New Zealand – General info

New Zealand is part of the British Commonwealth and is located about 2,000 km east of Australia between 165 and 180 degrees east longitude and 34 and 47 degrees south latitude and consists of a north and a south island.
Area:
269,112 km².
Administrative structure:
16 regions (Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, Nelson, Northland, Otago, Southland, Taranaki, Tasman, Waikato, Manawatu-Wanganui, Wellington, West Coast); 3 outdoor territories (Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelan).
Population
Population: About 3.8 million.
Cities: Wellington (capital) approx. 166,000, Auckland approx. 337,000, Christchurch approx. 322,000, Hamilton approx. 115,000, Dunedin approx. 117,000, Palmerston North approx. 49,500, Invercargill approx. 51,700
Language
English and Maori are spoken in New Zealand.
Time difference
Central European Time (CET) +11 hours
Due to daylight saving time in Europe and New Zealand, the time difference is +12 hours from the beginning of October to the end of March, and +10 hours from the end of March to the end of September.
Voltage
230/240 volts alternating current, 50 hertz.
Usually 3-pin flat plugs are available. It is advisable to take an adapter with you.
Internet
Country Code: .nz
Internet cafés can be found in almost all cities. Internet access is also available in libraries, hotels and guesthouses.
Phone
The country code from Germany to New Zealand is 0064, from New Zealand to Germany you dial 0049. There are mainly card phones, but occasionally also pay phones. Calling cards are available for NZ$5, $10 and NZ$20 at post offices, telecom outlets, hotels and dairies (small shops).
Holidays
1 and 2 January (New Year’s holidays), 6 February (Waitangi Day), Good Friday, Easter Monday, 25 April (Anzac Day), 1st Monday in June (Queen’s Birthday), 4th Monday in October (Labour Day), 25 and 26 December (Christmas). In addition, each province has a holiday on the anniversary of its foundation.
Opening hours
Banks: Mon to Fri 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. (some banks do not open until 9.30 a.m. on Thursdays);

Shops: Mon to Fri 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the city centres, in the suburbs often until 6 p.m. On Sundays, some shops are open to tourists in the city centres; large supermarkets are mainly open from 8.30 a.m. to 8 p.m., in larger cities so-called “convenience stores” are open around the clock.
Currency
Currency unit: New Zealand dollar (NZ$)
1 New Zealand dollar = 100 cents.
Current exchange rate:
1 Euro = approx. 1.69 NZ$
1 US $ = approx. 1.27 NZ$
Clothing
If you visit New Zealand in late spring, summer or autumn, you should take summer clothes as well as warmer jackets or sweaters to put on, as it can get a bit chilly in the evening at this time. For the winter months and early spring, you need warm clothing. You should definitely have a rain cover with you. In addition, you should definitely take good sunglasses with you.
For excursions into the mountains, you need good hiking boots and durable clothing.
Economy
Agriculture, especially the export of wool, meat and dairy products, formed the basis for the development of New Zealand’s modern economy and remains central today. In addition to livestock farming, agriculture is practiced. In addition to wheat, corn and barley, citrus fruits and other fruits are also grown. The kiwi or Chinese gooseberry is the most successful of the new crops. Over the past 25 years, the economy has been affected by profound changes. The industrial sector was greatly expanded. The processing of agricultural products and fruit is one of the most important branches of industry. Other important sectors are the production of paper as well as the production of chemical products, metal goods, machinery, vehicles and electrical machinery. Since the mid-1980s, tourism has become one of the largest sources of income.
Religion
Most New Zealanders are Christians. Of these, 25 percent are Anglicans, 18 percent Presbyterians, 16 percent Catholics and five percent Methodists. Most Maori are members of the Christian churches of Ratana and Ringatu. Jews, Hindus and Confucians form minorities. About 15 percent of the population is non-denominational.

The seasons in New Zealand are opposite to the European ones.

New Zealand is mostly in the temperate zone.

