New Zealand

New Zealand( Maori: Aotearoa) is famous for its gorgeous nature – geysers, mountains and lakes, forests and grottoes, glaciers and beaches. The widely developed environmental movement allows us to preserve all this treasure in almost its original state, even in the areas of large cities.

New Zealand

In addition to beautiful, unique nature and a rich excursion program, the country has another significant advantage for certain categories of tourists – professional training for parents in extreme and active tourism. Adrenaline is released into the blood even from a simple list of entertainment for the brave: bungee jumping, skydiving and gliding, rap jumping and air surfing, as well as zorbing and much more. In New Zealand, you can also watch whales, admire powerful fjords and millennial glaciers, wander around cozy Wellington or bustling Auckland, or, for good measure, learn English.

Fans of fantasy are undoubtedly aware that it was in New Zealand that the world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. The vicinity of the Tongariro and Ruapehu volcanoes, the Wickato River and Queenstown are still places of pilgrimage for fans of the movie.

Cities and regions

• The capital is Wellington.
• Major cities: Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Auckland.
• For a complete list of interesting cities to visit, see the cities and resorts of New Zealand page.

Time difference

The time difference with New Zealand varies depending on your location. New Zealand follows New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) during the standard time period and New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT) during daylight saving time. Here are the general time differences between New Zealand and some major cities:

1. Sydney, Australia: New Zealand is typically 2 hours ahead of Sydney. However, during daylight saving time in New South Wales (Australia), the time difference reduces to 3 hours.
2. Auckland, New Zealand: Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and is often used as a reference point. During standard time, Auckland is usually 12 hours ahead of GMT/UTC. During daylight saving time, it becomes 13 hours ahead.
3. London, United Kingdom: New Zealand is usually 11 or 12 hours ahead of London, depending on daylight saving time.
4. New York, United States: New Zealand is typically 16 or 17 hours ahead of New York, depending on daylight saving time.

Please note that the time difference can change due to daylight saving time adjustments, which are not consistent across all countries. It’s always recommended to check the current time difference before making any plans or scheduling calls with New Zealand.

Getting to New Zealand

To get to New Zealand, you have a few options depending on your location and preference:

1. By Air: Flying is the most common and convenient way to reach New Zealand from almost anywhere in the world. Most international flights land at one of the country’s main international airports, such as Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. Several major airlines offer direct flights to New Zealand, or you can choose to connect through a hub city. The flight duration will vary depending on your departure point, but it can range from 10 to 24 hours.
2. Connecting Flights: If there are no direct flights available from your location, you can opt for connecting flights through major international airports. Some common transit points include Sydney, Melbourne, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Check with various airlines to find the best connections and fares for your journey.
3. Cruise: If you prefer a more leisurely and scenic journey, you can consider taking a cruise ship to New Zealand. Several cruise lines offer itineraries that include New Zealand as a destination. However, keep in mind that the travel time will be longer compared to flying, and you’ll need to check the specific departure and arrival ports.
4. Trans-Tasman Travel: If you’re already in Australia, you have the option of traveling to New Zealand by air or sea. Many airlines operate flights between major cities in Australia and New Zealand, with a relatively short flight duration of around 3 to 4 hours.

Customs

Import and export of foreign and national currency is unlimited (a declaration is required if the amount exceeds NZD 10,000). Citizens over the age of 17 can import duty-free up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco, or a mixture of all three types – no more than 250 g up to 4.5 liters of wine or beer, up to 1.125 liters of spirits or pure alcohol, as well as personal consumption goods with a total value of up to NZD 700.

Importation of food (including most types of canned food), drugs, any plants, items of animal and plant origin (including soil and wood), bee products, pet food, ivory in any form, products made of turtle shell, bone and tusk of marine animals, rhino horns and tiger skin, as well as products made of leather of the cat family is prohibited. Imports of a number of diuretics, sleeping pills and sedatives, cardiac drugs, tranquilizers, all types of vaccines, as well as medicines containing musk (unless their necessity is confirmed by the relevant medical prescriptions) are prohibited. Importation of weapons is prohibited, but if a special permit has been obtained in advance from the New Zealand police, firearms and cold steel weapons can be imported with a mandatory customs declaration. Importation of pets from countries where the rabies virus is registered or insufficient control over this disease is not allowed in any form (and Ukraine is included in this category).

Visa to New Zealand

The visa you need to go to New Zealand depends on several factors, such as your nationality, the purpose and duration of your visit, and whether you are traveling for tourism, business, work, study, or other purposes. Here are some common visa options for visiting New Zealand:

1. Visitor Visa: If you are planning to visit New Zealand for tourism, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family, you will generally need a Visitor Visa. This visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for a specific period, usually up to 9 months or less, depending on your nationality.
2. Work Visa: If you intend to work in New Zealand temporarily, you will need a Work Visa. There are various types of work visas available, such as Essential Skills Work Visa, Specific Purpose Work Visa, and Working Holiday Visa. Each has specific requirements and conditions.
3. Study Visa: If you plan to study in New Zealand for a duration longer than 3 months, you will need a Study Visa. This visa allows you to study at an approved educational institution in New Zealand.
4. Business Visa: If you are visiting New Zealand for business-related purposes, such as attending conferences, meetings, or negotiating contracts, you may need a Business Visa or a variation of the Visitor Visa.
5. Transit Visa: If you are transiting through New Zealand to another destination and you are from a country that requires a transit visa, you will need to apply for a Transit Visa.

