Year Round Destination When is the best time to visit New Zealand? You can visit New Zealand at any time of the year. Summer and winter temperatures vary by only about 10'C over most of the country, making New Zealand an ideal holiday destination all year round.

There are 4 quite distinct seasons - Spring (Sept-Nov), Summer (Dec-Feb), Autumn/Fall (Mar-May) and Winter (June-Aug). In summer there's plenty of sunshine, and activities in and around the water include rafting, snorkelling, diving and kayaking. You'll find snow on the mountains in winter and excellent skiing. Away from the mountains, New Zealand winters are mild and temperatures generally do not fall below freezing.

Weather/Climate
New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are in June, July and August. Don't let cold months put you off - winters tend to be short and generally fairly mild.

Clothing
Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities.

In summer a light jacket or sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit the high country. You can expect some rain, so include a light waterproof jacket or coat. Pack warm winter clothing if visiting between May and September. Layer your clothing.

Entry Requirements
All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the country. Most visitors who intend to stay for less than 3 months do not require a visa. If you want to stay longer than three months, or your country of origin does not have a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand, then you will need to apply for a Visitor's Visa.

Money matters
All major international credit cards can be used in New Zealand and travellers' cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. If your credit card is encoded with a PIN number you will be able to withdraw cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs) situated at banks and shopping centres throughout the country.

Health and Safety
New Zealand has no snakes or dangerous wild animals, making it safe for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities. New Zealand cities and towns have excellent water supplies and in all cases tap water is fresh and safe to drink. Water from rivers and lakes should be boiled, chemically treated or filtered before drinking to avoid stomach upsets.

Electricity
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), although most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Please note that power outlets only accept flat three or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.

Renting a car in New Zealand
The main international companies such as Avis, Hertz and Budget operate in New Zealand. There are also local rental companies such as Maui Rentals.

New Zealand Gateways
New Zealand's international airports are at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Some flights from Australia also land at Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown and Dunedin.

Trekking / Hiking information
Tracks such as the Abel Tasman, Heaphy and Queen Charlotte Sounds Walkway located at the top of the South Island can be walked all year round. However, those tracks at higher altitudes such as the world famous Milford Track, Kepler and Routeburn are closed in the winter due to snow. You must book the Milford and Routeburn tracks between October and April. If you like hot showers and other home comforts, you should book a guided walk. But if you don't mind "roughing it a bit" then try independent walking, carrying your own pack and staying in basic huts or tents.

Accommodation
What types of accommodation are available in New Zealand? You'll find a choice of different types of accommodation from top-class hotels, exclusive lodges, motels, guest houses, and farm or home stays to holiday parks and backpacker hostels in New Zealand. You might also like the freedom to discover New Zealand at your own pace in a campervan. Two, four or six berth vans are available to rent, offering all the comforts of home including a shower, refrigerator and microwave.

It's a good idea to book at least your first two nights in advance, especially during the busy summer period in New Zealand - from December to February. Visit the local Visitor Information Centre to book further travel.

What is a "Farmstay"?
Farm and home stays are an ideal way to get to meet local people and experience a slice of New Zealand rural life. Depending on the kind of farm, you may get the chance to share home cooked meals with your hosts and to join in with milking cows, shearing sheep, lambing, kiwifruit harvesting or whatever else is happening on the farm.

Which international hotels chain operate in New Zealand? Hyatt, Southern Pacific, Sheraton and Pan Pacific are found in the main centres and resort areas. Room rates range from NZ$200 to NZ$1000+ per night.

New Zealand Culture
Wellington is the political, banking and financial centre for New Zealand. The Parliament building known as the "Beehive" is one of the city's top attractions. The National Archives, National Library and Old Government Buildings (the second largest wooden building in the world) are located nearby and are open to casual visitors free of charge.

What is a "Kiwi"?
The Kiwi, New Zealand's national emblem, is a bird that can't fly, has hair-like feathers and a long, slender bill which it uses to pull worms and insects out of the ground. Found only in New Zealand, it is active at night in the wilderness areas of the country. Be sure to visit one of the many Kiwi houses where you can watch them under special "nocturnal" lighting.

New Zealanders often refer to themselves as Kiwis, and the term is also used as a short form for the famous kiwifruit. On the stock exchange, the New Zealand Dollar is also referred to as the Kiwi.

New Zealand Night-Life
Lively DJ and band scenes, particularly in the larger cities, have given New Zealand's night life a renewed vibrancy. You will find a variety of night-clubs, cabarets, pubs, concerts and live performances to choose from, and there are also two casinos, in Auckland and Christchurch, which are open 24 hours a day.

Activities For The Whole Family
What types of activities are available for the children? If you are thinking about visiting with your family, you can be confident that New Zealand has a wide range of activities to keep your children happy.

New Zealand's parks and large areas of unspoilt wilderness mean it is the ideal place to expand your children's appreciation of wildlife and the outdoors. Horse riding, snow activities, whale watching, fruit picking and wildlife centres and zoos are just some of the choices available.

If you are visiting the larger centres, you will find a range of themed attractions including Rainbow's End (Auckland), Fantasy Land (Hastings), Marine Land (Napier) and the International Antarctic Centre (Christchurch). Te Papa, New Zealand's interactive national museum, has a range of activities for the whole family to enjoy.