New Zealand (Aotearoa) is a country of dramatic contrasts; from rugged mountains and high-country… To sub tropical native forest, braided river plains and idyllic beaches. Our population is approximately 4.5 million, with about two-thirds of the population living in the North Island, the remainder in the South Island and smaller islands including Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands.

By international measures, travelling distances and times in New Zealand are relatively small, so hiring a self drive minivan/minibus, people mover or coach, is a great way to see our country. The North and South Islands are separated by the 22km Cook Strait, but ferries can transport your vehicle across the Strait: Interislander and Bluebridge.

New Zealand Tourism Guide
www.tourism.net.nz

New Zealand Tourism (‘100% Pure New Zealand’)
www.newzealand.com - including Maori cultural and Lord of the Rings experiences.

New Zealand Tourism i-SITE Visitor Information Centres also provide:

• Itinerary planning & information
• Bookings nationwide - accommodation, transport, activities, attractions
• Free maps, weather & mountain safety information
• Local information including events, attractions, restaurants & more

Map of i-SITE locations: Interactive Map or Downloadable PDF

Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown tourism websites:

Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development
Auckland Tourism
Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism
Queenstown NZ

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, therefore seasons are the opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. The coldest months are June/July/August, the warmest months December/January/February. The climate varies from warm subtropical in the far north, to cool temperate climates in the far south, alpine conditions in mountainous areas. Annual rainfall varies hugely: from less than 500 mm (20 inches) in Central Otago, up to 10 metres in parts of Fiordland. For more information, visit: Overview of New Zealand climate: NIWA  New Zealand Weather Forecasts: MetService  Weather Warnings: MetService

The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is the unit of currency. We do not have 1, 2 or 5 cent coins, so for cash purchases, prices ending in 1 to 4 cents are rounded down, prices ending in 6 to 9 cents are rounded up.

All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand (Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted).

GST: All goods and services purchased in New Zealand are subject to a 15% Goods and Services Tax: GST. This is included in the displayed price unless stated otherwise. GST is included in all Maugers Rentals pricing for our Mercedes Benz Fleet.

Tipping: Is not expected in New Zealand, and hospitality providers do not add extra service charges to their bills, aside from some charging an additional 15% on New Zealand Public Holidays.

Banks: Most New Zealand banks are open 9.30-4.30 Monday to Friday.

Bringing Cash into NZ: See NZ Customs Service website re: whether you will need to provide a Border Cash report.

New Zealand hosts many major events, festivals and sporting events, including:

Audi Quattro Winter Games NZ, 25 August to 10 September 2017 - Queenstown, Wanaka & Naseby

Rugby League World Cup, October 2017 – Auckland

Christchurch Golden Oldies – April 2018

HSBC New Zealand Sevens - Hamilton

Tennis – Auckland ASB Classic

NRL Auckland Nines

Auckland Arts Festival

Pasifika Festival - Auckland

New Zealand Fashion Week - Auckland

ASB Auckland Marathon

Queenstown Marathon

The Macpac Motatapu – Wanaka to Queenstown

Queenstown Winter Festival (Luma)

For more information about events in New Zealand, visit Tourism New Zealand’s Events page / Eventfinder.

New Zealand’s three official languages are English, Māori (Te Reo), and New Zealand Sign Language. English is the most widely spoken language.

Common Māori words/phrases:

Learn more: