Kia ora

2. Kia ora Welcome to New Zealand

3. Key Selling Points • Spectacular natural land • Energising, involvement, invigoration • Excellent tourism infrastructure • Safe, secure and stable • English is spoken • Food and lifestyle - internationally influenced • Clean and unpolluted environment • Value for money

4. Geography • Two main islands - separated by Cook Strait • Similar in size to Britain, Japan or Colorado • New Zealand is 1600km/1,000m long • Highest mountain is Mt Cook • Southern Alps run almost full length of the South Island • Geothermal activity in the North Island

5. ‘Kiwis’ New Zealanders often call themselves ‘Kiwis’

6. Kiwis - The People • 78% of European descent • 14% NZ Maori • 5% Pacific Islanders • 3% Other

8. Climate • Temperate climate year round • Seasons are: Summer (January - March) Winter (July - September) • January and February are warmest months • July is coldest month

9. Cities • Auckland is the major gateway into New Zealand and is the largest city (over 1.1 million pop.) • Wellington is the capital city (423,000 pop.) • Other gateways into New Zealand include Christchurch and Queenstown

10. There’s much to doso Mountaineering Flights in small planes Birds Scenery Waka Bubbling mud Geysers Parascending Beaches Bunjee jumping Snowboarding Water-skiing Windsurfing Parachuting Misty mountains Maori carvings Waterfalls Volcanoes Snowy peaks High technology Whales Kiwi Skiing Rugby Horse racing Golf Casinos Netball Yachting Movies Dune surfing Surfing Extreme skiing Jet boating Horse riding Mountain biking Scuba diving Fishing Vineyards Cruise boats Harbour views Cosmopolitan cities Architecture Sights Bars Theatres Culture Maori culture Gambling Shopping Designer names Fly fishing Music Restaurants Good food Nightlife Fireworks Haka Harbours Nature The ferns Sunsets

11. Take a gentle walk through the bush • Experience the constrasts from mountains to bush to beach • Feel the earth’s energy amidst geothermal activity • Explore miles of sandy coastline

15. New Zealand Home of Middle Earth

16. Take the ultimate plunge – bungy off the top of a bridge • Ski from the top of a mountain • Fly to the crater of a volcanic island • Watch whales and swim with dolphins

19. Spend time with New Zealanders in their homes • Play a round of golf on a local course • Enjoy the hospitality of a small luxury lodge • Meet winemakers in their vineyards

21. Immerse yourself in Kiwi culture • Sail on the America’s Cup course • Visit a marae • Take in a show • Get the feel for history in a local museum

25. New Zealand in the World

26. International Airlines • 24 international airlines fly into New Zealand (AKL, WLG, CHC) regularly Domestic Airlines • Well serviced domestically by Air New Zealand, Qantas, Origin Pacific and regional airlines

27. New Zealand offers an extensive range of transportation options • Self drive to fully escorted • Flexible and safe • Extensive network of scheduled transport • Discount packages (travel passes combining transport types)

28. Cruise • Cruising is an increasingly popular option • Main season is November-March • Great day trip options

29. Cook Strait Ferry Services • InterIslander ferry and Lynx catamaran • Regular, daily sailings between Wellington and Picton

30. Driving in New Zealand • Uncongested, good quality roads • Some roads are narrow • Drive on the left-hand side of road • Don’t under estimate driving times - the scenery slows you down!

31. Self Drive • Must be 21 years and older • New Zealand recognises all other countries drivers licences - an international license is not required but is also recognised • Most well known rental companies operate in New Zealand • Avis, Budget, Hertz

32. Motorhomes • Popular self drive option • Usually sleep 2-6 • Flexible and convenient

33. Rail Rail

35. Accommodation • Seasonality can affect availability and rates • High Season - Dec/Jan/Feb • Low Season - June/July/August • Shoulders • New Zealand spring - Sept/Oct/Nov • New Zealand autumn - March/April/May

36. Hotels

37. Serviced Apartments • Studios through to two bedroom apartments with kitchen facilities • Popular for family groups and longer stays

38. Sporting Lodges and Exclusive Retreats • Unique character, charm and personalised service • Renowned for ambience, cuisine and spectacular locations • Accessible to activities such as fishing, golf, walks, cruises, food and wine

40. Bed and Breakfasts • Many located in restored historic buildings • Bathroom facilities could be shared • Opportunity to interact with New Zealanders • Often a holiday highlight • Breakfast included in the tariff

42. Motels • Great value for money • Owner operated • Generally have one or more bedrooms, living area, fully equipped kitchens (self catering) • Can also have laundry facilities, spas, restaurants, swimming pools

43. Farm or Homestays • Lasting friendships often formed • A very social experience • Experience New Zealand life and hospitality • Home cooked meals with New Zealand families

45. Youth and Backpacker Hostels • YHA and independently owned hostels throughout New Zealand • Offer inexpensive, often dormitory style accommodation for budget travellers • No duties or curfews • Great opportunities for meeting other travellers

46. Campgrounds • Range from full service to basic camps in rural areas • Most offer powered tent and motor home sites, water and waste hook-ups, cabins of varying standards • Communal kitchens, shower blocks, laundry facilities, TV/games rooms

47. Eating Out • Reputation for food and wine excellence • Special diets well catered for

48. Shopping

49. Visitor Information Network - VIN

50. Documentation • Valid passport required • Check with local embassy or www.immigration.govt.nz for visa requirements