With a temperate climate, and stunning variations in our geography - all surrounded by the Pacific and Tasman Oceans – people in New Zealand happily lead an outdoor life. Knowing that you'll spend far less time commuting in New Zealand than in most world cities, you'll also enjoy far more time with your friends and family. No matter where you live in New Zealand, for instance, you are probably less than an hour from the ocean, and less than 4 hours from a ski field. Which means on the same day you can mountain bike, snowboard and surf!

At the same time, cafe society and cultural activities rival those anywhere. New Zealand has produced some of the world's top opera singers, musicians, writers, painters - all of whom are easily accessible for your enjoyment. New Zealand cuisine and regional wineries are well-regarded internationally - so you'll have plenty to tempt your taste buds.

General Information

New Zealand lies in the south west Pacific Ocean, nearly 2 000 kms from Australia, to the east, and 19 017 kms, or 11 790 miles from Paris, France. New Zealand is over 1.600 kilometres long, and its widest part is 450 kilometres. The total land area is around 270 550 square kilometres, with approximately 10 000 kilometres of coastline.

Culture

New Zealand culture is a unique and dynamic. The culture of its indigenous Maori people affects all New Zealanders. The Māori people are the indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand) and first arrived here in waka hourua (voyaging canoes) from their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki over 1000 years ago.

History

Geography

You'll find a variety of awesome landscapes in New Zealand, all within easy reach of each other. Spectacular glaciers, picturesque fiords, rugged mountains, vast plains, rolling hillsides, subtropical forest, volcanic plateau, miles of coastline with gorgeous sandy beaches--it's all here.

Climate

New Zealand weather and climate is of paramount importance to the people of New Zealand, as many New Zealander's make their living from the land. New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall, and many hours of sunshine throughout most of the country.

People

Today, New Zealanders are largely sophisticated and highly educated urban dwellers. Members of a unique and vibrant multicultural society, New Zealanders are embracing 21st century technology and culture in record numbers

Urban Living

New Zealand is considered to be a good, value-for-money destination where your spending money can go a long way! Good quality accommodation is comparatively cheaper than many other destinations around the world. New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$)

Transportation

Private air charters for scenic flights or corporate travel are available from air charter operators throughout New Zealand for fixed-wing, helicopter and jet aircraft. Individuals, small and large groups can be catered for and many air charters offer scenic flights over the most beautiful areas of the country.

Attractions

New Zealand is the home of adventure tourism �" take your pick from 4WD off-roading, bungy jumping, white water sports, caving, canyoning, diving, snorkelling, glacier hiking, gliding, paragliding, horse-riding, skiing, hunting, jet-boating, mountaineering, skydiving and more.

Living Costs

Cost of living is very reasonable in New Zealand. The country’s economy has significantly grown in the past few years. The country is highly developed with high scores on indices on human development, quality of life, life expectancy, literacy and economic prosperity among other values. Growth in annual income among households is very high at over 60,000 Euro.

Emegency Numbers

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Medical Care

Health and disability services in New Zealand are delivered by a complex network of organisations and people. Each has their role in working with others across the system to achieve better health for New Zealanders.

Auckland Living Costs

This page lists approximate values for what you can expect to pay for basic items in Auckland. This information can help you plan your budget. Living in Auckland is much cheaper than living in Sydney or London. Auckland is also in the top five cities worldwide for quality of living, according to the Mercer's 2010 Quality of Living survey.

Wellington Living Costs

This article will give you an idea about the cost of living in Wellington city. The tables below show estimated living costs for one academic year at Victoria, which is based on 40 weeks. If you are planning to stay in Wellington during the non-academic term, you will need to budget for the extra 12 weeks not included in the estimates below. Also, Residence Hall costs and inclusions vary.

Student Accommodation

Apartment, House Share, Medium Stay, Student Accommodation 2012 - Dunedin This building was completely refurbished in 2008. These near-new studio rooms include ensuite bathrooms and kitchenette facilities.

For more information, please contact one of our offices

Last Updated: 30 November 2009

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