New Zealand Travel Information
Situated approximately 900 miles east of Australia, New Zealand is an island nation comprised of giant land plenty—the North Island and South Island—and nearly 600 smaller islands. Whether you’re seeking distinctive wildlife, world-class restaurants, pristine hiking, unmatched cultural experiences, kayaking in dolphin-crammed waters, hair-raising adrenaline sports or sandy, tropical beaches, New Zealand brings all of it together in one unforgettable nation.
New Zealand is historically distinctive in that it was one of the last major land plenty to be settled by humans. Estimates put the arrival of the primary Māori settlers between 1250 and 1300, and European explorers didn’t arrive till the 1642 voyage of the Dutchman Abel Tasman. The primary meeting between Māori and Europeans resulted within the dying of 4 of Tasman’s crew members and at the very least one injured Māori, and Europeans didn’t return till 1769, when James Cook mapped almost everything of the nation’s coastline.
By means of the whaling and trading industries, European exploration of the realm intensified, and beginning within the early 19th century, Christian missionaries began converting a lot of the present Māori. By the late nineteenth century, the Māori population was at forty % of its pre-European contact level, due in large part to European-introduced diseases.
On July 1, 1841, the Colony of New Zealand was formally formed from the Colony of New South Wales, and in 1907, upon request from the New Zealand parliament, New Zealand was proclaimed a dominion within the British Empire. New Zealand fought in both World War I and World War II and suffered by way of the Nice Despair as well.
In more current history, there’s been a resurgence of Māori culture and a number of other movements aimed at promoting greater awareness of their traditions.
New Zealand is usually the story of groups, Māori and Pākehā (European culture within New Zealand), and cultural achievements are no exception. Within the Māori tradition, there are a lot of lovely examples of carvings and weavings, each of which often have religious and storytelling significance. From the early Pākehā, landscape paintings and some Māori portraiture had been common.
One of the widely known cultural elements of the Māori folks is the haka, a posture dance that includes stamping ft, rhythmic cries and overtly uncovered tongues. The All Blacks, the New Zealand rugby union staff, has performed this ritual earlier than matches since 1905.
While there has historically been little international interest in New Zealand’s cultural exports, the film industry has seen a current boon. New Zealand films As soon as Had been Warriors, The Piano, Heavenly Creatures and Whale Rider all enjoyed nationwide and international success, and the Peter Jackson–directed Lord of the Rings shot New Zealand into the mainstream spotlight.
On the music entrance, the Takapuna-born artist Lorde has damaged into worldwide acclaim, and the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords enjoys worldwide success as well.
When touring in New Zealand, hold a few of the following in mind:
CURRENCY
New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand dollar. Solely in uncommon circumstances are you able to pay with US dollars here, so at all times convert into the local currency. Most retailers accept major credit cards, and ATMs are plentiful. For those who’re going someplace notably distant, just be certain to stock up on cash beforehand. When exchanging money, the worst rates will doubtless be at the airport and in hotels. Merely withdrawing from an ATM tends to provde the most favorable rate.
TIPPING
While tipping’s not mandatory in restaurants, it’s still frequent, especially Travel in New Zealand touristy areas. A 10 p.c gratuity for particularly glorious service will at all times be appreciated. At hotels, it’s considered a nice gesture to tip anyone carrying your bags or cleaning your room. These tips are typically just a few dollars.
PUBLIC BEHAVIOR
New Zealand’s usually a fairly relaxed, open and pleasant nation. Westerners won’t come up towards too many strict social customs or taboos. There are, however, subtle variations between the coexisting European and Māori cultures. Māori, for example, are more tied to social protocols, tradition and hierarchy.
ELECTRIC CURRENT
New Zealand operates on 230/240 volts. Always check your US gadgets to see in the event that they’re compatible with one hundred ten and 220. If not, you’ll need a converter. New Zealand makes use of - or three-pin plugs which are angled, so an adapter’s needed as well.
PUBLIC BATHROOMS
Public bogs are clear, fashionable and readily available all through New Zealand. You can count on sinks, running water and bathroom paper to be provided.
Keep a particular eye out for "Exeloo" toilets. These high-tech restrooms indicate with a light if the stall’s vacant, occupied or closed, they play mild music over a speaker system, they permit you to lock the door on the push of a button, and the bathroom automatically flushes once you wash your fingers!
DRINKING WATER
Faucet water’s clear and secure to drink throughout New Zealand. In the event you’re heading out for multiday adventures in the wild, use the identical common sense you'll anywhere. Don’t drink from stagnant swimming pools, and produce along your preferred water sterilization technique—just to be safe.
AUCKLAND REGION
Named after the nation’s largest city center, the Auckland region comprises everything from metropolitan bars and restaurants to the islands of Hauraki Gulf, where you’re liable to see whales and dolphins.
Auckland: A beautiful city of metropolitan and cultural significance, Auckland is a can’t-miss cease for anyone hitting the North Island. Take in the Sky Tower and beautiful harbor, as well as the multicultural atmosphere. (Beware, though. Auckland has been ranked one of many world’s most expensive cities.)
BAY OF PLENTY REGION
Situated within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, this area’s greatest recognized for its extensive geothermal exercise, however it’s additionally a site of historical and cultural significance to the Māori people.
Rotorua: Whether or not you’re interested within the geothermal activity, trout fishing or Maori tradition, Rotorua will maintain you spellbound. Don’t miss its array of scorching swimming pools and geysers.
HAWKE’S BAY REGION
Nestled alongside the japanese coast of the North Island, many come for the surroundings but stay for the wine. Hawke’s Bay is thought internationally as the home to many award-profitable reds and whites.
Napier: Devastated in a 1931 earthquake, this resilient city rebuilt in its now-well-known Artwork Deco architectural style. People flock here 12 months-round for wine festivals and celebrations of their Art Deco history and heritage.
