New Zealand is
a unique country. Its scenery sets it apart from the rest of the world
while its people have a reputation for friendliness, strength and
independence. There is abundant beauty and diversity in scenery, lifestyle
and culture. From rolling green farmlands to barren volcanic desert
areas, from golden beaches with clear blue water to majestic snow
covered mountains, New Zealand offers a sample of every possible landscape
within a relatively small country.
The capital of
New Zealand is Wellington (population [1996] 416,019), situated at
the southern tip of the North Island.
Other major cities and towns are:
| Auckland
|
|
(population
[1996] 1,077,205) |
| Hamilton |
|
(population
[1996] 108,428) |
| Palmerston
North |
|
(population
[1996] 73,095) |
| Christchurch |
|
(population
[1996] 309,028) |
| Dunedin |
|
(population
[1996] 118,143) |
Situated in the
Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of those
in the Northern Hemisphere.
The climate is temperate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
| Climate |
|
Rainfall |
| mean
daily maximum, Jan 21.5°C, July 10.3°C |
|
Average
days 1mm or more: 87 per annum |
| mean
temperature, 11.7°C |
|
Average
annual rainfall 655 mm |
| mean
daily minimum, Jan 11.6°C, July 1.4°C |
|
Sunshine |
| mean
annual maximum 32°C |
|
Annual
Average Sunshine Hours: 2040 hours |
| mean
annual minimum -4°C |
|
Seasons |
| Location
|
|
Winter:
June - August |
| Latitude:
43° 31 Mins, 48 Secs South |
|
Spring:
September - November |
| Longitude:
172° 37 Mins, 13 Secs East |
|
Summer:
December - February |
| The
area of Christchurch City is 45,249 Hectares |
|
Autumn:
March - May |
| East
Coast, South Island, New Zealand |
|
|
Depending on the
timing and duration of your study the clothes you bring will vary.
In summer time, casual wear is sufficient. However, in winter warm
clothing such as woollen sweaters, waterproof coats and warm jackets
are recommended. In keeping with New Zealand's relaxed lifestyle,
dress is informal on most occasions. International students are also
encouraged to bring their national costume for the many social functions
which institutions generally organise.
Stores and shops
usually open from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday and until 9pm
on Friday nights. There is an increasing number of shopping centres
opening until 9pm on Thursdays as well. Many shopping centres open
all day Saturday and Sunday in major cities and tourist areas. New
Zealand shops offer a wide variety of products including fashion clothes,
outdoor clothing and equipment, crafts and international food halls.
| Travel
To and Within New Zealand |
New Zealand has
two main international airports, Auckland and Christchurch, served
by 24 international airlines offering either non-stop, direct or online
services to North America, South America, Australia, Asia, the UK
and Europe, as well as the neighbouring Pacific Islands. Wellington,
the hub of the domestic network, also has a service to the major east
coast Australian cities. Distances between major attractions in New
Zealand are short and there is a good transport network.
| Sporting
and Recreational Facilities |
With such an abundance
of open space accessible to everyone, sports are an important activity
for many people. Rugby football is the national sport but many others
have a large following. Schools, universities and colleges offer excellent
sport facilities for students who want to play tennis, squash, cricket,
basketball, soccer, netball, softball, or, indeed, rugby. The wide
open spaces and national parks have influenced New Zealanders' love
of outdoor activities. Tramping (hiking), camping and skiing are all
popular activities. There are some hundreds of beaches, ideal for
swimming, diving and fishing!- many of them within walking distance
of student campuses. New Zealand also has some of the most beautiful
and challenging golf courses in the world, and many people can enjoy
the game on the uncrowded greens and inexpensive private and public
clubs.
New Zealand offers
an array of exciting entertainment. All the major cities and towns
have cinemas, nightclubs, restaurants, art galleries and museums.
In addition to these, seven professional theatre companies operate
throughout the country and pop concerts feature regularly, often with
overseas artists. Five professional orchestras perform frequently
and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, The Royal New Zealand Ballet
and the New Zealand String Quartet tour throughout the country as
well as overseas. Daily newspapers provide details of local entertainment
and nightlife.
| Television/Radio/Newspapers
|
As an English
speaking country all media is in English. There are 3 main television
channels and some satellite channels are also available. New Zealand
has numerous AM/FM radio stations, both national and regional. Daily
newspapers (morning and evening editions) are produced in the major
cities. The video system is PAL 625. |
