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If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right Se non ti da' gioia, non stai facendo la cosa giusta

New Zealand informations The biggest Polinesian islands Surface : 268.676 Kmq. Population : 3.602.000 inhabitants Density : 13,4 inhab./Kmq. Annual Growth : 1,2% Urban Population : 84,4% IPG per head : 17.130 $US Inflation : 2,5% Capital : Wellington System : parliamentary democracy Main Cities : Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin Languages : English, Maori Religions : Anglican 24%, Presbyterian 18%, Roman Catholic 15%, Methodist 5%, Baptist 2%, other Protestant 3%, unspecified or none 33% Money : New Zealand dollar (NZ$)

Geography New Zealand lies in the southern Pacific Ocean, 1,600 km east of Australia. It is made up of the North and South Islands and a number of smaller islands, with a total land area of 266,171 sq.km. Mountain ranges and hill country dominate New Zealand's landscape; one of the most striking physical features is the Southern Alps. These, along with fiords, glaciers, lakes and the coastal plains of Canterbury and Southland, add to the variety of the South Island scenery. In the North Island, the volcanic interior contains New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo, and most of the country's active volcanoes - Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Up to recently all usually quiet but the last couple of years Ruapehu has been erupting without any cause for alarm to visitors, in fact proving to be a major attraction in it's own right as there are not many "live" volcanoes that can be visited. Hot springs, geysers and mudpools also form part of the volcanic system centred around Rotorua, a major attraction to visitors from all over the world. Highest mountain Mt Cook (3,754 m) Deepest lake Lake Hauroko (462 m) Longest river Waikato River (425 km) Largest glacier Tasman Glacier (29 km long)

Useful Informations FOREIGN LANGUAGE GUIDES Generally guides in Italiano, espanhol, portugues, francais are available from bases in Auckland and Christchurch, with some available in other areas on application. For rates and better informations required see at Web site: Aurora Guiding services ENTRY FORMALITIES Visa is required for each visit. Citizens from some European and British Commonwealth countries, and the United States of America might not require visa for a tourism visit of up to 90 days' duration. Please check it on time. BUSINESS HOURS General retail trading hours throughout New Zealand are Monday to Friday 9 am to 5.00 pm, with late closing at 9 pm on either Thursday or Friday - depending on the area. Most shops are open Saturdays and Sundays 10.00 - 14.00 hours. AIRPORT TAXES Payable by all departing passengers for a stay of longer than 24 hours : NZD 25.00 p.p. EATING OUT Local and hotel restaurants are generally open for business as follows: LUNCH 12.00 - 15.00 hrs DINNER 18.00 - 23.00 hrs All cities and major resort areas boast a wide variety of ethnic food styles, and this range from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. It is advisable to make reservations, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. All restaurants are compelled by law to have a non-smoking section. ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES Electric main voltage in New Zealand is 220 - 250 volts, 50 hertz. Outlets for 110 volts (for razors and small appliances) are supplied in leading hotels. We recommend adaptor plugs be carried. PURCHASING POWER The following credit cards are generally accepted throughout New Zealand: American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Mastercard. All hotels and banks, most restaurants and shops, will accept traveller cheques in local or foreign currency. American cash is also often accepted, but exchanged at a lower rate than at the banks. CLIMATE Being a small country surrounded by ocean, temperature variations are relatively minor. The North Island tends to be humid, while the South has a drier climate year-round. The seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere: Summer December to February Winter June - August CLOTHING In keeping with our relaxed life-style, dress is generally informal, with gentlemen required to wear a jacket and tie only in the top formal restaurants. In summer, while light clothing is generally the rule, it is advisable to bring a rainproof wind-breaker and a warm sweater. Between May and September warm winter clothing is essential.

North Island North Island Travelling Distances South Island South Island Travelling Distances

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