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New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall, and many hours of sunshine throughout most of the country. Its climate is dominated by two main geographical features - the mountains and the sea.
SEASONS
The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August.
In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC, 10-15ºC in winter. You can check on weather conditions in New Zealand on the New Zealand Met Service website: http://www.metservice.co.nz
While these temperatures are the norm, the weather in New Zealand can change unexpectedly as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in. Because of this, you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature, particularly if you’re going hiking or doing other outdoor activities.
RECOMMENDED CLOTHING
In summer a jacket and sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so also include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing.
Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities.
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CURRENCY
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$), which consists of 100 cents. Coins come in values of 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1.00 and $2.00, and notes in values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
BANKING/TRAVELLERS CHEQUES
Banks open Monday-Friday (except public holidays), 9.30am-4.30pm. Cash can be withdrawn 24 hours a day from ATM's (Automatic Teller Machines) using international credit cards as long as they have a PIN number. Use of EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) is common. All international credit cards (American Express, Diners, JCB, VISA, Mastercard) are accepted. Travellers' cheques may be changed at banks, hotels and large stores in the main cities and tourist areas.
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Operating hours for offices and business's are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm; some tourist agencies and airlines have longer hours. Shops are usually open 9am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday, with late night shopping usually Thursday or Friday in some areas. Many petrol (gas) stations open 24 hours, stocking food and newspapers. Supermarkets, some large retail chains, most shopping malls and markets also open on Saturday and Sunday. Larger supermarkets are sometimes open 24 hours, ldairies (local convienence stores) usually open 7am-7pm daily.
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FLYING TO NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is a 3.5 hour flight from Eastern Australia and around a 10 hour flight from most places on the Pacific Rim, such as Singapore, Hong Kong or Tokyo.
From the West Coast of the United States, a direct flight to New Zealand is 12 hours.
Several international airline networks offer flights to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, like oneworld, with Cathay Pacific and Qantas, and Star Alliance, with Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways International.
Emirates, Japan Airlines and Korean Air also offer flights to New Zealand.
LONG-HAUL FLIGHT
Because you'll be sitting in plane for such a long time, we recommend flying business class or, at least, don't travel non-stop.
Your stop-over options include Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Singapore, Fiji, Hawaii, French Polynesia, and Australia.
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TELLING THE TIME
New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). In summer New Zealand uses 'daylight saving', with clocks put forward one hour to GMT +13.
Daylight saving begins on the first Sunday in September and ends on the third Sunday of the following March, when clocks are put back to GMT +12.
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OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
English and Maori are the official languages of New Zealand. Maori became an official language in 1987.
In April 2006, New Zealand became the first country to declare sign language ad an official language, alongside Maori and English.
New Zealand Sign Language or NZSL is the main language of the deaf community in New Zealand.
MAORI LANGUAGE
Maori is only used in New Zealand and nowhere else in the world. Despite its official status, the language continues to struggle against being lost.
In the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, Queen Victoria promised the Maori that their language would be protected. It was only recently that the Maori language has gathered widespread support. In the present, the Maori language is commonly used in the media and at school.
When Maori people moved to the cities in the 1940's, they felt pressured to speak English and children were raised without the Maori language. By the 1970's, the Maori language was close to being irrevocably lost.
A recent survey by the New Zealand government shows about 130,000 people speak some Maori.
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Driving in New Zealand is Different
Driving is a great way to see New Zealand, however, there may be a few things you need to get used to when driving in New Zealand.
Keep left
Always drive on the left side of the road.
Intersections
At an intersection where one vehicle will cross the path of another, and both are waiting on stop or give way signs (or where there are no signs), special give way rules apply. In general: If you're turning, give way to all vehicles that are not turning. In all other situations, give way to vehicles crossing or coming from your right.
No left turn on red lights
There is no left turn at a red light, you must stop.
Speed Limits
100 km/h on the open road (approx 60m/h) and 50 km/h in urban areas
Safety belts
Everyone in the vehicle must wear a safety belt.
Alcohol
Don't drink and drive - the laws against this are strictly enforced in New Zealand and penalties are severe.
Overtaking
Most roads in New Zealand have a single lane each way, but provide passing lanes at regular intervals – these should be used where possible. You must not cross a solid yellow line on your side of the centre-line, as this indicates it’s too dangerous to overtake.