However, the weather is much more changeable than in Central Europe.

The North Island, which is closer to the equator, is warmer in the northern part, colder in the south, and the South Island is colder overall.

In general, it can be said that the climate of the North Island is subtropical, but the climate of the South Island is more Central European (with slightly higher temperatures). Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year.
Temperatures
The temperatures drop significantly lower at night in the high altitudes than on sea level. Therefore, when visiting the Southern Alps, you should expect temperatures below 10°C even in summer.

The latitude-dependent temperature differences between the north and south of New Zealand are smaller than the distance of 1500 km would suggest. This is due to the balancing effect of the surrounding water masses. The oceanic climate of New Zealand has a temperature difference of more than 10°C both in the annual cycle and in the diurnal cycle. The exception to this is Central Otago, a more continental landscape. Here, larger temperature fluctuations are the rule.

The highest annual average between 13°C and 14°C is in the north of the North Island. The extreme north of the South Island and the other regions of the North Island are in the range of the 12°C zones. Following south, the annual average values drop to 9°C. For comparison: Stuttgart 8°C. The highest daily temperatures of over 22°C are during the summer months (December, January, February) on the North Island and in the north and east of the South Island, temperatures below 0°C are also rather rare during the New Zealand winter (June, July, August). Only in the Southern Alps, Central Otago and the central volcanic area of the North Island does the thermometer fall below freezing. In the coastal regions, maritime influence prevents values below freezing.
Best time to visit
Due to the mild climate, which knows neither extreme heat nor cold, any season is suitable for a stay in New Zealand.

Summer lasts from December to February, autumn from March to May, winter from June to August and spring from September to November.

New Zealand’s peak season spans the months of December, January, and February.

During this time, you should pre-book accommodation from your home country, as this is also the time when most New Zealanders go on holiday.
Sunshine duration
Despite the relatively high rainfall, New Zealand has a higher sunshine duration in large areas than is known from Central Europe (about 1600 hours a year).

The average annual sunshine duration varies between 2500 hours in the north of the South Island and 1500 hours in the Southern Alps and the Fiordland.

Apart from these extreme values, 1600 to 2000 hours of sunshine per year are normal for the South Island, although a decrease in the duration of sunshine from north to south should be noted.

In the lee of the Southern Alps, the annual average sunshine is 2200 hours. For the coastal areas of the North Island, values of 2000 to 2200 hours per year are the rule. Only in the central volcanic area of the North Island does the sunshine duration fall below 1800 hours/year. With an average sunshine duration of 2000 hours per year, this results in a daily average of 5 1/2 hours per day.

About 80 – 100 million years ago, New Zealand drifted away from the massive supercontinent Gondwanaland into the South Pacific. Since then, a unique flora and fauna has emerged, with a large number of beautiful native birds and plants, as well as direct descendants of prehistoric wildlife such as the tuatara, the weta and the giant snake. New Zealand is a last refuge for zoological species that are extinct elsewhere.

Before humans settled in New Zealand, large areas were endowed with lush native bushland and this made for an incredible variety of birds. In the course of their development, wings became superfluous for some birds, as they no longer had any natural enemies to fly away from. That was the reason why some of New Zealand’s native birds became flightless. These include, for example, the kakapo parrot, the kiwi, the takahe and the largest bird in the world, the (now extinct) moa.

When the Maori and Europeans settled in New Zealand, they hunted birds and brought rats and weasels with them. This circumstance and the loss of habitat led to the extinction of a number of birds, such as the moa and the huia. Others, such as the kakapo and the takahe, have become endangered species.
Kiwi
The national symbol of New Zealand is a flightless night bird and it has nostrils at the end of its large beak. It is now an endangered species. It is difficult to experience it in the wild. Although they look cute, kiwis can be wild and extremely territorial.
Moa
The moa is the only wingless bird that has ever existed. The Giant Moa, one of eleven moa species, is also the largest known bird with a size of 3 meters. Many moa bones and skeletons have been found in small caves where the moa had fallen. The Maori hunted the moa and it was probably extinct about 400 years ago.
Other birds
Other native birds of New Zealand are the kea (a parrot), the weka, the takahe, the tui and the cuckoo owl. The playful kea is one of the most intelligent birds in the world; he especially loves cars from which he steals windshield wipers or other rubber parts. The amiable Weka is a flightless bird with a weakness for shiny objects.

The Takahe stands out for its beautiful indigo-coloured plumage and a bright red beak. Like many of New Zealand’s native bird species, the Tui has a beautiful song and a white collar.

The Morepork Owl is named after its call, which is often heard at night. The Maori name, Ruru, was also given to the bird because of its reputation.
Tuatara
The tuatara is a relic of the past – the only beak-headed reptile left in the world. All species of this reptile family, with the exception of the tuatara, became extinct probably about 65 million years ago. The tuatara can live for over 100 years and was once found all over New Zealand. Today, they are only found on sheltered islands off the coast – about 30,000 live on Stephens Island in the Marlborough Sounds.

With a length of no more than 24 cm, the tuatara is completely harmless.
Whales and dolphins
New Zealand has a rich and diverse marine life. You can watch whales and swim with dolphins here. The small Hector’s dolphin, up to 1.4 m long, is only found in the waters of New Zealand. There are a few places on the South Island from which you can observe Hector’s dolphins up close.

New Zealand once formed a contiguous landmass with today’s continents of Australia, Antarctica, South America, Africa and India, the primeval continent Gondwana. The origin of most of New Zealand’s native plants can be traced back to this landmass.

New Zealand lost its land connection with the rest of the world about 150 million years ago. By introducing some of their crops, including the taro, and at least one mammal, the kiore or the Polynesian rat, the Maori caused considerable damage to the native flora and fauna.

The European settlers who arrived in the 18th century helped the Maori hunt down the last moas. They also brought a variety of plants and animals from their countries of origin. For this reason, large parts of New Zealand today bear a pronounced resemblance to Europe. About 560 introduced plant genera have spread to the islands and about 240 are native throughout the country.

The original vegetation consisted of evergreen and hardy plants. Bracken fern, blackberry bush and oleander were brought into the country together with the cereal seeds and now dominate the scene in large areas of New Zealand. Eucalyptus was also not originally native to New Zealand. It was also introduced.

In the highlands, the Monterey pine from California was planted with great success against the progressive soil erosion. On the west coast and in the Southern Alps of the South Island, some of the deciduous tree species are cultivated for reforestation.

In many places on the North Island, you will find temperate rainforest with mosses,
Ferns, tree ferns, creepers and lichens.

About 500 years after Christ, the islands of New Zealand were settled by the Maori, a people who came from eastern Polynesia.

In 1642, Dutch sailors were the first Europeans to reach the west coast of the South Island.

Later, the islands were renamed Nieuw Zeeland after the Dutch province of Zeeland.

In 1769, the British navigator and explorer James Cook discovered the North Island. At that time, the population of the Maori living there was about 125,000.

In 1844, the British government took possession of New Zealand.

In 1839/40, the systematic immigration of European settlers began. Through the Waitangi Treaty with the native Maori, the English acquired the right of ownership.

In 1841, New Zealand became a British Crown Colony and Auckland its capital. Territorial conflicts between the British settlers and the Maori led to the New Zealand Wars on the North Island (1845 to 1848 and 1860 to 1872).

A more moderate policy led to peace between the colonialists and the Maori population.

In 1852, a separate constitution was adopted, and four years later a parliament and a central government were installed.

In the second half of the 19th century, liberal and conservative groups alternated in power.

In 1910, the New Zealand Labour Party was founded, which later succeeded in pushing through land reforms as well as social reforms.

New Zealand fought on the British side in both World War I and World War II.