It’s important to note that visa requirements and application processes can change, so it’s advisable to check the official website of Immigration New Zealand or consult with the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements and application procedures specific to your situation.

Transport of New Zealand

The country has well-developed intercity bus routes, although tickets for such flights are not cheap (a trip from Wellington to Auckland costs about 65-100 NZD). There is a system of discounts and concessionary travel passes. Prices for buses of small local companies are somewhat lower. Tickets for any intercity bus must be booked in advance.

There are city buses in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. There are also trolleybuses in Wellington. Ticket prices range from 1.20 to 3 NZD depending on the duration of the trip (routes are divided into zones). Tickets are available at special kiosks. There are ferries between the North and South Islands, several flights a day from Wellington to Picton. Travel time is 3 hours, the cost of the trip is about 44 NZD (or about 22 NZD if the ticket is booked a week in advance). There are also high-speed passenger catamarans between the islands (travel time – 2 hours and 15 minutes), but tickets for them are more expensive – about 60 NZD. It is also better to book these tickets in advance.

Taxis are widespread in New Zealand. The cost of a trip is about 1 NZD per person for boarding and 4-5 NZD for each kilometer. Rail transport in the country is relatively poorly developed (only 8 lines), but train fares are often less than for a bus that runs on the same route.

Rent a car

To rent a car, you need to show an international driver’s license in English and be at least 21 years old. The rental price starts from 60 NZD per day (insurance included), with a long-term rental (from three weeks), the rent is almost halved.

Safety of tourists in New Zealand

New Zealand is a very safe country, the attitude towards tourists is very friendly. The crime rate in the country is very low. There are no poisonous snakes or dangerous animals, and there are almost no mosquitoes. The only harmful insects are sand fleas, which are abundant on the beach (they, like ordinary mosquitoes, are afraid of repellents). The islands are also home to a very rare poisonous spider, the Katipo.

The tap water is suitable for drinking. Milk and dairy products are carefully processed. Meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables and fruits are also quite safe, if you do not forget about basic hygiene rules.

Tobacco is sold everywhere, but is quite expensive. Smoking is prohibited in all public places, in all forms of transportation, as well as in hotels and even some restaurants. Spirits are sold only in specialized Bottle Stores. Some restaurants allow you to bring your own alcoholic beverages: there is a sign with the abbreviation BYO (Bring Your Own) on the door of such establishments.
The streets and public places are very clean, and it is not customary to litter on the streets.

The local population is friendly and helpful. There are no special prohibitions on clothing, even when visiting churches and traditional Maori holidays. There are also no restrictions on photography, but you should still ask permission in museums and churches (or pay attention to the explanatory signs).

The climate of New Zealand

The country has a subtropical maritime climate. January is the warmest month (the height of the local summer), with an average temperature of +19 °C on the North Island and +14 °C on the South Island. July is the coldest month, with an average temperature of +12 °C on the North Island and +5 °C on the South Island. New Zealand winters are accompanied by heavy snowfall in the local Alps (South Island) and in the mountains in the center of the North Island. Sometimes snow falls in the lowlands of the country, mainly in the south of the South Island, but more often it rains heavily.

The tides in the morning and the tides in the evening are very noticeable.

Hotels in New Zealand

New Zealand hotels are of a good level, their “star” rating is fully consistent with international standards. There are “lodges” – hotels located in nature (usually near a water source).

The mains voltage is 220 V, 50 Hz. Sockets are three-pronged with flat rods, and an adapter can be purchased or rented at the hotel. Most hotels supply rooms with 110 V with a power of no more than 20 W per outlet, sufficient only for electric razors.

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The country’s currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD), with 1 dollar equal to 100 cents. Current exchange rate: 1 USD = 1.48 NZD, 1 EUR = 1.67 NZD.

Currency can be exchanged at airports, bank branches and specialized exchange offices. Banks are open from 9:00 to 16:30 Monday through Friday.

Credit cards of the world’s leading systems and traveler’s checks are accepted everywhere. Traveler’s checks are exchanged at the official exchange rate at banks, large hotels, and some shops. To avoid additional costs when exchanging, it is better to use traveler’s checks in US dollars, pounds sterling, or Australian dollars.

In a New Zealand restaurant (but not in a simple cafe), it is customary to leave 10% of the order amount. Tipping is usually not accepted in provincial establishments. It is also customary to tip guides and drivers.

