New Zealand
A little bit of history…
New Zealand was the last significant island to be occupied by humans, with the Polynesian Maori not reaching this extraordinary land until 800AD.The country was first discovered by the Europeans in 1642, but it wasn’t until Captain James Cook rediscovered the country in 1769 that New Zealand started attracting European settlers. As the colonies began to expand problems began to arise between the Pakeha (settlers) and the Maori, and a settlement was desperately needed. In 1840 the Maori, whose presence on the Island and right to lands had been acknowledged (a situation very different from that of the Aborigines in Australia), agreed to accept British rule over the islands in exchange for the protection of their land. In the aftermath of the Treaty of Waitangi the Maori and Pakeha lived in peaceful harmony… in some regions at least. In others bitter feuds arose over land.
In 1844 the Northern War broke out between the two races. Though it only lasted two years it was shortly followed by four others. The Maori people were significantly hampered by the introduction of European diseases that they were completely unprepared for and, though there was no formal resolution to these battles, the Maori people came off significantly worse than the Pakeha. This injustice remained at the forefront of Maori civilisation and only recently has the government sought to address the issue. In 2005 the Maori Party was formed to give the Maori people a voice. The Maori culture is now making an impressive comeback with the Maori population increasing significantly faster than the Pakeha. Relations between the Maori and the Pakeha have drastically improved in recent years and the country appears to be moving toward a successful integration of the two peoples.
The British colony of New Zealand became a dominion of the British Empire in 1907 and though they were given the opportunity to become an independently ruled country in 1931 they did not accept this until 1947. New Zealand played an important role in the Boar War, both World Wars and the Vietnam War and yet it was one of the first countries in the world to publicly stand against the testing and use of nuclear weapons. In the mid-1980’s the New Zealand Parliament introduced anti-nuclear legislation which led to the country pulling out of the ANZUS defence alliance and falling out with the USA.
Best time to go...
The weather in New Zealand is unpredictable at best. Certainly there is a large amount of sunshine but that could be quickly followed by rain and even snow. Both the north and south islands suffer from continual winds that range from gentle breezes in the summer months to gale-force gusts in the winter months, and that’s about the only thing the two islands share when it comes to the weather.
To the east of the Southern Alps of the South Island travellers will find a dry climate that is ideal for lazing on the beach and water-based adventure activities, while to the west of the mountains they’ll discover that the climate is much wetter and generally less desirable (unless that is, you like white water rafting or kayaking and then you’ll be happy as Larry!). The rain is a lot more evenly spread in the North Island and it’s also slightly warmer than the South Island.
Most travellers opt to visit New Zealand in the summer months (between November and April) but both islands also boast a wide array of skiing resorts which are becoming increasingly popular with tourists in the winter.
The weather can be so changeable in New Zealand that we thought it only fair to provide a couple of links to some website that will give you a fairly accurate forecast. They’re in the useful links section further down this page for you to peruse at your leisure.
Getting around...
Flying
Flying is undoubtedly the best form of travel in New Zealand and the breathtaking views which it affords will leave travellers speechless. Discounted flights are common so this can also be an economical travel option (though you might want to offset your carbon emissions with a small donation to one of New Zealand’s reforestation projects). Air New Zealand offers flights to locations across the country including some of the more remote destinations, while Origin Pacific flies to all the main airports. There are a wide array of smaller airlines to pick up any slack and take travellers to those locations that domestic airlines overlook.
Trains
There are very few train routes between different cities so this is not always a viable option but when it is it proves to be really good value for money. Though the Tranz Scenic no longer runs between Wellington and Auckland, travellers can still pass from Picton to Christchurch and Christchurch to Greymouth in relative comfort. Trains may not be an ideal form of transport if you’re travelling long distances but if you’re travelling within Auckland or Wellington they’re perfect. Both cities offer excellent suburban rail services that run throughout the day.