WAIKATO REGION
Black-sand beaches, revered surfing, natural harbors and pervasive livestock make this North Island area quintessentially Kiwi.
New Zealand is historically distinctive in that it was one of the last major land plenty to be settled by humans. Estimates put the arrival of the primary Māori settlers between 1250 and 1300, and European explorers didn’t arrive till the 1642 voyage of the Dutchman Abel Tasman. The primary meeting between Māori and Europeans resulted within the dying of 4 of Tasman’s crew members and at the very least one injured Māori, and Europeans didn’t return till 1769, when James Cook mapped almost everything of the nation’s coastline.
By means of the whaling and trading industries, European exploration of the realm intensified, and beginning within the early 19th century, Christian missionaries began converting a lot of the present Māori. By the late nineteenth century, the Māori population was at forty % of its pre-European contact level, due in large part to European-introduced diseases.
On July 1, 1841, the Colony of New Zealand was formally formed from the Colony of New South Wales, and in 1907, upon request from the New Zealand parliament, New Zealand was proclaimed a dominion within the British Empire. New Zealand fought in both World War I and World War II and suffered by way of the Nice Despair as well.
In more current history, there’s been a resurgence of Māori culture and a number of other movements aimed at promoting greater awareness of their traditions.
New Zealand is usually the story of groups, Māori and Pākehā (European culture within New Zealand), and cultural achievements are no exception. Within the Māori tradition, there are a lot of lovely examples of carvings and weavings, each of which often have religious and storytelling significance. From the early Pākehā, landscape paintings and some Māori portraiture had been common.
One of the widely known cultural elements of the Māori folks is the haka, a posture dance that includes stamping ft, rhythmic cries and overtly uncovered tongues. The All Blacks, the New Zealand rugby union staff, has performed this ritual earlier than matches since 1905.
While there has historically been little international interest in New Zealand’s cultural exports, the film industry has seen a current boon. New Zealand films As soon as Had been Warriors, The Piano, Heavenly Creatures and Whale Rider all enjoyed nationwide and international success, and the Peter Jackson–directed Lord of the Rings shot New Zealand into the mainstream spotlight.
On the music entrance, the Takapuna-born artist Lorde has damaged into worldwide acclaim, and the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords enjoys worldwide success as well.
When touring in New Zealand, hold a few of the following in mind:
CURRENCY
New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand dollar. Solely in uncommon circumstances are you able to pay with US dollars here, so at all times convert into the local currency. Most retailers accept major credit cards, and ATMs are plentiful. For those who’re going someplace notably distant, just be certain to stock up on cash beforehand. When exchanging money, the worst rates will doubtless be at the airport and in hotels. Merely withdrawing from an ATM tends to provde the most favorable rate.
TIPPING
While tipping’s not mandatory in restaurants, it’s still frequent, especially Travel in New Zealand touristy areas. A 10 p.c gratuity for particularly glorious service will at all times be appreciated. At hotels, it’s considered a nice gesture to tip anyone carrying your bags or cleaning your room. These tips are typically just a few dollars.
PUBLIC BEHAVIOR
New Zealand’s usually a fairly relaxed, open and pleasant nation. Westerners won’t come up towards too many strict social customs or taboos. There are, however, subtle variations between the coexisting European and Māori cultures. Māori, for example, are more tied to social protocols, tradition and hierarchy.
ELECTRIC CURRENT
New Zealand operates on 230/240 volts. Always check your US gadgets to see in the event that they’re compatible with one hundred ten and 220. If not, you’ll need a converter. New Zealand makes use of - or three-pin plugs which are angled, so an adapter’s needed as well.
PUBLIC BATHROOMS
Public bogs are clear, fashionable and readily available all through New Zealand. You can count on sinks, running water and bathroom paper to be provided.
Keep a particular eye out for "Exeloo" toilets. These high-tech restrooms indicate with a light if the stall’s vacant, occupied or closed, they play mild music over a speaker system, they permit you to lock the door on the push of a button, and the bathroom automatically flushes once you wash your fingers!
DRINKING WATER
Faucet water’s clear and secure to drink throughout New Zealand. In the event you’re heading out for multiday adventures in the wild, use the identical common sense you'll anywhere. Don’t drink from stagnant swimming pools, and produce along your preferred water sterilization technique—just to be safe.
AUCKLAND REGION
Named after the nation’s largest city center, the Auckland region comprises everything from metropolitan bars and restaurants to the islands of Hauraki Gulf, where you’re liable to see whales and dolphins.
Auckland: A beautiful city of metropolitan and cultural significance, Auckland is a can’t-miss cease for anyone hitting the North Island. Take in the Sky Tower and beautiful harbor, as well as the multicultural atmosphere. (Beware, though. Auckland has been ranked one of many world’s most expensive cities.)
BAY OF PLENTY REGION
Situated within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, this area’s greatest recognized for its extensive geothermal exercise, however it’s additionally a site of historical and cultural significance to the Māori people.
Rotorua: Whether or not you’re interested within the geothermal activity, trout fishing or Maori tradition, Rotorua will maintain you spellbound. Don’t miss its array of scorching swimming pools and geysers.
HAWKE’S BAY REGION
Nestled alongside the japanese coast of the North Island, many come for the surroundings but stay for the wine. Hawke’s Bay is thought internationally as the home to many award-profitable reds and whites.
Napier: Devastated in a 1931 earthquake, this resilient city rebuilt in its now-well-known Artwork Deco architectural style. People flock here 12 months-round for wine festivals and celebrations of their Art Deco history and heritage.
WAIKATO REGION
Black-sand beaches, revered surfing, natural harbors and pervasive livestock make this North Island area quintessentially Kiwi.
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