licenses and Permits You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's license from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). After 12 months you are required to convert to a New Zealand license. This applies to each visit to New Zealand. In New Zealand all drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their license or permit at all times when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21 years. Make sure your driver's license is current. If your license is not in English, you must bring an English translation with you or obtain an IDP. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP. A translation of your overseas license or permit can be issued by: * the New Zealand Translation Service, or * a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, or * the authority that issued your overseas license (an international driving permit may be acceptable as a translation). It is important to note that if you are caught driving without an acceptable English translation or an IDP, you may be prosecuted for driving unlicensed or for driving without an appropriate license and will be liable for an infringement fee of NZ$400 or up to NZ$1,000 on conviction in court. The Police also have the power to forbid an unlicensed driver to drive until they have an appropriate license. If you continue to drive after being forbidden, the vehicle you are driving will be impounded for 28 days, at the vehicle owner's expense. You may also risk not being covered by your insurance in the event of a crash. SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVING Back to Top New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road. Drivers give way (or yield) to all traffic crossing or approaching from the right. The speed limit is 100km/h on the open road and 50km/h in urban areas. You will find multi-lane motorways and expressways on the approaches to the larger cities, with most roads being dual carriageways. Signposting follows standard international symbols and all distances are in kilometers (km). Both drivers and passengers must wear a safety belt in both the front and back seats. All children under the age of five must be properly restrained by an approved child restraint when traveling in cars or vans. Get plenty of sleep before a long drive. Take regular breaks - one every two hours and when you get sleepy. Do not drink alcohol before driving in New Zealand, drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced. Cycling and Motorbikes * Helmets for riders of cycles and motorbikes must be worn at all times. * Rear and front lights on cycles are required at night. * Motorbikes should drive with a headlight on at all times. * Cycling is not permitted on motorways. For comprehensive information about driving in New Zealand, from road rules to vehicle safety, visit the Land Transport NZ. Road Safety Self-driving holidays are one if the most relaxing ways of enjoying New Zealand's landscape. Many of our roads are scenic and traffic is low when compared to international standards. Although New Zealand is a relatively small country it can take many hours to drive between cities and other destinations of interest. Even when distances are short, hilly or winding terrain or narrow secondary roads can slow your journey. If you're used to driving in the city, you should take care when driving on the open country roads. New Zealand has a good motorway system but weather extremes, the terrain and narrow secondary roads and bridges require drivers to be very vigilant. Never drive if you are feeling tired, particularly after you have just completed a long-haul flight. The following, general information is provided for your road safety: * Always drive on the left-hand-side of the road and give way to your right. * All road distances are measured in kilometres. * When turning left, give way (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 America. * The amber traffic light means stop unless you can’t stop safely. * The speed limit on the open road is usually 100km/h (approx 60m/h). In urban areas the speed limit is 50km/h. Speed limits are strictly enforced by the police. * Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts or child restraints at all times, in both front and rear seats. * During long journeys take regular rest and refreshment breaks. * Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in New Zealand and strictly enforced by police, with severe penalties for offenders. Refer to the Transit New Zealand website for country wide information on New Zealand roads. For up to date information on South Island roads you can also call toll free 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).