DESTINATIONS NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand’s population is just over 4,000,000 - making it one of the least crowded countries on Earth. Perfect for seeking rejuvenation and relaxation, it is also a natural playground for sportspeople and adventurers. Its temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it an ideal year-round holiday destination. Most of the country lies close to the coast generating mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine.
Peak travel months are the summer months of December to February when the average maximum temperature ranges from 20 - 30ºC. The far north has subtropical weather during summer, with inland alpine areas of the South Island as cold as -10°C in winter. The coldest months are June, July and August with maximum temperatures between 10 - 15ºC.
Weather can change unexpectedly as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in over the isles. Be prepared and pack layers for sudden changes in weather and temperature, especially if doing outdoor activities.
Flying to New Zealand:
- Eastern Australia: 3.5 hour flight
- Pacific Rim (such as Singapore, Hong Kong or Tokyo): 10-hour flight
- West Coast of the United States: 12-hour flight
Several international airlines offer flights to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch: Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways.
Long-haul stopover options include: Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Singapore, Fiji, Hawaii, French Polynesia, and Australia.
Time Difference:
One of the first places on Earth to see the new day, New Zealand is 12 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). In summer, ‘daylight saving’ is used when clocks are forwarded one hour to GMT +13.
THE CURRENT TIME IN NEW ZEALAND
Sunday 5th September, 2010 at 12:39 PM
Language:
English and Maori are the official languages. Maori became an official language in 1987.