Property frontiers

New Zealand:
Country Guide

New zealand - general country guide

Sample

Map

^{Source: CIA World Factbook}

Summary Data

summary data
Total Area (km²)	268,680
Land (km²)	268,021
Water (km²)	659
Population	4,115,771
Population Density (/km²)	15
Capital	Wellington
Religion (%)	Anglican 14.9% Roman Catholic 12.4% Other Christian 26.2% Other 3.3% Unspecified 17.2% None 26%
Time	GMT +12
Climate	Temperate with sharp regional contrasts.

^{Source: CIA World Factbook}

Geography

The country is made up of two main land masses; the North Island and South Island, separated by the Cook Strait, plus a wealth of smaller islands that surround the mainland, giving a total area of 268,680 square kilometres. The country boasts 15,134 kilometres of coastline from which an array of aquatic adventures can be launched, and with the protective haven of the marine reserves there is a multitude of flora and fauna waiting to be explored. Huge mountainous ranges divide open, rolling plains from luscious vineyards, whilst sub-tropical islands are scattered off the coast of vibrant, green jungles.

Government

New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy, with the Queen of New Zealand, Queen Elizabeth II, at its head, and a democratically elected government who advise her. The Prime Minister is Helen Clark of the Labour Party, in power since 1999. The country is divided into sixteen regions, the highest form of local government, and 73 territorial authorities which form the local, elected governments and have the power to set rates and delegate power within the local community. National holidays are Waitangi Day on 6th February, and ANZAC Day on 25th April.

Language

English and Maori are the official languages in New Zealand.

Electricity

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are in use, however sockets are different from those found in most countries and an adaptor socket may be needed.

Passports/Visa

Valid passports are required by all nationals to enter New Zealand although proof of onward journey is not always necessary for visitors from certain countries

Visas

Visas are not required for up to six months by British passport holders who can prove they legally have the right to reside permanently in the UK. Other countries have a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand so do not need a visa for a maximum time of three months but have to show evidence of onward travel and proof they can support themselves in New Zealand.

Passport/Visa Information

New Zealand High Commission
New Zealand House
80 Haymarket
London SW1Y 4TQ
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: 0044-20-7930-8422
Fax: 0044-20-7839-4580
E-mail: aboutnz@newzealandhc.org.uk

Airports and Airlines

Auckland International Airport (AKL)

Location: The airport is located 20km south of the city centre.
Contacts: Tel: +64 9 275 0789
Transfer between terminals: The international and domestic terminals are linked by a free bus service and also a walkway.
Transfer to the city: There are regular bus and shuttle services into the city. Taxi services are also available, at a higher cost.
Car rental: Major car rental companies operate from both terminal buildings; it is recommended to book.
Facilities: Many different eating and drinking establishments, duty/tax-free shopping; banking and currency exchange; inter-denominational chapel; baby, childrens' and disabled facilities.
Parking: A range of parking options are available.
Website: www.auckland-airport.co.nz

Other international airports include Christchurch airport and Wellington airport, with various domestic airports servicing national needs.

Standard of Living

New Zealand offers a standard of living not dissimilar to that of the UK; whilst some services and goods may be cheaper than in the UK, other commodities are slightly more expensive. Average house prices are much cheaper than in the UK. Lifestyle is very much based in the outdoors and is said to be pretty relaxed.