New Zealand Frequently Asked Questions

New Zealand is a diverse country with a temperate climate, friendly people and a relaxed approach to life. One of our Prime Minister's, David Lange even suggested we need to sit down "and have a cup of tea" as a nation. And many people agreed!

On the tip of most visitors lips is the weather. What will it be like on my holiday, what is the best month to travel, what is the average temperature.....well wouldn't it be nice to know for sure? Or would it? Kiwis thrive on getting stuck in and doing what they need to whatever the circumstances or the weather.

To keep it short and simple;

The further you go down, the cooler it gets.
The further you go West, the wetter it gets.

Typically the temperatures will vary by 5 to 10 degrees Celsius from the top of New Zealand to the bottom. Strange though it may seem the hottest and coldest temperatures are found in central Otago at the bottom of the South Island. In summer Alexandra regularly has temperatures from 30 to 34 deg C and in winter just down the road in Otureahua they can range from -15 to -20 deg C!

The current El Nino weather patterns have dealt Fiordland a mixed hand. Over the 6 months from October 1997 they recorded 7.54metres ( 23 feet ) of rain, similar to what the area would normally expect in a full year. Wet feet for sure but all those waterfalls must be doubly impressive.

If you want to check out todays weather and skiing conditions at Coronet Peak, Queenstown please surf to our Snowcam.

So you want to get behind the wheel of a car, campervan, bike or bus? In New Zealand we drive on the left hand side of the road and that does create some problems for overseas drivers not used to it. A recent study also blames some strange giveway rules compared to the rest of the world. My advice is that if you are not sure let someone else do the driving. Unfortunately accidents do happen. I know, I had a head on with an overseas visitor who was on the wrong side of the road.

We have also assembled some general information on New Zealand including opening hours, telephone systems, currency rates, costs, national holidays etc.

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