One Lane Bridges
Many roads in New Zealand have one lane bridges on them. At one lane bridges, vehicles travelling in one direction must give way to vehicles going in the other direction. Slow down and check for traffic coming the other way. The smaller red arrow shows which direction has to give way.
Winter Driving
Look out for this slippery surface sign in wet or icy conditions - slow down and avoid braking suddenly. Snow and ice can make roads even more hazardous, particularly around mountain passes. Rental vehicle companies will often supply chains if you're likely to be driving in these conditions - make sure you know how to fit them before setting out.
If you're tired you're much more likely to have a crash. Remember to get lots of rest before a long drive, take breaks and where possible share the driving with someone else.
Driver Licence Requirements
In New Zealand, you must have your valid and current driver licence or international driving permit with you at all times when you’re driving. If your overseas licence or permit is not in English, you must carry an accurate English translation issued by a valid authority.
If you hold a valid and current overseas driver licence or international driving permit, you can drive for a maximum of 12 months from the date you arrive in New Zealand.
Please check out the Land Transport and Safety website for more specific information on driving in New Zealand.
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IMMIGRATION
If you're thinking about living permanently in New Zealand, read the Migration section of the Immigration New Zealand website. It contains a brief summary of immigration requirements and information on obtaining a residence application pack.
WorkSite is a government website all about work in New Zealand. If you've got any work-related questions this is the place to go. You'll find useful links and information on everything to do with employment, training and work in New Zealand.
New Zealanders living overseas should visit newzealandnow.info, a one-stop information source connecting you with the information and services you need to relocate to New Zealand. Find out about kiwi businesses, arts, music, lifestyle, recruitment agencies, events and more.
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 If you have an accident which causes personal injury, the NZ Accident Compensation Scheme will cover you for some of your medical and hospital expenses (if required). Unfortunately, you will not be covered for loss of earnings, repatriation, loss of tickets etc. Neither will you be covered if you fall ill whilst here. We strongly recommend that comprehensive Travel Insurance be taken out prior to your departure for sickness, accidents, travel plan disruption etc.
If you do suffer a medical misadventure whilst in New Zealand contact the Accident Information Service who will advise on where and how to seek help by phoning Freephone 0800 263 345 (24 hour service) from anywhere in New Zealand.
If you take medication whilst on holiday, please be sure to bring enough for your entire stay plus a Doctor's certificate in case this needs to be seen by NZ Customs. To obtain many drugs from a Pharmacy, a Doctor's prescription is required. An appointment with a Doctor will cost approx. NZ$35 to NZ$50.
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New Zealand has a reputation as a provider of quality education offering excellent study opportunities and support services in a safe learning environment. It is fast becoming a popular choice for international students seeking high quality education away from home.
Academic, profession and vocation studies are offered at universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, secondary schools and private training establishments. A number of English Language Institutes and private English Language Schools are also throughout the country.
New Zealand's national education system is based on the British system. Research indicates New Zealand students are ranked amongst the top in the world academically.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
A number of English Language Institutes and private English Language Schools are located throughout the country.
International students in New Zealand are taught in an English speaking environment, where they are required to actively participate in class discussions and activities, with the aim to become fluent and comfortable with the use of everyday English.
HIGH SCHOOL/SECONDARY SCHOOL
High school in New Zealand usually begins at 13 years of age beginning at the year nine level. Core subjects are offered during year nine and 10 - English or Maori, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies and Physical Education. Generally a couple of elective subjects are also taken.
To understand the schooling system in New Zealand, the Ministry of Education has published a guide to schooling which looks at what schools teach and how schools are run.
NCEA is a new national qualification for New Zealand secondary school students. Implemented throughout New Zealand schools in 2002, NCEA is the current path to tertiary education.
Many schools in New Zealand have been experiencing an increase in the number of students that come from a non English speaking background. These students help bring diversity to a school, and add awareness to a school learning environment.
UNIVERSITY
New Zealand has a selection of 8 national universities with a great range of subjects in commerce, science and arts. Specialist subjects are offered at each university.
View more information on New Zealand's universities:
POLYTECHNICS
New Zealand Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology give a more hands on approach to learning providing degrees, diplomas and certificate level qualifications.
New Zealand is continually seeking to improve the quality of education and opportunities offered to international students studying here. Besides education, New Zealand offers a lifestyle second to none. So why not develop new skills while exploring new cultures and entertainment opportunities?
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Content cited from New Zealand Tourism Online
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