Buses and coaches
The bus network in New Zealand is extensive and travellers will find they can get almost anywhere in the country on a bus (with the exception, of course, of getting across the Cook Straight). Intercity is the main operator on both the north and south island providing routes across the country. Their subsidiary Newmans is also popular and travellers will find the fare for the Auckland to Wellington route to be of particularly good value for money. If you’re planning to travel extensively then a basic TravelPass could save you up to 40% on Intercity and Newmans coach journeys. You’ll also get either an Interislander ferry crossing or a Kings "hole in the rock" cruise in the Bay of Islands. There’s a link to the website further down this page in the useful links section if you want more info.
New Zealand also boasts a number of shuttle bus companies that are cheaper and friendlier than their larger counterparts. These companies can be particularly accommodating to foreigners and a lot of independent travellers opt to use them instead of the countries better known coach operators.
Car
Travelling by car is one of the best ways to see New Zealand. You don’t need a 4x4 to see the best places and can usually get where you want to go in a campervan or similar accommodation-included vehicle. As long as you remember that New Zealanders drive on the left side of the road you shouldn’t have a problem. If you’re planning to rent a car you will have two choices – get a brand spanking new car from a big name company at a relatively high price, or use one of the many smaller rental companies and make do with an older car and money in your pocket. The choice is yours.
Ferry
If you’re planning to travel between the islands you might be tempted by the ferry. This is certainly an appealing option (assuming that you don’t get seasick) and will provide some stunning views of both islands. The ferry sails regularly but be prepared for delays or cancellations if the weather is stormy.
Currency and living costs
The New Zealand Dollar is the currency used across New Zealand. The current exchange rate is: $1 to 1.46275 NZD. Check www.xe.com or equivalent for the most up to date exchange rate.
The average costs of life’s little essentials are as follows:
- Accommodation: Renting a room in a shared house or flat will cost around NZ$65-100 a week, plus NZ$15-20 worth of bills excluding phone calls. Seven nights in a two star hotel will cost between NZ$250 and NZ$500.
- Buses: Bus fares normally start from NZ$2.00. The longer your journey, the more it will cost but concessions are available for students and senior citizens. Many of New Zealand’s larger cities provide a free bus that follows a set route around the city centre and the surrounding areas.
- Taxis: Taxi charges vary depending on location but most start at NZ $2.00 and then charge NZ$2.00 per kilometre after that.
- Ferry across the Cook Straight: A one way ticket between Wellington and Picton for an adult without a vehicle is about NZ $52.00 off peak.
- Food: You can expect to spend about NZ$50 a week on food. A good meal can be had for just under NZ$7.
- Fast Food: You can get a Big Mac in New Zealand for NZ$4.45.
- A cappuccino/latte: You can get a regular cappuccino or latte for around NZ$3.50 or a large one for NZ$4.50.
- A pint of beer: This will cost around NZ$6.00.
- Entertainment: NZ$12.50-65 per week depending on how often you go out and what you’re doing. If you’re planning to take advantage of New Zealand’s adventure activity scene then you’ll need to increase your budget accordingly.
- Cinema: You can get a movie ticket for around NZ$15.
- Entrance to a nightclub: Between NZ$5 and NZ$20.
- Round of Golf: You can play a round of golf for between NZ$20 and NZ$100.
- A stamp for a letter abroad: This will cost about NZ$0.80.
Useful links
http://www.lonelyplanet.comLonely Planet are leaders in the travel guide sector and their website is a great source of travel information.
http://www.metservice.co.nz/default/index.php
New Zealand’s National Meteorological Service.
http://www.fencepost.com/home.jhtml
Extensive weather forecasts for across New Zealand.
http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz
Air New Zealand, the leading domestic airline in New Zealand.
http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz
For scenic train travel.
http://www.intercitycoach.co.nz
Intercity is the main coach company on both the north and south islands. Find out times and book your tickets on their website.
http://www.travelpass.co.nz
Save up to 40% off travel across New Zealand.
