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About New Zealand
The Land and the People
New Zealand is a unique country. Its scenery sets it apart from the rest of the world while its people have a reputation for friendliness, strength and independence. There is abundant beauty and diversity in scenery, lifestyle and culture. From rolling green farmlands to barren volcanic desert areas, from golden beaches with clear blue water to majestic snow covered mountains, New Zealand offers a sample of every possible landscape within a relatively small country.
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Major Cities
The capital of New Zealand is Wellington (population approximately 400,000), situated at the southern tip of the North Island. Other major cities and towns are Auckland (population approximately 1,000,000), Hamilton (population 120,000), Palmerston North (population approximately 75,000), Christchurch (population approximately 400,000) and Dunedin (population approximately 110,000).
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Climate
Situated in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. The climate is temperate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
Climate
mean daily maximum, Jan 21.5°C, July 10.3°C
mean temperature, 11.7°C
mean daily minimum, Jan 11.6°C, July 1.4°C
mean annual maximum 32°C
mean annual minimum -4°C
Location
Latitude: 43° 31 Mins, 48 Secs South
Longitude: 172° 37 Mins, 13 Secs East
Christchurch City is on the East Coast
of the South Island and has an area
of 45,249 Hectares
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Rainfall
Average days 1mm or more: 87 per annum
Average annual rainfall: 655 mm
Sunshine
Annual Average Sunshine Hours: 2040
Seasons
Winter: June - August
Spring: September - November
Summer: December - February
Autumn: March - May
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Clothing
Depending on the timing and duration of your study the clothes you bring will vary. In summer time, casual wear is sufficient. However, in winter warm clothing such as woollen sweaters, waterproof coats and warm jackets are recommended. In keeping with New Zealand's relaxed lifestyle, dress is informal on most occasions. International students are also encouraged to bring their national costume for the many social functions which institutions generally organise.
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Shopping
Stores and shops usually open from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday and until 9pm on Friday nights. There is an increasing number of shopping centres opening until 9pm on Thursdays as well. Many shopping centres open all day Saturday and Sunday in major cities and tourist areas. New Zealand shops offer a wide variety of products including fashion clothes, outdoor clothing and equipment, crafts and international food halls.
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Travel To and Within New Zealand
New Zealand has two main international airports, Auckland and Christchurch, served by 24 international airlines offering either non-stop, direct or online services to North America, South America, Australia, Asia, the UK and Europe, as well as the neighbouring Pacific Islands. Wellington, the hub of the domestic network, also has a service to the major east coast Australian cities. Distances between major attractions in New Zealand are short and there is a good transport network.
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Sporting and Recreational Facilities
With such an abundance of open space accessible to everyone, sports are an important activity for many people. Rugby football is the national sport but many others have a large following. Schools, universities and colleges offer excellent sport facilities for students who want to play tennis, squash, cricket, basketball, soccer, netball, softball, or, indeed, rugby.
The wide open spaces and national parks have influenced New Zealanders' love of outdoor activities. Tramping (hiking), camping and skiing are all popular activities. There are some hundreds of beaches, ideal for swimmin, diving and fishing!- many of them within walking distance of student campuses.
New Zealand also has some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world, and many people can enjoy the game on the uncrowded greens and inexpensive private and public clubs.
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Entertainment
New Zealand offers an array of exciting entertainment. All the major cities and towns have cinemas, nightclubs, restaurants, art galleries and museums. In addition to these, seven professional theatre companies operate throughout the country and pop concerts feature regularly, often with overseas artists. Five professional orchestras perform frequently and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, The Royal New Zealand Ballet and the New Zealand String Quartet tour throughout the country as well as overseas. Daily newspapers provide details of local entertainment and nightlife.
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Television/Radio/Newspapers
As an English speaking country all media is in English. There are 3 main television channels and some satellite channels are also available. New Zealand has numerous AM/FM radio stations, both national and regional. Daily newspapers (morning and evening editions) are produced in the major cities. The video system is PAL 625.
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Useful Links
Visitor Information
Transportation
Places to Visit & Adventures
North & South Island Accommodation & Helpful Tourism Information
International Tourism Information
- Car Parking ON & OFF at Edinburgh Airport - We have car parks both on and off Edinburgh airport. View full details online and receive all paperwork instantly after booking.
- Secure Airport Parking at Newcastle - Get car parking at Newcastle airport. Our online booking system will give you full car parking details including security measures and directions.
- Car Parking ON & OFF at Cardiff Airport - Airport parking voucher available immediately online and via email wih full directions to Cardiff airport car park.
- Parking for Cars at Liverpool Airport - Park your car safely at Liverpool airport whilst on holiday. Our online booking system will give you full car parking details including security measures and directions. Instant online vouchers and documentation with valid parking reference number.
- Car Hire in France - Rent your car at great rates from 1st for car hire France. We offer you a fast and easy way to book your car hire in France. We can offer a choice of different model types, all modern and well maintained.
- International Car Hire Directory - This Car Hire Directory is designed to help its users find car hire information, articles, source, companies, products and services.
- Quality Web Cars
- Los Angeles Limousine Service - All-Star Limousine, Inc. offer a professional, reliable limousine service in Los Angeles using only newer year model sedans/limousines.
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Link To Us
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