Throughout the world, New Zealand is known as a country with a diverse nature: glaciers, mountains and pristine lakes, forests and beaches. Thanks to the developed ecological movement, nature has been preserved here almost in its original form, even near megacities. In these amazingly beautiful places, the film trilogy “The Lord of the Rings” was filmed, after which the influx of tourists increased even more. In New Zealand, there are excellent opportunities not only for eco-tourism, but also for active and marine recreation.

Geography of New Zealand

In the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, east of Australia, there are two islands separated by the Cook Strait (South and North Islands), and the state of New Zealand lies on them. In addition to the two large islands, the country includes a small number of small islands.

Capital

Wellington

Area

According to simplyyellowpages, the area of New Zealand is 268,680 km2. sq., occupies the 74th place in the world by area.

Population

4,377,000 people.

Currency

The national currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD).

Language

The official language is English, Maori, sign language.

Visa to New Zealand

CIS citizens must have a visa to visit New Zealand. Submission of documents is possible not only in person, but also with the help of a travel agency, which must be accredited by the New Zealand Immigration Office. On average, the processing time for a tourist visa is 14 days. There is no consular fee for tourist and transit visas. The validity of a single entry visa is 30 days.

Weather in New Zealand

From north to south, the climate changes from subtropical maritime to temperate maritime. Winter comes here in July, the average temperature during this period is +12 C in the north and +5 C in the south. In summer, the average temperature is +19 C – north, +14 C – south. In the hottest period (January-February), the temperature can reach +30 C. In the mountains, at any time of the year, the temperature is lower. Precipitation is the same at any time of the year, and their amount varies from east to north – from 400 to 3000 mm per year. The best time to travel to New Zealand is September-April.

Currency exchange in New Zealand

As of September 2011, the national currency rate is 1 USD = 1.21 NZD. The national currency is the New Zealand dollar. Local banks are open from Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 16.30. Exchange is possible at airports, hotels and exchange offices. Credit cards and travelers checks are accepted anywhere in the country. Traveler’s checks can be exchanged at banks, large shops and hotels. It will be more economical to use traveler’s checks in US dollars or pounds sterling.

Electricity

220V/50Hz (English type sockets).

Religion

Almost the entire believing population is represented by Christians of various denominations. Approximately 33% of New Zealanders are atheists.

Security

There is practically no threat to personal security in the country, the crime rate is low, and there are practically no natural hazards here. The only venomous but rare living creature in New Zealand is the katipō spider. You can drink tap water.

Health

The first aid of the medical services is free, but for further treatment you have to pay. Medical workers are qualified and technically equipped, so the quality of medical services is very high. Most hotels have their own doctor or cooperate with a certain clinic under an agreement.