New Zealand

If you're thinking of visiting New Zealand, or just want to learn more about the diverse pacific islands that make up New Zealand, read on.  This site is packed with practical information and relevant links to help you plan and enjoy your vacation in New Zealand.  

Find out about your accommodation options, our favourite activities, important driving rules and tips, browse maps and learn about our diverse and magnificent landscape.

Aotearoa - Land of the Long White Cloud

We believe your holiday will be even more enjoyable if you have some knowledge of our culture and history, so read on to find out more about how it all began!

Quick Facts

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere – it consists of two large islands (which vie for the title of ‘mainland’!) called North Island and South Island plus numerous smaller islands. NZ sits in the South Pacific ocean between 34 and 46 degrees of latitude. This means we’re about the same distance from the equator as Spain or California, and about 3,800 km from Antarctica.  

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.
Our capital city is Wellington and our currency is the New Zealand dollar.

Thanks to the length of our country, and hence our wide range of latitudes, the New Zealand climate ranges from sub-tropical, year-round warmth in the north, to the high alpine climate of the south - so whether you're looking for beaches and surf, or skiing, or something in between, we've got the weather!

Driving in New Zealand
New in 2011 – Interactive and entertaining online driving courses. 
 If you're visiting New Zealand from overseas, these engaging online courses are brand-new and filled with tips and information to clue you up about everything from arriving in NZ, the layout of a typical motorhome, NZ rules and regulations and particular hazards and road conditions you're likely to encounter on New Zealand's roads.   Crucial information for the holiday driver, presented in a series of practical and entertaining lessons.  Visit www.turaguides.com for more information or to log in and take their fun course.

If you're travelling as a family, visit Kidz Go New Zealand and
Family Accommodation NZ.com - NZ's top visitor sites for holidays with children.