In 1951, the country concluded the ANZUS defense pact with Australia and the United States.

In the 1970s, ties to Great Britain were loosened and political and economic ties were established to a greater extent in the Pacific region and with Australia.

The kiwi is an outspoken fan of “picnicking”. Barbecuing is simply part of the lifestyle for New Zealanders.

But you also know how to dine in style. Since the beginning of the nineties, the Inaeln have been dotted with a variety of restaurants.

In particular, the cuisines of Europe and Asia were imported. So there is something for every taste.

The prices are on a par with German restaurants.

In the meantime, the puritanical alcohol laws have been constantly relaxed. In the cities, some pubs and cafés are open until after midnight. Alcohol is offered by supermarkets and special liquor stores.

There are a variety of beers that are worth trying. New Zealand wine in bottles is a real insider tip.

Most restaurants have an alcohol license (licensed).

However, some restaurants are still run as so-called “BYO” (for “bring your own”). This means: You have to bring your own alcoholic beverages.

Among the dishes, of course, it is worth mentioning the excellent lamb, the game (raised in farms) and the decideds from the sea.

Snapper, orange roughy and trout are just a few examples of the types of fish we want to mention. There are also several species of mussels (Paua, Pipi, Scallops) and the tasty bluff oysters from the Foveaux Strait off Stewart Island.

A special speciality is whitebait, a fish species only two to four centimetres in size. The Inanga fish is taken out of the rivers in spring with nets when it migrates upstream. It is served as a fresh delicacy.

For starters, a dip made from the five avocado varieties ripening on the North Island and local vegetables is recommended.

For dessert, you should try the traditional calorie bomb pavlova. Excellent white wines have been served with food for several years. Chardonnay from Gisborne and Sauvignon are the finest wines. Merlot and Gewürztraminer are also excellent and have international awards.

In addition to hotels, motels and inns, there is the option of staying in traditional Maori houses.

In rural regions, overnight stays are often cheaper. You can also find inexpensive accommodation in the cities. There are few luxury hotels. In the high season, it is therefore not always easy to find rooms in the desired price range. It is advisable to book as early as possible.

Good motels with cooking facilities make up about 80% of the accommodations offered.

For more information, contact the Motel Association of New Zealand, Paxus House, Level 5, 79 Boulcott Street, NZ-Wellington. Tel: (04) 499 64 15. Fax: (4) 499 64 16. (Internet: www.manz.co.nz) or the Hospitality Association of New Zealand, Education House, 8th Floor, 178-182 Willis Street, PO Box 503, NZ-Wellington. Tel: (04) 385 1369. Fax: (04) 384 8044 www.hanz.org.nz.
Farms
Many farms accept visitors. Often, sporting activities such as fishing, skiing or horseback riding are also offered. Prices are usually inclusive of breakfast and dinner.

Holdsworth (Internet: www.lodgings.co.nz) publishes a guide to various accommodations in New Zealand.
Backpackers
Backpackers’ hostels can be found all over the country. More information from The Budget Backpacker Hostels, 99 Titiraupenga Street, NZ-Taupo. Tel: (07) 377 15 68. (Internet: www.backpack.co.nz) BBH offers a Backpacker Card at a price of about NZ$20, on which there are numerous discounts. Detailed information on the subject of backpacking is also available from the destination Downunder, which can also be found at (Internet: www.destinationdownunder.com).
Youth hostels
From December to March, beds can be booked in advance at the Youth Hostel Association, address: PO Box 436, NZ-Christchurch. Tel: (03) 379 99 70. Fax: (03) 365 44 76 www.stayyha.com. There are also other inexpensive accommodations in the larger cities.
Camping
Numerous tent pitches of different price ranges with different standards are available. Between December and April (Easter) it is advisable to book in advance. The New Zealand Motor Camps generally have washing and cooking facilities, larger sites are often better equipped. The camps do not provide tents, but equipment can be rented from various organizations.