Travel to North Island

The majority of the population lives on New Zealand’s North Island with the largest city of Auckland and the capital city of Wellington located here. Known as the ‘city of sails’ Auckland offers visitor a spectacular harbour paradise with beaches, coves and islands to explore complimented with a vibrant and cosmopolitan city.  In Wellington discover New Zealand’s history, its art and culture at Te Papa Museum, explore boutique stores, taste test at the local wineries and take in the nearby National Parks.

Rotorua offers visitors the opportunity to witness firsthand the hot springs, bubbling mud pools and soaring geyser of this geothermal center as well as discovering the unique Maori heritage of this region.
In the east at Hawke’s Bay sandy beaches, vineyards, fine artisan food and unique art deco architecture in Napier await your discovery. The Coromandel Peninsula features a beautiful, rocky coastline with beaches and the opportunity to dig your own natural spa bath in the sands of Hot Water Beach.

Explore the famous Waitomo Caves in the caving capital of New Zealand then see New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo formed by one of the largest volcanic eruptions ever seen on earth. Here you can enjoy a number of activities including hiking, fishing, water sports and skydiving.

People

New Zealanders, or Kiwis, as they call themselves, are among the friendliest people on earth.

Language

English is the most common language in New Zealand; however Maori is also an official language.

History

Maori, who are Polynesians, were the first inhabitants of New Zealand, who are thought to have arrived more than 1,000 years ago in double-hulled waka (canoe), from islands in Eastern Polynesia (Hawaiki). Maori settled on both main islands of New Zealand and named the country Aotearoa (Land of the Long White Cloud).

Dutch Navigator Abel Tasman, the first European discoverer, arrived in 1642 and named the islands New Zealand. He didn’t stay, and it wasn’t until Captain James Cook arrived over a century later that the area was colonized.

From the late 1790’s on, whalers, traders and missionaries arrive, establishing settlements mainly along the far northern coast of New Zealand. From 1839 to 1841 New Zealand was administered as part of Australia’s New South Wales colony.

In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, an agreement between the British Crown and Maori. It established British law in New Zealand, while at the same time guaranteeing Maori authority over their land and culture. The Treaty is considered New Zealand’s founding document. The grounds and the building where the treaty was signed have been preserved and, today, the Waitangi Historic Reserve is a popular tourist attraction. The original Treaty itself can be seen at the New Zealand Archives in Wellington.

Gold was discovered in the mid-19th century in the South Island and many more European settlers arrived – many staying to establish farms in the South Island. In the early 1880’s new refrigerated ships made it possible for New Zealand to begin to export dairy products and meat to the United Kingdom and the economy became heavily agriculturally based.

New Zealand was the first sovereign state to give voting rights to women in 1893. In 1907 New Zealand gained dominion status within the British Empire and was granted autonomy in 1931 by the Statute of Westminster which was formally accepted in 1947.
New Zealand today is an independent nation within the British Commonwealth. The British Monarch, although constitutional head of state, plays no active role in the administration of New Zealand’s government.

The capital city is Wellington, although the largest city is Auckland, both situated in the North Island.

Currency

The official currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$).

Weather

New Zealand’s climate is mainly mild. The far north is subtropical in the summer (November to March) and the far south can get below freezing in the winter (May to August). Nevertheless most of New Zealand has lots of sun, moderate temperatures and modest rainfall.

The average rainfall in New Zealand is between 25 and 60 inches. This provides the country with excellent farming and lush rainforest but it also means that a rain protection is necessary.

Health Requirements

Must be in acceptable standard of health to enter New Zealand

Visa Requirements

From October 1, 2019, anyone entering NZ now requires a Visa by completing an ETA - Electronic Travel Authority. The ETA’s must be completed online via NZ immigration’s website platform. The only exceptions to this requirement are passengers travelling on a New Zealand or Australian passport, as well as travelers who hold a valid NZ visa.  Visit:  https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/ to apply for your New Zealand ETA.  In addition, anyone entering New Zealand from October 1, 2019 will need to pay the IVL (International Visitor Levy). The levy cost is NS$35 and can be paid a the same time as the ETA.

Tipping & Porterage

Tipping is not as entrenched a custom as it is in the US, however, generous donations by American visitors have changed the expectations of many who work in the tourism industry. Generally, a 10% tip at finer restaurants is sufficient, and taxi drivers only expect a tip if they helped with luggage.

Credit Cards

All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand.

Money

Currency is New Zealand dollar denominations:
Coins: 5c,10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2
Notes: $5, $10, $20, $50 & $100

Electrical Appliances

230/240 volts, 50 hertz.
Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.

Water

The urban water supply in New Zealand is safe to drink.

Related Destinations

Auckland
Bay of Islands
Bay of Plenty
{markers} Hamilton & Waikato
{/markers} Hawkes Bay
North Island
Rotorua
{markers} Ruapehu
{/markers} Taupo
The Coromandel
Wellington/Martinborough

Explore the rest of our New Zealand destinations:

• Abel Tasman National Park
• Auckland
• Bay of Islands
• Bay of Plenty
• Christchurch
• Dunedin
• Glaciers and West Coast
• Hamilton & Waikato
• Hawkes Bay
• Kaikoura
• Mount Cook
• Nelson and Marlborough
• New Zealand
• North Island
• Queenstown and Wanaka
• Rotorua
• Ruapehu
• South Island
• Stewart Island
• Taupo
• Te Anau
• The Coromandel
• Wellington/Martinborough
• West Coast

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This Destination North Island Related Destinations Abel Tasman National Park Auckland Bay of Islands Bay of Plenty Christchurch Dunedin Glaciers and West Coast Hamilton & Waikato Hawkes Bay Kaikoura Mount Cook Nelson and Marlborough New Zealand North Island Queenstown and Wanaka Rotorua Ruapehu South Island Stewart Island Taupo Te Anau The Coromandel Wellington/Martinborough West Coast

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