About New Zealand

New Zealand is a country in the south-western Pacific Ocean. It comprises of the North Island, the South Island and numerous other smaller islands. The Maori, indigenous people of the country, named New Zealand Aotearoa, which is commonly translated into English as “The Land of the Long White Cloud.”

The population of New Zealand is mostly of European descent, with the Maori tribe being the largest minority. Asians and non-Maori Polynesians are also significant minorities in New Zealand.

The queen of New Zealand “reigns but does not rule” so to speak. She has no real political influence and her position is essentially symbolic. The Prime Minister is head of the Government and holds the political power.

The Capital of the country is Wellington, while Auckland is the largest city. The official Language is English (98%), with only a few who speak Maori (4.2%).

The first New Zealanders, the Maoris, migrated to New Zealand from their Polynesian ancestral homeland of “Hawaiki”. This was followed 800 years after by extensive European immigration.

Legend has it the NZ was “fished from the sea”. Fact has it that New Zealand was the last land mass to be discovered, making it the youngest country in the world.

New Zealand is a nature-lovers paradise and a haven for the adventurous, with glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, lush forests, deep clear lakes, hissing geysers and boiling mud. New Zealand is also known for its diverse flora and fauna.

Travel in New Zealand

New Zealand is a refuge for those who want to relax and have fun. In New Zealand, you will find a relaxed, warm, and welcoming atmosphere that would definitely relieve all those accumulated stress and tension. New Zealand’s passion for conservation and ecology allows incomparable opportunities for rejuvenation and personal renewal. It is a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers and a paradise for nature lovers. Its temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it a year-round holiday destination. The best time to travel is during summer (November to April). For those who love skiing, the months of June to October are the best times. School holidays are from December 20 to the end of January, so it is ideal to book ahead during these months.

New Zealand is a great place to travel in and experience its spectacularly beautiful landscape with vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, majestic fiords, and lush rainforests. It is sometimes called “The World in Miniature” – because in just a couple of days’ drive it is possible to see everything from mountain ranges to sandy beaches, glaciers and fiords, lush rainforests, and active volcanoes.

New Zealand, with its spectacular scenery, fresh air, delicious food, great wine and friendly people, is undeniably the ideal travel destination for everyone. It offers just about everything that every visitor desires. There is also a wide variety of accommodation to suit each traveler’s tastes - from luxurious hotels and lodges, to cozy bed and breakfasts. Farm stays are even a possibility.

Guide to New Zealand

As a new student in a foreign place, I will be your New Zealand guide. How about that? I will help you survive the twists and turns experienced by some newbie, like you!

You need not worry when you arrive here in New Zealand. Everything is being laid out for you for your own convenience. Accommodations spring out just around the corner from the luxurious type to the cheap ones for people who have tight budgets. Communicating, in New Zealand won’t be a problem since New Zealand is not far behind in terms of Technology. Internet, Telecommunication lines, mobile phones, posts, and toll calls are readily available. New Zealand also sees to it that hospitals and clinics are available if you have concerns regarding your health. Transportation is also easy in New Zealand. There are efficient trains and buses for Commuters. There are a lot of options for car rentals if you want to be more comfortable in your travels.

You will never run out of tourist spots to visit in New Zealand. Churches of various denominations abound here. Modern conveniences and entertainment centers like shopping malls, bars, restaurants and movie houses abound in New Zealand.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s have fun and enjoy the beauty and bounty of New Zealand, the country with a unique culture and stunning environment.

Climate in New Zealand

The first thing one should know about the climate in New Zealand is its diversity, varying from Subtropical in the North, to ool temperate climates in the far South, with severe Alpine conditions in the mountainous areas.

Three main factors influence New Zealand’s climate:

• It’s latitude zone location where the prevailing westerly winds flow;

• Its oceanic environment.

• The mountains, especially the Southern Alps

Mountain chains extending the length of New Zealand provide a barrier for the prevailing westerly winds, dividing the country into dramatically different climate regions, making its eastern side much drier than the west.

Mean temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) in the South Island to 16°C (61°F) in the North Island. July is the coldest while January and February are the warmest months. Although New Zealand does not have a large temperature range, the weather can change rapidly and unexpectedly.

Most areas of NZ have between 600 and 1600 mm. of rainfall, spread throughout the year with a dry period during the summer. The Northern and Central areas of New Zealand has more rainfall in Winter than in Summer, whereas much of the southern part of New Zealand has the least rainfall during the Winter.

Climate in NZ is best described as Changeable. Visitors should be prepared for all weathers, and take special precautions against the sun, which can burn the skin very quickly in New Zealand.