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Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 6pm, Saturday 8:30am to 4pm and closed Sundays.
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Official name: New Zealand
Capital city: Wellington
Languages spoken: English, Maori, New Zealand Sign Language
Population: Around 5.2 million
Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Time zone: GMT+12 (varies with daylight savings)
Driving side: Left
Climate: Temperate, with warm summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine mixed with changeable rain
New Zealand, known as Aotearoa in Maori, is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty – from the towering Southern Alps and fjords of the South Island to the volcanic landscapes and beaches of the North Island. It’s also famous for its adventure tourism, rich Maori culture, and thriving film industry. Cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are vibrant and modern, while smaller towns offer laid-back Kiwi charm.
The country is made up of two main islands – the North and South Islands – along with numerous smaller ones. Its landscapes range from mountains and glaciers to rolling farmland, geothermal areas, and long stretches of coastline. New Zealand is geologically active, with earthquakes and volcanic activity, particularly around the North Island’s “Ring of Fire.”
Auckland and Christchurch are the main international gateways, with Wellington and Queenstown also serving international flights. Domestic travel is easy thanks to a well-connected air network, buses, and ferries – particularly the Cook Strait ferry linking the two main islands. Car and campervan hire are hugely popular ways to explore the country, with scenic drives around every corner.
UK visitors can enter visa-free for short stays of up to 6 months, though an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is required and must be obtained online before travel. Longer stays for work, study, or residency require a visa. The British High Commission is located in Wellington, with consular support also available in Auckland.
The New Zealand dollar (NZD) is the official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even in rural areas, and ATMs are plentiful. New Zealand is not the cheapest travel destination, but costs are often offset by the high quality of services and the abundance of free natural attractions.
New Zealand has excellent healthcare, with modern hospitals and clinics throughout the country. Emergency services are reliable, and English-speaking staff are the norm. Visitors from the UK benefit from a reciprocal healthcare agreement, but comprehensive travel insurance is still strongly recommended to cover private treatment and activities like skiing or adventure sports. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere.
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