New Zealand

Understand

New Zealand is increasingly known, both in the indigenous Māori language and in New Zealand English, as Aotearoa, often translated as "land of the long white cloud". Originally, Aotearoa referred to only the North Island. The two main islands are officially named North Island / Te Ika-a-Māui and South Island / Te Waipounamu. Te Ika-a-Māui means "the fish of Māui"; in Māori legend, the North Island is a giant fish pulled up from sea by the demigod Māui, with its head to the south. Wellington is sometimes called te upoko o te ika (the head of the fish") and once boasted a monthly magazine called Fishhead. Te Waipounamu means "the greenstone waters"; greenstone is a nephrite jade found in the South Island and is highly valued by Māori people. An alternative (but unofficial) Māori name for the South Island is Te Waka-a-Māui (the canoe of Māui). New Zealand's economic, social, linguistic and cultural characteristics closely resemble those of Australia, but there are also noticeable differences that New Zealanders are often eager to emphasise. In particular, the indigenous Māori culture has been woven into New Zealand's cultural fabric and is seen by most New Zealanders as an integral part of their national identity. It is important to note that the Aboriginal Australian and the New Zealand Māori cultures are not related, although they often have common cause with respect to colonialism. New Zealanders enjoy a high standard of living, and the country is consistently ranked among the most livable and least corrupt in the world.

Geography New Zealand consists of two main islands (the North Island and the South Island) and many smaller ones in the South Pacific Ocean approximately 1,600 km (1; 000 mi) southeast of Australia. The country covers 268,000 sq km (103; 500 sq mi), sl

Getting there

Passports, visas and documentation

All visitors, apart from Australian citizens, require an electronic travel authority or a visa in advance of travel to enter or transit New Zealand. Citizens of the Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue are New Zealand citizens. However, due to differing immigration laws, citizens of these countries need to present their passport when entering and leaving New Zealand. These countries also have their own separate visa policies; see their respective articles for details if you plan to visit them. At major international airports, citizens of New Zealand, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, mainland China, Denmark France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States who are aged 10 and over and possess ePassports may make use of the automated border control gates (eGates). Being able to use an eGate does not exempt you from visa requirements.

All travellers, regardless of age or nationality, need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration when entering New Zealand. You can submit the declaration no earlier than 24 hours before your departure from the last foreign airport or seaport before New Zealand, and you must submit it before reaching passport control (if travelling by air) or your ship berths in New Zealand (if travelling by sea). The declaration can be done online, on the NZTD app, or by using a paper arrival card.

Visa waiver and electronic travel authority (NZeTA) Foreign nationals of the following countries and territories are eligible for visa waiver:

Three months: All European Union member states, Andorra, Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong SAR (including British National (Overseas) pa

Getting around

By coach Coaches (long-distance buses) are a relatively cheap and environmentally friendly way to get around New Zealand. Services are usually only once a day, even between major towns. Most roads in New Zealand are quite narrow and winding (when compared to the highways of the USA), and travelling a long distance in a coach can be a safe and relaxing way to travel compared with driving yourself. Booking in advance can get you great bargains on some lines.

Flying Kiwi Adventures. Trips range from 3 to 27 days and cover both main islands. The tours focus on enjoying outdoor beauty and excitement with numerous hiking, cycling and activity options. There are also options to take extended breaks in your favourite places. Discounts are available for holders of YHA, VIP, ISIC and NOMADs cards.

InterCity. New Zealand’s national coach company, with services connecting over 600 destinations nationwide. InterCity Group has voluntarily adopted European Emission standards across its fleet of modern coaches. Operates the InterCity and Newmans lines, and a fleet of modern vessels and coaches for GreatSights New Zealand, Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands and awesomeNZ. Tickets can be purchased from the InterCity ticket counters at bus stations or i-SITE information centres and a discount is