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After flying approximately twenty
thousand kilometers, travelers gasp the moment they
first catch sight of the two islands on their
journey to New Zealand. The two islands of New
Zealand are breathtaking, sometimes almost surreal.
Lofty mountains, volcanoes that simmer, extensive
sandy beaches, grand fjords (in appropriately , |
named Fiordland), icy lakesand
verdant rainforests make for the perfect setting for
the filming of the epic movies The Chronicles of
Narnia and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Over a third of the land area of New Zealand is located
inside a reserve or park. There are approximately fifteen
thousand kilometers of coastline and over twenty five marine
reserves.
Although New Zealand is about the same size as the United
Kingdom, it only has a population of approximately four
million. Its main cities in the North Island such as
Wellington and Auckland, and those in the South Island such
as Dunedin and Christchurch are bustling and bright without
being crowded.
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Society in New Zealand is multi-cultural and
tolerant.
The Maori (indigenous people of New
Zealand), posses a fascinating culture which has
influenced many aspects of life in New Zealand.
Generally, New Zealanders of both Maori and European
descent are friendly, laidback, outdoorsy, and
rugged.
The peak season months for tourists in New Zealand
are during the months of December, January, and
February since these are the months of summer in the
country.
Temperatures average between 20 to 30
degrees centigrade.
The off season months in New
Zealand, which generally means lower flight rates, are July
and August because these are the winter months. Temperatures
average from 10 to 15 degrees centigrade. |
The shoulder season for travel to New Zealand is from March
through May, which are the months of autumn. The country
experiences slightly cooler temperatures than in summer but
the weather is still ideal, if a bit chilly. Hawke’s Bay and
Central Otago showcase breathtaking foliage at this time.
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It can be great to visit during the spring season
too which is from September to November.
Domestic flights in New Zealand are offered by Air
New Zealand. Skylink and Air National give charter
flights while Air Chatham gives are services which
are scheduled on the North Island.
Operating on the
South Island are Stewart Island Flights, Air
Milford, and Air Canterbury. |
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New Zealand has an efficient system of public
transport system (coach and bus) linking cities to
tourist spots that are popular. Aside from hiring a
car to get around, some visitors hire motor homes to
drive and sleep in.
Two railways are run by Tranz Scenic on the South
Island.
Operating between Christchurch and Picton is Tranz Coastal
and linking Greymouth and Christchurch is Tranz Alpine.
Those British citizens possessing a British Citizen endorsed
passport do not need a visa for a New Zealand stay of up to
6 months. Those British citizens in possession of passports
that are British National endorsed may stay for only up to 3
months without a visa. A visa is needed in all other cases.
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