Cuisine and restaurants in New Zealand

The islands are dominated by Anglo-Saxon cuisine with its traditional fish or meat with fried potatoes, steaks and roast beef. Oddly enough, seafood is relatively rare, but you can still find oysters, lobsters, crustaceans, and various varieties of fish on the menu. The local culinary specialty is fried or baked sweet potatoes “kumara” and various products cooked on an open fire.

New Zealand produces many first-class French-style cheeses. As for alcoholic beverages, the local beer and wine are considered to be among the best in the world.

Shopping and shops

Shops are usually open on weekdays from 9:00 to 17:30, many large stores are open on weekends from 10:00 to 13:00. In resort areas, most outlets are open from 9:00 to 19:00-21:00.

In the country, you can buy good quality clothing, children’s goods, and sheepskin products. Local souvenirs include samples of Maori folk art, jewelry made of New Zealand oyster pearl, and medicinal cosmetics based on unique plants that grow only in New Zealand.

Nine things to do in New Zealand

1. Jump upside down from the Sky tower or Auckland Bridge on the bungy jumping attraction in Auckland.
2. Visit the amazing Kelly Tarlton Underwater and Antarctic Museum, located underground, where the exhibition is dedicated to the underwater world of the Pacific Ocean and Antarctica.
3. Visit Cape Rhine (Te-Hiku-o-Te-ika – “fish tail”), from which you can see how the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea.
4. Experience a contrasting swim at Hot Water Beach, where hot springs bubble right up to the edge of the sea.
5. See the first sunrise on the planet at Waiotahi Beach.
6. Visit a mystical place – Stephens Island, sandwiched between two islands in the Cook Strait, where the rarest animal on the planet lives, the closest relative of dinosaurs – the gator (tuatara). However, you can visit the island only with a special pass.
7. To make sure that the most extreme point of the North Island – Cape Reinga – is the place where the souls of the dead depart.
8. Conquer the turbulent waters of the underground Waitomo Glow in the cave of the same name.
9. Go for a shopping spree by visiting the Otara market in the southern part of Auckland on Saturday, where you can find cheap Maori cuisine, shops with hand-painted fabrics and much more.

Diving

It is distributed mainly in the North Island area – on the Poor Knights Islands. The season here lasts all year round, and each period has its own characteristics: from January to April, the water temperature is +20…+23 °C, visibility is 20 m; from May to September, +15…+17 °C, visibility is up to 30 m; from September to January, +20 °C, visibility is worse (but at this time you can see the largest number of fish species).

Diving near the Soviet cruise ship Mikhail Lermontov, which sank in 1986 in the Marlborough Sounds National Park, is organized on the South Island.

Entertainment and attractions in New Zealand

• Queenstown is the second most visited tourist center in the country and serves as a starting point for day trips to the Milford Sound and Doubtfull Sound fjords. Helicopter tours to glaciers that are inaccessible by land also depart from here. Other must-sees include Te Anau, a world of underground halls and cathedrals, rivers and lakes, Mount Cook, the highest point in New Zealand, and the Tasmanian Glacier. Many private or bus tours of the country begin from Auckland, and it is also the port of call for all international sailing regattas held in this region and all round-the-world races.

• Rotorua is one of the main attractions of the country. It is home to the famous Geyser Valley, the cultural center of New Zealand’s Maori aborigines, a thermal park and the stylized “Maori village” Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, where you can see the flightless kiwi bird, the symbol of the country, in a special darkened room. Buried Village of the Wairoa – a Maori settlement buried by a volcanic eruption in 1886, the Maori Museum, waterfalls. In Taipo you can see the city hall, the Anglican Cathedral, the botanical garden, the picturesque Transalpine Road, the glaciers of France-José and Fox. Other attractions of the country: Kaikoura is a place on the east coast of the South Island north of Christchurch where you can watch whales. Ogapa Wildlife Park is the largest zoo in New Zealand with many animals, including unique New Zealand flightless birds. Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve – hot mineral springs. There are three active volcanoes in the Tongariro National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site): Tongariro, Naurohe and Ruapehu, and there are ski stations on their slopes.
• Extreme in New Zealand is a concept that has long been known around the world. The New Zealanders are literally obsessed with extreme entertainment, and there are plenty of opportunities for it in the country.

Credit cards are very popular in New Zealand. Cash is extremely rare here. Even taxis have terminals for cashless payment.

• In Queenstown, you can enjoy fishing and a special New Zealand type of amusement ride called the Luge ride. Luge ride is an 800-meter-long, 4-meter-wide concrete track on which you go down the mountain on special three-wheeled carts called “luge”. The same kind of entertainment is available in Rotorua. In addition, for thrill-seekers in Rotorua there are: “bungy jumping”, tobogganing (riding down hills on special shells like minibobs), “jet-boating”, “zorbing” (rolling down a mountain inside a huge inflatable spherical structure, a powerful training of the vestibular apparatus) and Freefall air rides.
• Taupo is famous for trout fishing at any time of the year. You can also take a cruise on the lake, ride a speedboat, raft on mountain rivers or fly an airplane over the mountains and the active volcano White Island.

New Zealand video