Kia ora Welcome to New Zealand

Key Selling Points Spectacular natural land Energising, involvement, invigoration Excellent tourism infrastructure Safe, secure and stable English is spoken Food and lifestyle - internationally influenced Clean and unpolluted environment Value for money

Geography Two main islands - separated by Cook Strait Similar in size to Britain, Japan or Colorado New Zealand is 1600km/1,000m long Highest mountain is Mt Cook Southern Alps run almost full length of the South Island Geothermal activity in the North Island

‘Kiwis’ New Zealanders often call themselves ‘Kiwis’

Kiwis - The People 78% of European descent 14% NZ Maori 5% Pacific Islanders 3% Other

Climate Temperate climate year round Seasons are: Summer (January - March) Winter (July - September) January and February are warmest months July is coldest month

Cities Auckland is the major gateway into New Zealand and is the largest city (over 1.1 million pop.) Wellington is the capital city (423,000 pop.) Other gateways into New Zealand include Christchurch and Queenstown

There’s much to do so Mountaineering Flights in small planes Birds Scenery Waka Bubbling mud Geysers Parascending Beaches Bunjee jumping Snowboarding Water-skiing Windsurfing Parachuting Misty mountains Maori carvings Waterfalls Volcanoes Snowy peaks High technology Whales Kiwi Skiing Rugby Horse racing Golf Casinos Netball Yachting Movies Dune surfing Surfing Extreme skiing Jet boating Horse riding Mountain biking Scuba diving Fishing Vineyards Cruise boats Harbour views Cosmopolitan cities ArchitectureSights Bars Theatres Culture Maori culture Gambling Shopping Designer names Fly fishing Music Restaurants Good food Nightlife Fireworks Haka Harbours Nature The ferns Sunsets

Take a gentle walk through the bush Experience the constrasts from mountains to bush to beach Feel the earth’s energy amidst geothermal activity Explore miles of sandy coastline

New Zealand Home of Middle Earth

Take the ultimate plunge – bungy off the top of a bridge Ski from the top of a mountain Fly to the crater of a volcanic island Watch whales and swim with dolphins

Spend time with New Zealanders in their homes Play a round of golf on a local course Enjoy the hospitality of a small luxury lodge Meet winemakers in their vineyards

Immerse yourself in Kiwi culture Sail on the America’s Cup course Visit a marae Take in a show Get the feel for history in a local museum

New Zealand in the World

International Airlines 24 international airlines fly into New Zealand (AKL, WLG, CHC) regularly Domestic Airlines Well serviced domestically by Air New Zealand, Qantas, Origin Pacific and regional airlines

New Zealand offers an extensive range of transportation options Self drive to fully escorted Flexible and safe Extensive network of scheduled transport Discount packages (travel passes combining transport types)

Cruise Cruising is an increasingly popular option Main season is November-March Great day trip options

Cook Strait Ferry Services InterIslander ferry and Lynx catamaran Regular, daily sailings between Wellington and Picton

Driving in New Zealand Uncongested, good quality roads Some roads are narrow Drive on the left-hand side of road Don’t under estimate driving times - the scenery slows you down!

Self Drive Must be 21 years and older New Zealand recognises all other countries drivers licences - an international license is not required but is also recognised Most well known rental companies operate in New Zealand –Avis, Budget, Hertz

Motorhomes Popular self drive option Usually sleep 2-6 Flexible and convenient

Rail

Accommodation Seasonality can affect availability and rates High Season - Dec/Jan/Feb Low Season - June/July/August Shoulders –New Zealand spring - Sept/Oct/Nov –New Zealand autumn - March/April/May

Hotels

Serviced Apartments Studios through to two bedroom apartments with kitchen facilities Popular for family groups and longer stays

Sporting Lodges and Exclusive Retreats Unique character, charm and personalised service Renowned for ambience, cuisine and spectacular locations Accessible to activities such as fishing, golf, walks, cruises, food and wine

Bed and Breakfasts Many located in restored historic buildings Bathroom facilities could be shared Opportunity to interact with New Zealanders Often a holiday highlight Breakfast included in the tariff

Motels Great value for money Owner operated Generally have one or more bedrooms, living area, fully equipped kitchens (self catering) Can also have laundry facilities, spas, restaurants, swimming pools

Farm or Homestays Lasting friendships often formed A very social experience Experience New Zealand life and hospitality Home cooked meals with New Zealand families

Youth and Backpacker Hostels YHA and independently owned hostels throughout New Zealand Offer inexpensive, often dormitory style accommodation for budget travellers No duties or curfews Great opportunities for meeting other travellers

Campgrounds Range from full service to basic camps in rural areas Most offer powered tent and motor home sites, water and waste hook- ups, cabins of varying standards Communal kitchens, shower blocks, laundry facilities, TV/games rooms

Eating Out Reputation for food and wine excellence Special diets well catered for

Shopping

Visitor Information Network - VIN

Documentation Valid passport required Check with local embassy or for visa requirements

Currency New Zealand dollar From most countries, New Zealand offers good value for money All major credit cards accepted ATM machines/travellers cheques GST (Goods and Services tax)

Communication Internet cafes common Many hotels and motels have dedicated second lines for internet use Postcards - NZ$1 to anywhere in world Phone cards, credit card phones

Tourism New Zealand’s role is to persuade people to: Come Now Do More Come Back

How can Tourism New Zealand help you? Motivational brochures, videos, posters, postcards, image CD-Roms, Itinerary planners Support training - educational seminars, Explore New Zealand familiarisation programme, trade manuals, itinerary planner Information - market research, visitor statistics

Think of New Zealand as Safe and secure A spectacular and natural landscape Having excellent tourism infrastructure Offering great value A place where visitors are warmly welcomed HAERE RA - Farewell