============================== NEW ZEALAND ============================== New Zealand, lying southeast of Australia in the South Pacific, comprises two large main islands. North Island is hilly, with isolated mountains and active volcanoes. On South Island the Southern Alps run north to south, with the Canterbury Plains to their east. It enjoys very mild winters with regular rainfall. Two-thirds of New Zealand is suitable for agriculture and grazing, meat, wool and dairy goods being the main products. Forestry supports the pulp and paper industry, and cheap hydroelectricity the manufacturing industry, which now accounts for 30% of New Zealand's exports. Area (Sq. Km.): 268,675 Population: 3,402,000 Capital: Wellington Language: English Maori Religion: Anglican 29% Presbyterian 18% Roman Catholic 15% Government Type: Parliamentary democracy. Currency: New Zealand dollar Embassy: New Zealand House, Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4TQ. 0171-930-8422 Like Australia, New Zealand has a big Family Reunion traffic, but again like Australia it is also fast developing its own booming tourist market. New Zealand has a lot to offer the UK visitor and the sheer range of natural and man made attractions make a full island tour a must. Daily Air New Zealand flights from London to Auckland. Travel is often via Los Angeles and a stop-over there is well worth it, and cuts down jet-lag! New Zealand is split into two main islands - the north with the main cities being Wellington and Auckland and the south island with the main city being Christchurch. Time: GMT+12 Electricity: 230v AC All major credit cards OK Air travel: National carrier is Air New Zealand - Check with your travel agent for cheap flights. Flights daily from UK to Auckland. Approx flying time from London is 28 hours. Main airports: Wellington Auckland Christchurch Hamilton Hotels: New Zealand has hotels and motels of international standard. It also has moderately priced modern hotels, private hotels and guesthouses. New Zealand has no national system of grading hotels and motels so standards can vary in different areas. Rates are cheaper in rural areas than in cities. Low cost motels are now more in evidence than ever. Motor camper holidays are also available. To see: North Island: Auckland city tour Wellington city tour Rotorua (geysers) Northland beaches South Island: Nelson Dunedin Invercargill Christchurch city tour Queenstown (skiing) Arthur's pass Mount Cook Abel Tasman Park «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Foreign Office Advice: Normal care and precautions should be taken. For more information ring: Foreign Office Travel Unit 0171-270-4129