Surrounded by mountains, fast-flowing rivers, lakes, forests, and miles-long beaches, New Zealand is a paradise for those travelers seeking peace and tranquility from the general chaos of everyday life. Thanks to an excess in tourism, the country's economy continues to grow at a steady pace. Add tourism to New Zealand's main export business -- meat, wool, and dairy -- and the country continues to thrive and produce.
Travelers booking flights to New Zealand will find there is plenty to taste. Dine on a dozen different varieties of fish and shellfish fresh from the New Zealand waters. The vast land mass and farming gives diners some of the best prime beef, lamb, venison, and ostrich. And what meal is complete without a glass of wine. New Zealand wines are revered around the world and continue to be praised by some of the best sommeliers in the world.
While in New Zealand, take in some hiking, rafting, swim with the dolphins, whale-watch, and, of course, take a turn at bungee-jumping. New Zealand is a country of adventures just waiting for travelers to set foot and explore.
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The weather in New Zealand is changeable throughout the year. The North Island has mild winters and warm and humid summers, the South Island has lower temperatures with cold winters and extensive snowfields and glaciers. Snow falls on all the mountains in winter. The west coast receives the most rain. Summer months are from November to April.
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Peak season:
December, January and February (New Zealand’s summer months) are the best time to travel. Average temperatures are between 68 and 86 degrees (F). The autumn months of March through May are good times to book flights to New Zealand. The temperatures are slightly cooler than summer, but the weather can still be excellent and this is the time of year for beautiful autumn foliage.
Off season:
Traveling is cheaper during July and August and visitors can likely find cheap flights to New Zealand during this time. Average winter temperatures are 50-59 degrees (F).
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Air New Zealand
The following chart gives approximate journey times from Wellington (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in New Zealand.
| | Air | Road | Rail |
|---|
| Auckland | 1.00 | 9.00 | 10.00 |
|---|
| N. Plymouth | 1.00 | 8.30 | - |
|---|
| Christchurch | 0.45 | 7.20* | 5.20* |
|---|
| Dunedin | 1.20 | 12.20* | - |
|---|
Note: *Plus ferry crossing of three hours.
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- Kapiti Island, north of Wellington on the North Island, is home to a nature reserve that protects some of the rarest birds in the world. These include Robin, Saddleback, Stitchbird, Kaka, Kakariki, Weka, Kereru, Bellbirds and the extremely rare flightless Takahe. The nocturnal Kiwi, the emblem of New Zealand, also lives here.
- Rotorua in central North Island, is a geothermal area. There are several geysers including the spectacular 20-metre Pohutu geyser at Whakarewarewa (the thermal village) and hot mud pools. It is also the heartland of Maori culture. There are 16 lakes around Rotorua, 11 are fishable and stock trout (rainbow, brown, brook and tiger).Major fishing lakes are Rotorua, Rotoiti, Tarawera, Okataina and Rotoma.
- Larnach Castle is New Zealand’s only castle and Dunedin’s (South Island) top visitor attraction. The castle was built in 1871 by William Larnach for his first wife. It is owned by the Barker family, but it is open for tours and celebrations. The views over the Otago Peninsula are breathtaking. Dunedin is also home to the Cadbury Factory, which features a unique chocolate fall in a five-storey high silo.
- Queenstown is the birthplace of commercial bungee-jumping. The city lies on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and is surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, the youngest ski area in the region. The Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival takes place in late June and July.
- The Lord of the Rings trail: Mount Aspiring National Park, named for one of New Zealand’s highest peaks, is part of Te Wahipounamu, the South West New Zealand UNESCO World Heritage Area. The park, to the south of the Southern Alps, is popular for walking and mountaineering. Many locations around Glenorchy village (Lothlorien, Amon Hen, Orthanc, and Isengard) were used in the films.
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Visitors must be in possession of a return ticket, documents for onward travel, and proof of sufficient funds. Visitors must hold per month of stay NZ$400, if holding evidence of pre-paid accommodation. In other cases, visitors must hold NZ$1,000 per month of stay.
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United States citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
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