Location. New Zealand is located 1200 kms east of Australia and are 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. We operate daylight saving from October to March.
We are the southern part of Polynesia, where the Hawaiian Islands represent the northern part.

The Landscape. Generally the country has a mountainous backbone in both islands, with fertile plains on either side. Sixteen percent of the land is flat. Volcanic activity has been responsible for several landscapes especially in Auckland, Rotorua and Taranaki.

History. New Zealand is a 'new' country, settled first about the middle of the 19^th Century by people from Europe, but more particularly from the British Isles. This 'British' influence is clearly still dominant in our community, although in the last fifty years, there has been a considerable change in the makeup of the population. The Maori were the initial inhabitants ( the 'tangata whenua' ) and today represent about sixteen percent of the population. Over the years, Maori and European have intermarried, so that most people who say they are Maori ( you have a choice ), also are part something else as well.

Many people prefer to be known as 'New Zealanders' and at the last census, over ten percent of people wrote 'New Zealanders' in as their preferred choice and ignored the official 'European' or 'Maori' choice. The next census will have 'New Zealanders' as an official option.

Most recently, many immigrants have come from the Pacific Islands, mainly from Tonga and Samoa, and they make up about six percent of our population. A slightly larger group are the recent arrivals from Asia who make up seven percent of the population. India, China, Japan and Korea are the main home countries for these immigrants.

Language. Both Maori and English are the official languages, although the number of people who are able to speak Maori fluently is only about seven percent. Many Maori words and phrases are incorporated into New Zealand English and thus are used in everyday speech. In many places both languages are used on signs ( e.g. Libraries )but an English speaking person will have no problems making themselves known here.

Currency. New Zealand dollars are the currency. One NZ$ equals about 80 US cents and 37UK pence. There are many banks and ATM machines, so the changing of money is no problem.

Driving. New Zealand drives on the left hand side of the road. The open road speed limit is 100kms per hour, while the in town speed is limited to 50kms per hour. The roads are in a good state of repair and are well signposted. Gravel roads exist in some backcountry areas. There are ferries which link the north and the south islands, the ferry crossing takes three hours normally and they run three to four times a day in both directions.

Climate. Being islands, New Zealand is strongly under maritime influences. Generally we get highs and lows which tend to alternate and move always towards the east. Hence the main wind is some component of west. If it is NW, is generally is warm, whereas SW is more likely to be cool. Summer temperatures are between 16 and 25 degrees C ( 65-75F ) while winter temperatures are between 8 and 15 ( 45-60F ). Rainfall, generally the western side receives over 40 inches of rain a year, while the eastern side gets as little as 10 inches annually. Sunshine hours almost everywhere are over 2000 per year, and in the brightest places, 2600 per year. Snow falls on the mountains making for good skiing in the winter, but seldom falls on the lowland. If it does, it almost certainly will make the national news!

Government. We have a system loosely based on the Westminster Parliament. About forty years ago we abolished the Upper House and now just have one. Elections are held every three years, under a MMP ( Mixed Member Proportional ) system, which means that if a party gets over 5% of the vote, they will be represented in Parliament. The system seems to be working well, although some people may argue with this.

Health. There is a good public health system, and many people have a private health scheme as well. You would be well advised, however, to have medical insurance when you come.

What to Bring. On most airlines you are allowed to bring 30kgs of luggage and one bag weighing less than 7kgs that you may take on the plane with you. One test you could apply is, 'can I carry my bag comfortably for 50 metres?'   The weather may be cool even in summer, so you will need a jersey and a light raincoat.

The Water. Everywhere the tap water is of a good quality and is safe to drink.

January-May the weather is as settled as it gets here with temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

June-August are the winter months and suitable for ski-ing in the mountains in the centre of the North Island and on the many fields in the Southern Alps of the South Island.