About New Zealand
WHERE IN THE WORLD?Brand New, New Zealand!
New Zealand is tucked away in the South Pacific – a little country with a huge heart and a warm and friendly population of just 5 million (compare this to countries of much the same size – UK 67.8 million, Japan 126.5 million and the state of California 39.7 million!).
New Zealand comprises three main islands – North, South and Stewart – which are separated by comparatively narrow straits. New Zealand lies in the south-west section of the Pacific Ocean, 1,600 km east of Australia and is a little over 10,000 km from San Francisco and Panama and a like distance from Tokyo and Singapore.
New Zealand’s isolated raft of islands contains some of the wildest places on earth and six of the seven climactic regions on the planet. Much of the country’s striking natural beauty is preserved in an extensive system of national parks; discover endless diversity and amazing beauty everywhere.
SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPES
Unparalleled golden-sand beaches, craggy coastlines fringed by pohutakawa trees, safe-but-active volcanic and thermal areas with geysers and hot springs bubbling and fuming, spectacular fjords carved by ice-age glaciers that bite deeply into the coast, glaciers that descend into ancient rain forests and fill picturesque lakes and wild rivers, pristine snow-capped alpine mountains to ski and climb and unique flora and fauna…
The New Zealand landscape is indeed spectacular and infinite in its variety. Discover large areas of luxuriant forests, which are the delight of trampers, campers and hunters. In fact, 2.8 million hectares of permanent forest or recreation land has been set aside as National Parks and Scenic Reserves.
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE WEATHER!
The New Zealand climate is a mild and tranquil one and the summer months are December to February, bringing high temperatures, long, sunny days and mild nights. New Zealand’s summer months are December to February, bringing high temperatures and sunshine. Days are long and sunny, nights are mild. Average rainfall is high, though – between 640mm and 1500mm – and is evenly spread throughout the year. The weather has been described as “four seasons in one day” – the weather can change unexpectedly, as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in. So we advise our guests to be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature, especially if you’re hiking or pursuing other outdoor activities.