| Natural
Environment:
New Zealand's
separation from other landmasses 100 million years
ago allowed many ancient plants and animals to
survive and evolve in isolation.
Complementing our unique flora and fauna is the
variety of landforms. In several day's drive
it is possible to see mountain ranges, sandy
beaches, lush rainforests, glaciers and fiords and
active volcanoes.
New
Zealand and its People:
New Zealand is
comparable in size to Great Britain and Colorado
and has a population of four million. New
Zealand's society is diverse, sophisticated and
multicultural, displaying a unique and dynamic
culture, influenced by European, Maori, Pacific
and Asian peoples. The honesty, friendliness
and openness of New Zealanders will impress you.
Getting to
New Zealand:
New Zealand is a
three and half-hour flight form Australia.
From the West Coast of the United Staes a direct
flight to New Zealand takes twelve hours.
Other destinations on the Pacific Rim including
Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo, flights take
approximately ten hours. The majority of
international flights to New Zealand arrive in
Auckland or Christchurch.
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Climate:
New Zealand has
four distinct seasons:
| Spring |
September |
November |
52
- 63 F |
11
- 17 C |
| Summer |
December |
February |
70
- 96 F |
21
- 30 C |
| Autumn |
March |
May |
54
- 76 F |
12
- 25 C |
| Winter |
June |
August |
41
- 54 F |
05
- 12 C |
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Language:
English is the
common language of New Zealand. New Zealand
is a multi-cultural society and you may hear many
other languages spoken, including Maori, which is
an offical language of New Zealand.
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Currency:
New Zealand's
unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar
(NZ$). The US dollar is accepted
widely. Foreign Currancy can easily be
exchanged at banks. Some hotels and Bureau
de Change kiosks, which are found at international
airports and most city centres. Banks are
open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Automated Teller
Machines (ATM) are widely available at
banks. International credit cards and ATM
cards will work as long as they have a four-digit
PIN encoded.
All major credit
cards can be used in New Zealand.
Traveller's Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks
and some stores.
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Vaccinations:
No vaccinations
are required to enter New Zealand.
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General
Insurance and Safety:
New Zealand is
one of the safest holiday destinations in the
world. You should observe the same
precautions with your personal safety and
possessions as you would in any other country or
at home. We recommend you invest in
comprehensive travel insurance.
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Health and
Medical Insurance:
We strongly
recommend health insurance. New Zealand's
public and private medical/hospital facilities
provide a high standard of treatment. These
sevices are not free to visitors, except as a
result of an accident.
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Accommodation:
Whatever your
style, accommodation ranges from luxurious,
boutique hotels and stylish country lodges to
hosted accommodation.
All are good
value, clean and conveniently located to prime
hunting and fishing areas.
Accommodation
provided are warm, open and friendly, and will
show you the South Island hospitality they are
legendary for.
Allow us to host you in Wanaka
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Activities:
Whether you are
taking a day off the hunt or a fly fish, or
hunting and fishing is simply not your thing, you
are spoilt for choice in deciding how to spend
your time.
Customised
itineraries can be arranged for you to appreciate
the spectacular scenery, local heritage and
various activities on offer within and around the
Southern Lakes region.
If you prefer to
relax and unwind you may choose to sleep in, read
and generally take it easy.
The
spectacularly beautiful Southern landscape
includes vast mountain chains, rugged, sweeping
coastlines and fiords surrounded by lush
rainforests. Unique wildlife and pleasant,
four season climate ensure the options to fill in
your day are limitless.
Lake Wanaka has
a dry, seasonal climate and is a year-round
destination. The winter months provide snow
and a number of ski areas. The Southern
Lakes region is ideal for outdoor recreation and a
number of options are available such as:
Water sports;
- Rafting,
including eco-rafting options.
- Kayaking,
full and half day trips.
- Canyoning,
wild toboggan rides and swimming.
- Abseiling.
- Lake Cruises,
guided and chartered.
Adventure
Tourism;
- Tandem and
individual paragliding.
- Skydiving.
- Helicopter
flights and fixed wing flights.
- Mountain
Biking.
- Jetboating.
- Puzzle World.
- Wanaka
Transport Museum.
- Golf driving
range.
Leisure
activities;
- Museums.
- Dining Out.
- Shopping.
- Vineyards
offer wine tours and tastings.
- Milford Sound
exploration.
- Maori culture
- Warbirds
Museum.
A number of
operators offer packages that combine their
activities. Sue and Gerald can assist you
with your choice of activities and arrange it all
for you.
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Shopping:
Most shops and
businesses are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday,
as a minimum. Many stores also open
Saturdays and some open on Sundays. In
resorts you will find most stores open in the
evenings. Banks are closed at weekends.
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