New Zealand, or Aotearoa as it is known to the native Maori people is truly the "Land of the Long White Cloud". A place of immense natural beauty with its glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, deep, clear lakes, native forests, long, deserted beaches and a variety of flora and fauna, such as the Kiwi, the national bird of New Zealand.

New Zealand is a series of islands stretching 1600km (994 miles) long, located in the roaring wild South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia. The three main islands are the North Island,the South Island (the largest in size), with Stewart Island, lying directly beneath the South Island. The North Island has a number of large volcanoes (including the recently active Mount Ruapehu) and highly active thermal areas, while the South Island boasts the Southern Alps - a spine of magnificent mountains running almost its entire length. Another notable feature of New Zealand is its myriad rivers and lakes which carve their path through the wild terrain.

For more general information please visit www.newzealand.com

FACTS:

• Population: 4.2 million (2007)
• Land mass: 268,860 km2
• Population Density: 15/km2
• Sheep to people ratio: 12:1 - for every person in NZ there are 12 sheep! This is the highest number of sheep per capita in the world.

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION:

• Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD) (1 dollar = 100 cents).
  Current Exchange Rates
• Credit Cards: All major credit cards are accepted throughout New Zealand. The most popular ones being VISA and MasterCard.
  Look for the signs displayed at the entrance to the store or near the pay point.
• Traveller's Cheques: Should be exchanged for cash (NZ dollars) at any Bureau de Change or Bank.
• Banks: Opening hours are generally 9:30 AM until 4:00 PM Monday to Friday.
• ATM: ATM Machines are widely available.
• GST: Goods and Services Tax (12.5%) is mandatory and payable on most goods and services, and should be included with the marked price on items for sale.
  Visitors from abroad spending more than $100 in one shop in a single transaction may request a GST form to reclaim some of this tax.
• Tipping: Is not normal in New Zealand but a small tip is often made when excellent service is provided.
• Electrical Voltage: 240V 50Hz AC. Plug adapters for most appliances including hairdryers, shavers, computers can be purchased in any electrical shop or airport store.

• Shop in the boutique stores of Takapuna, Hurstmere Road or at Takapuna Westfield Shopping Mall.
• Major supermarket only 5 minutes walk from your hotel.
  
• By the Bruce Mason Theatre there are a great variety of excellent restaurants and pubs for social good times.
  
• Takapuna Beach is a favourite walk. There is also a super walk from Takapuna Beach to Milford Beach along the waterfront. Walk information.
  
• Takapuna Aquatic Centre. Along with heated swimming pools, there is also a sauna, therapy pool, gym and creche. Open daily. Address: Killarney Street, Takapuna, North Shore City, New Zealand.
• Walk to Lake Pupuke with lovely views only 10 minutes walk from your hotel.
• Destination Devonport (10 mins by car) and Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve, Maori Pa mountains, ferries regularly from Devonport, North Shore City to Auckland City downtown.
• Destination Auckland City (15 mins by car) and regular bus services from Takapuna, North Shore City, to central Auckland City.