Australia and New Zealand - New Zealand - Country Information

Key Facts
Full Country Name	New Zealand
Area	268,680 SQ KM
Population	4,115,771
Capital	Wellington
Time Difference	+1200 Hours
Visa	A visa is not required if you are visiting from a visa free country (e.g Unitied Kingdom) and intending to visit for no more than three months.
Currency	New Zealand Dollars
People	Europeans make up 75% of the population.
Language	English
Dialling Code	+64
Electricity	230/240 volts

Visas:

Health risks:

None

When to Go:

New Zealand’s high season generally takes place during the warmer months from November to April, when both visitors and locals take to the great outdoors. Do bear in mind though that New Zealand favours a maritime climate, which means that the weather, especially at altitude, can change dramatically. The cooler months of spring and autumn (October/November, April/May) tend to be amongst the best times to visit, when the crowds are less and the weather generally can be more settled. The summer months, from December to February, are the time to visit many of the local festivals, culinary events and sporting fixtures that take place, but try and avoid the school holiday periods (especially from mid December to mid January). Those hankering for the ski slopes should aim to visit from June to August when the skiing conditions are at their best, but do bear in mind though that many of the more conventional ‘warm weather’ venues may be closed. New Zealand’s position in the ‘Roaring Forties’ produces prevailing winds that blow in from west to east, so generally the western side of both North and South Islands will receive more moisture from the Tasman Sea. Average rainfall during the year is some 1,100mm on the North Island and up to 2,420mm along the western edge of the Southern Alps.