If you want to see natural beauty at its absolute best – you must visit New Zealand.
New Zealand is also one of the easiest countries in the world to travel around. The roads are excellent (and almost deserted), hotels are plentiful, crime is almost non-existent, there are no dangerous insects, snakes or predators to worry about, there are no diseases or infections to guard against, the people are helpful and friendly, the currency exchange-rate is massively in your favour (so your pound or your dollar goes a very long way) and English is the native language. New Zealand is paradise for travellers.
Basic Facts
New Zealand is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country is made up of two large islands (the North Island and the South Island) and several smaller islands -Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands. New Zealand is also known as Aotearoa, which is usually translated into English as the Land of the Long White Cloud. The Realm of New Zealand includes the Cook Islands and Niue, which are self-governing, but in free association; Tokelau; and the Ross Dependency (in Antarctica).
New Zealand is notable for its isolation, separated from Australia by 2000 kilometres (1250 miles).
Its closest neighbours to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga.
New Zealand has a population of about 4 million(very small for a country of this size – so lots of space!).
Around 80% of the population are of British descent,with the Maori being the largest minority.
The largest city is Aukland. The capital city is Wellington. English is the native language.
Money
The currency is the New Zealand Dollar, and the exchange rate is excellent – your money goes a long way! Credit-cards are accepted everywhere. If you are from North America or Western Europe, you will feel right at home in New Zealand. This is a civilised, highly developed country – with some of the greatest scenery in the world and no crowds to pollute it or spoil it! Come soon – you’ll have a great time!
How to get here.
New Zealand is a long way from anywhere! So the only sensible way to get here is by air.
New Zealand is well connected – with several airlines flying here from all parts of the world.
There are six international airports here. They are located in Aukland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Queenstown, and Wellington.The largest airport is Aukland. All airports here are excellent.
Visa Requirements.
Citizens of North America and Europe do not need Visas for visits of up to three months. Travellers from other areas should check with their own governments before booking.
When To Come.
New Zealand is an all year round destination. The weather here is mild and temperate. Temperatures in the sub-tropical far north average around 25 degrees in the summer (Dec, Jan, Feb) and 16 degrees in the winter (June, July, Aug). South Island coastal areas average around 5 degrees cooler. In the mountains temperatures are considerably lower -especially in winter when it can drop to minus 10 – but the skiing is great!
The seasons here are opposite to those in Europe and North-America, so the best time to come is probably in your winter – our summer. Escape the cold, you’ll love it!
Getting Around.
Travelling within New Zealand is a joy. Internal flights are plentiful. Roads are excellent and uncrowded. Railways are superb, safe and spectacularly scenic.
Where to stay.
New Zealand is blessed with an abundance of great places to stay. Whatever your budget – you’ll find something you like!
What to do.
If I made a list – it would go on forever!
There’s so much to see and do here – you’ll never be bored!
From Abseiling to White-Water Rafting, from Antarctic Encounters to Whale-Watching, you can do it all in New Zealand. Popular activities include visiting spectacular glow-worm caves, jet-boating through canyons, rafting over rapids, skiing on pristine slopes, sailing in the Bay of Islands, walking or cruising through majestic Fjords, whale-watching, scuba-diving, trekking, visiting the Lord of The Rings movie areas, etc etc etc.
And for the less active we have an abundance of relaxing options too – including a round or two of some wonderful golf-courses, basking on uncrowded beaches, wallowing in warm-water springs, and plain old gazing at the scenery everywhere you go!
If you only ever make one major journey in your life – make it to New Zealand – the most beautiful country on the planet!
You can read more about New Zealand (with great pictures) on my website. http://www.TheTopTenSite.com