New Zealand
If you’re itching to get away on a singles holiday in a picture-perfect country that boasts the many wonders of nature, New Zealand is a great choice. Besides its breathtaking views, the land of the long white cloud offers its interesting Maori culture, large numbers of sheep, and tourist-friendly facilities.
Top visits include Queenstown, known as the Adventure Capital of the World; Abel Tasman National Park, famous for its golden sand beaches; and Hawke’s Bay, home of numerous wineries and art deco architecture.
Those who long to explore the outdoors should visit during the high-season months of November to April. December through February also has plenty of festivals and concerts in store, though these summer holidays mean families on vacation, scarce accommodations, and an increased number of camper vans.
- Location: New Zealand, Oceania
- Size: 286, 021 km2
- Capital: Wellington
- Largest Cities: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Napier-Hastings
- Climate: New Zealand climate is fairly temperate. Summer lasts from December to February, when light rain can be expected. October through November and April through May tend to be cooler, and snow can be expected from June to August.
- Population: Almost 4.5 million people
Language: English, Maori
Religion: Christianity, no religious affiliation (roughly 30% of the population)
Literacy Rate: 99%
Government Type: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Head of State: Queen (represented by a governor general)
Land Borders: Bordered only by sea.
- Currency: New Zealand dollar
- Natural Resources: Timber, natural gas, iron sand, coal
- Main Agriculture: Dairy products, meat, forestry products
- Main Industry: Manufacturing, personal and community services, agriculture and horticulture, forestry and fishing
- Electricity: 230 V AC, 50 Hz
- Time Zone: GMT+12
Country Tel. Code:+ 64
- Visa/Passport: Australian passport holders do not need a visa or permit to visit the country.
- Airport: Auckland Airport (AKL) is in Mangere, Auckland, 21 kilometres away from the city centre.
- Departure Tax: Tax is included in the ticket price for flights leaving from Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington. A departure fee of NZ$25 shall be paid at the airport for flights departing from Hamilton, Queenstown, and Rotorua.
- Getting Around: Domestic flights tend to be more affordable than taking the train or driving. Booking can be done online, over the phone, or through a travel agent. Buses are also relatively cheap, but service is infrequent.
- Credit Cards: Most shops accept credit cards; the exception being small food retail stores.
- Drinking: The drinking age is 18, though there is talk of raising it to 20.
- Shopping: New Zealand locals have the mentality that the price stated is the price you pay. The country has plenty of arts and craft markets, and its potters are known for their ceramics. For souvenirs, watch out for wool products, Maori carvings, and local jewellery and ornaments.
- Tipping: Tipping is not common and is sometimes viewed negatively.
100% Australian; we 'get' the Australian travel style. And, better still, our arms are open to welcome our friends from other countries around the world, who'd like to travel with friendly Aussies.©
We've been creating and delivering the best ever holidays for solo travellers since 2006. As a boutique tour operator, we delight in detail, delivering personal service and finding your next best memory.©
