New Zealand Travel Tips: Beechwood Lodge Manapouri in Fiordland.

New Zealand: Geographical coordinates are 41 00 S, 174 00 E. Located in Oceania in the bottom of the South Pacific and southeast of Australia. New Zealand is 12hrs ahead of GMT. . Weather / Climate

The area of New Zealand is comparative to Colorado or Great Britain and the population is 4 million. This makes it very uncrowded, and with its temperate climate is an ideal year-round holiday destination.

Lonely Planet Guide Book. |. NZ Statistics. |. NZ Govt. |. NZ Embassy. |. NZ Customs

Airlines: New Zealand has 3 international airports, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch with connecting flights into Queenstown, Invercargill and Dunedin. There are a number of airlines that fly regularly in to New Zealand from all over the globe. Air NZ | Qantas Singapore Airlines. Time Zones

Passports: All overseas visitors require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended date of departure from New Zealand.

Climate: The first thing to note is that New Zealand's seasons are opposite to that of the Northern Hemisphere. The climate is temperate with high rainfall and lots of sunshine. Summers are lovely and hot, Spring and Autumn extremely colourful, and Winter wonderfully crisp.

Women Travelling in New Zealand. |. Gay Accommodation New Zealand

The top of the North Island is sub-tropical, and the bottom of the South Island is temperate. Overall, however, New Zealand's is a very mild climate.

Summer average max temps range between 20-30C and winter 10-15C. The warmest months are Jan and Feb and the coolest June and July. The temperature range is not as extreme in other continental climates, however weather can change unexectedly. For this reason you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather, especially if you're doing outdoor activities.

With over 2000 hours of sunshine per year and very little air pollution, the UV rays are very strong during summer. Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats are highly recommended when you are in the sunlight.

With an average rainfall of between 600mm and 1500mm, New Zealand is an ideal country for agriculture and horticulture. This high rainfall also produces remarkable native forests.

Culture: New Zealanders in general have a unique and dynamic culture, with European, Maori, Pacific Island and Asian influences. It is a culture that celebrates many different lifestyles, and these influences make the arts in New Zealand colourful and unique.

Currency: Unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). The coins comprise of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2, and notes with values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

All major international credit cards are accepted in New Zealand. If you have a PIN number for your credit card you will be able to withdraw cash from automatic teller machines (ATM's). Travellers Cheques are accepted at banks, hotels and some retail stores.

Banks in the main centres are generally open Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks.

Goods and Services Tax: All goods and services are subject to a 12.5% Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Tipping: Normally New Zealanders do not expect tips for service. Tipping for extra special service or kindness is at the visitor's discretion. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills.

Car hire: All major car rental companies available, car rental offices in Manapouri, Te Anau and Queenstown. First Car Rental / Travel Times

Driving: Drive on the left-hand side of the road. When turning left, give
way to traffic crossing or approaching from your right. Road Code

Internet access: Almost every small town has Internet access, cybercafes are found everywhere. For laptop Internet service while in New Zealand contact iGrin: http://www.igrin.co.nz

Laptops: You will need a RJ23 IIRC type plug to connect your laptop to a computer socket in New Zealand.

Electric current: 230-240volts, 50 hertz. Slanted 3 pin plugs used.

Train service: Best Pass / Tranz Scenic

Ferry service: Interisland Ferry. If the weather is bad ferry cancellations can occur. When crossing from North to South Island - suggestion: turn your rental car in and rent another on the South Island.

Driving: If you have a current driver's licence from your home country, or an International Driving Permit, you can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months. The legal age to rent a vehicle in New Zealand is 25 years. If your licence is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you or obtain an International Driving Permit. NZ Road Code

Road Safety Please note the following important points:

In New Zealand, all motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road.
When turning left, give way to traffic crossing or approaching from your right.
When the traffic light is red, you must stop. There is no left turn rule as in North America.
The speed limit on the open road is 100km/h (approx 60m/h). In built up areas the speed limit is 50km/h.
Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times.