New Zealand Travel: Explore the Long White Cloud
New Zealand’s landscape is characterized by a broad diversity of features and intense natural beauty. Alpine mountains, fjords, sandy beaches, coastal plains, hot springs, rain forests, volcanoes and crystal clear waters, all packed into a country with a total land area comparable to that of Colorado, make New Zealand a unique and popular destination. But this ultimate wilderness playground also hosts cosmopolitan cities and a delightful population. Capitalize on New Zealand’s diversity by using this guide as your planning aid.
Expand All Guide SectionsNew Zealand Tourism Information
Talk to a handful of people who’ve been to New Zealand and you’re likely to hear each ... read more »
Entry Requirements, Safety Information, and Facts for New Zealand
As with any trip abroad, there are a handful of logistical issues to consider prior to visiting New Zealand. Information related to basic concerns, such as how to get a passport, and more complex ones, such as the conditions for obtaining residency, can be found on official government Web sites and New Zealand travel sites. Use this section to find the resources you need to make preparing for your journey overseas only a minor headache.
Dulcinea's Insight
- An easy way to call the United States from New Zealand is to use an international calling card. Purchase these from almost any market, convenience store, hotel or hostel in the country, and use them at calling card phone booths. Look on the back of the card to find directions for usage.
- It’s not difficult to become so enamored of New Zealand that you can’t pull yourself away. If you feel like extending your trip and you don’t have pressing obligations back home, you might want to consider a working holiday visa, which will allow you to work for up to a year while traveling. If you’re not a recent grad but are still under 30 and interested in a working holiday, look in the sites below to find details on how to set up.
- New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). It’s also sometimes informally called the Kiwi.
Dulcinea's Picks
For facts and overviews of New Zealand …
The CIA World Factbook
is your source for hardcore statistics on New Zealand’s geography, population, government, economy, communications, transportation and military. Information is succinct and easy to digest.
The Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand
has articles that overview important aspects of New Zealand’s culture, history, land, people and wildlife. Get the details on topics such as the history of the country’s Maori tribes and the structure of the modern economy. Video clips, interlinking articles, and profiles on the countries famous people and places make this a good place to learn all about New Zealand.
For travel requirements, safety information, and embassies …
The U.S. Department of State’s information on New Zealand
provides a solid overview of the logistical issues related to travel in New Zealand. Find entry and exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical and health information, insurance, and much more. Use the handy embedded links in the text to go to sites with further information or resources.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
New Zealand travel page is designed to provide those planning a trip to NZ with the information necessary to keep them abreast of pressing health and safety issues. Look for health and safety warnings (where applicable), vaccination advice and safety tips.
The U.S. Embassy in Wellington
has an extensive site directed toward American travelers in NZ. Come here to learn about visas, absentee voting, passports and how to get in touch with a local consulate or embassy.
For currency conversion …
OANDA’s
currency converter has the latest exchange rates for all foreign currencies. In general, one U.S. dollar exchanges for roughly 1.25 New Zealand dollars.
To work in New Zealand …
Immigration New Zealand
has all the information a foreigner needs to work there. Learn about the details of the program for U.S. citizens, including eligibility, health requirements, character requirements, and how to apply.
For the latest news …
“The New Zealand Herald”
is the most widely distributed paper in the country. Use this site to keep on top of the latest breaking stories in Kiwi politics, sports, entertainment and more. This is a good way to keep your finger on the nation’s pulse and to arrive an informed traveler.
Getting to New Zealand
The country of New Zealand is composed of two large islands (referred to as the North Island and ... read more »
Travel Within New Zealand
Depending on your needs, there are many ways to travel once in New Zealand. If time is of the ... read more »
New Zealand Travel Blogs
Anyone with travel experience understands that a travel guidebook is no substitute for personal ... read more »
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
