NEW ZEALAND
The Lord of the Rings film trilogy has really put New Zealand on the international map. All three movies were shot on location in both the North and South Island.
Geography
New Zealand lies in the southwest Pacific. It consists of two main islands, North and South Island, and many small off-shore islands. Mountain ranges run down the spine of the North Island. There are many active volcanic areas in the central area of the North Island. The thermal activity in Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions. The majestic mountains of the Southern Alps are the backbone of the South Island.
Time Zone
12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). In summer New Zealand observes Day Light Saving Time. Clocks go forward one hour (GMT + 13 hours). Daylight saving usually begins on the first Sunday in October and ends on the third Sunday in the following March.
Climate
Most of New Zealand lies close to the coast, resulting in mild weather, moderate rainfall and lots of sunshine. Just like Scotland, you can experience all four seasons in one day! The north of the North Island enjoys sub tropical weather in the summer. The further south you go the cooler it gets. January and February are the warmest months whilst July is the coldest.
Currency
New Zealand Dollar
Language
English is the most widely spoken language. Maori is also an official language of New Zealand.
Driving
Just like the UK, driving is on the left hand side of the road. Distances are measured in kilometres. You must carry your driving license at all times. Once you are out of the major cities, the roads are generally very quiet.
Visa and Work Permits
Check out the New Zealand Immigration Services website at www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/ for advice on visa and work permits, including the police and health certificates required to support any application. The site also has a general information section on living in New Zealand. Topics such as housing, healthcare and education are covered.
Major Cities
Auckland, on the North Island, is the country’s largest city with a population around 1.3 million, that’s about one-third of New Zealand’s entire population. The city is spectacularly set amongst three harbours, mountain ranges and many small islands. Yachting Americas Cup has seen a regeneration of Auckland’s old harbour area with new hotels and restaurants springing up. If you love sailing then Auckland is definitely the place for you as it’s known as “the city of sails”. The city also offers all that you’d expect from a modern cosmopolitan city such as great shopping, galleries and museums, nightlife and good cuisine… and the great outdoors is just a 30 minute drive away. Auckland enjoys a warm coastal climate without the great seasonal changes experienced in some other parts of New Zealand.
Wellington, in the south of the North Island, is the capital of New Zealand and home to the country’s parliament. About 425,000 people live in the Wellington area. The city, set between a lovely harbour and rolling hills, is compact so it’s easy to get around on foot. Arts and cultural events are particularly well catered for and there are lots of restaurants, bars and cafes. Hiking (known as bush walking in New Zealand) and adventure opportunities are within easy reach. Wellington has an average of 7 rainy days each month of the year. Summer highs are typically 18C and winter lows around 6C.
Christchurch is the principal city on the South Island and is located near the middle of the east coast. The population is around 482,000 With its punting on the Avon River, Christchurch is often thought of as a very English city but it’s a vibrant, modern city too. Whale watching is a popular day excursion from Christchurch. Average temperatures are 16.5C in the summer and 6.5C in winter.
