New Zealand New Zealand 's awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural, and the honesty, friendliness, and openness of Kiwis will impress you. And the great advantage of New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other! Our History  While New Zealand is a relatively young country, it has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting both our Maori and European heritage. Amazing Maori historic sites and taonga (treasures), some dating back almost a thousand years, are a contrast to many beautiful colonial buildings. A walk around any New Zealand city today shows what a culturally diverse and fascinating country we have become.
Treaty of Waitangi
An 1840 treaty between Maori and the British Crown is New Zealand 's founding document. Today, the Treaty of Waitangi has a major impact on all New Zealanders.
| Immigration
Over a thousand years ago, Maori became the first people to migrate to New Zealand . Since then, people have come from around the world to settle here.
| Early Settlement
Bravely voyaging across the Pacific from their ancestral homeland hundreds of years ago, Maori made New Zealand their home, becoming the tangata whenua — people of the land. | Colonisation
Though a Dutchman was the first European to sight the land, it was the British who colonised New Zealand , leaving an indelible mark on the country and its people. |
 Our Culture
New Zealand has a unique and dynamic culture. The culture of its indigenous Maori people affects the language, the arts, and even the accents of all New Zealanders. Their place in the South Pacific, and their love of the outdoors, sport, and the arts make New Zealanders and their culture unique in the world. Maori Culture
New Zealand 's indigenous Maori people have a unique and fascinating language and culture, which plays a major role in New Zealand life. | The Arts
The influence of Maori, Pacific Island , European and Asian cultures makes the arts in New Zealand colourful, unique and vibrant - definitely something to look out for!
| The People
Though a diverse and multicultural people, there are many qualities, including friendliness, individuality, invention and self-reliance, that you'll find in most New Zealanders. It's our national character! | Kiwiana
A range of wacky and weird objects helps define what it is to be a New Zealander, or ‘Kiwi'. These wonderful things are known simply as - ‘Kiwiana'. |
Natural Environment  With vast open spaces filled with stunning rugged landscapes, gorgeous beaches, often spectacular geothermal and volcanic activity, a temperate climate and fascinating animal and plant life, and it is no surprise that New Zealand 's pure natural environment is so attractive to visitors from other countries. And the great advantage of New Zealand is there are many different landscapes, environments, and ecosystems so close to each other.
Fauna
Unique flightless birds, the world's heaviest insect and a 'living dinosaur'. Eighty million years of isolation in a time capsule - the unique native wildlife of New Zealand.
| Climate and Weather
New Zealand has mild temperatures, high rainfall, and lots of sunshine. You can also enjoy hot summers, beautiful spring and autumn colours, and crisp winter snow.
| Flora
Whether you spend time in the wilderness areas of National Parks or lovingly manicured private gardens, you'll find an abundance of fascinating native plants found nowhere else on earth but New Zealand | Geography and Geology
New Zealand has a stunning variety of landforms — from spectacular alpine glaciers and massive mountain ranges to rolling green farmland and long sandy beaches. |
Seasons The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. 
In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC. You can check on weather conditions in New Zealand on the New Zealand Met Service website. 
Recommended Clothing Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. 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 higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so include a light rainproof jacket or coat. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing. Regional Temperatures - Climate Chart Mean daily maximum/minimum temperatures in Celsius and Fahrenheit. | | SPRING
Sep, Oct, Nov | SUMMER
Dec, Jan, Feb | AUTUMN
Mar, Apr, May | WINTER
Jun, Jul, Aug | Bay of Islands | Temp (C) | 19/9 | 25/14 | 21/11 | 16/7 | Temp (F) | 67/48 | 76/56 | 70/52 | 61/45 | Rain days | 11 | 7 | 11 | 16 | Auckland | Temp (C) | 18/11 | 24/12 | 20/13 | 15/9 | Temp (F) | 65/52 | 75/54 | 68/55 | 59/48 | Rain days | 12 | 8 | 11 | 15 | Rotorua | Temp (C) | 17/7 | 24/12 | 18/9 | 13/4 | Temp (F) | 63/45 | 75/54 | 65/48 | 55/39 | Rain days | 11 | 9 | 9 | 13 | Wellington | Temp (C) | 15/9 | 20/13 | 17/11 | 12/6 | Temp (F) | 59/48 | 68/55 | 63/52 | 54/43 | Rain days | 11 | 7 | 10 | 13 | Christchurch | Temp (C) | 17/7 | 22/12 | 18/8 | 12/3 | Temp (F) | 63/45 | 72/54 | 65/46 | 54/37 | Rain days | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | Queenstown | Temp (C) | 16/5 | 22/10 | 16/6 | 10/1 | Temp (F) | 61/41 | 72/50 | 61/43 | 50/34 | Rain days | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
What's different about driving in New Zealand ? You can find What's different about Driving in NZ on Land Transport NZ web site. Road Safety Self-driving holidays are one if the most relaxing ways of enjoying New Zealand 's landscape. Many of our roads are scenic and traffic is low when compared to international standards. It is important not to underestimate driving times. Although distances may seem short, our roads often include hilly or winding terrain, which slow down your journey. If you're used to driving in the city, you should take care when driving on the open cou ntry roads. - In New Zealand , all motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road
- All road distances are measured in kilometres.
- When turning left, give way (yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right
- When the traffic light is red, you m ust stop. There is no left turn rule as in North America
- The speed limit on the open road is 100km/h (approx 60m/h). In urban areas the speed limit is 50km/h.
- Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times, in both front and rear seats.
- Make s ure that you have plenty of sleep before a long drive. Take regular breaks - one every two hours and when you feel sleepy.
- Do not drink alcohol before driving in New Zealand - drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced.
For up to date information on South Island roads call tollfree 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49), or refer to the Transit New Zealand website http://www.transit.govt.nzfor country wide information. International Driving Licences and Permits You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country or an International Driving Permi t (IDP). After 12 months you are required to convert to a New Zealand licence. This applies to each visit to New Zealand . Recent law changes mean all drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their licence or permit at all times when dri ving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 21 years. Make sure your driver's licence is current. If your licence is not in English, yo u should bring an English translation with you, or obtain an IDP. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP. Driving RoutesTo f ind a driving route for your New Zealand holiday, please visit the following website. Maybe you know where you want to go, maybe you don't. In either case, your best-fit driving route is only a few clicks away. Telling the Time New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day, 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). In summer New Zealand uses ‘daylight saving', with clocks put forward one hour to GMT+13. Daylight saving begins on the first Sunday in October and ends on the third Sunday of the following March, when clocks are put back to GMT+12. 
Sunrise over Mount Hikurangi on the East Coast – one of the first places in the world to see the sun.
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New Zealand Guide
