Aotearoa New Zealand is a small country with a big heart. Drastic in beauty and humble in charm, Aotearoa redefines the notion of 'mind-blowing.'
Here are a few need-to-know's to get you prepared for your Kiwi Experience.
Location
No - we aren't apart of Australia, but we are very close! New Zealand is located in the South Pacific Ocean (Southeast of Australia, below the Pacific Islands and above Antarctica).
Size
A little bigger than the UK, Japan, and California, and a little smaller than Sweden.
Population
5.1 million.
Main cities
Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Climate
New Zealand is known for it's drastic change in weather - so be prepared for it to rain, hail and shine all within half an hour! In general, the North Island is warmer all year round, while the South Island is a true winter wonderland. The further south you go, the colder it tends to get.
Summer: December - February. Average daytime temperature = 20 - 30°C (68 - 86°F).
Autumn: March - May. Average daytime temperature = 17 - 21°C (62 - 70°F).
Winter: June - August. Average daytime temperature = 10 - 15°C(50 - 59°F)
Spring: September - November. Average day temperature = 16-19°C (61-66°F).
Time
New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). As a rule of thumb we're usually about 12 hours ahead of the UK. In summer New Zealand uses daylight saving's with clocks put forward one hour to GMT+13 so that we can enjoy more of the summer sun into the evening; brilliant!
Languages
English is the most commonly spoken language in Aotearoa New Zealand. Māori and New Zealand Sign Language are also official languages, plus you'll hear a lot of Kiwi Slang as soon as you arrive in New Zealand. Much of it originates from our unique rural and Māori heritage. Make sure you take a few good sayings home with you!
Public Holidays
There are a total of 22 public holidays/year accross New Zealand, but these don't stop the buses from doing their thing. Besides, if you're here travelling you'll probably be on holiday the entire time you lucky thing! Christmas, New Years and Easter are the big ones for most Kiwis.
Ethnic mix
65% European/Caucasian, 14% Maori, 9% Asian, 7% Pacific Islander, 5% Other, 1% Hobbit (not really...)
Currency
New Zealand dollar = NZD = $
Government
A very peaceful democracy.
Main exports
Wood and paper products, textiles, wood products, wool, dairy and meat products, fish and some brilliant little sauvignons and reds from our vineyards.
National sports
Rugby all year round (go the All Blacks!). Netball in winter, and cricket in summer.
National icons
1) the Kiwi bird - it's brown, flightless, nocturnal and endangered but we love the little fella
2) the Silver Fern plant; with its very distinctive triangular shape and silver colour
3) Black; our national colour that you'll see worn so proudly. Often with a Kiwi or Silver Fern overtop.
ETA Levy
Everyone travelling to New Zealand without a visa must have an Electronic Travel Authority to travel to New Zealand. This is available to buy onlone, see the New Zealand immigration website for more information.
