Introduction to New Zealand

Quick Overview

Almost 20,000 kilometres from Europe, New Zealand consists of two main islands: the North Island ("the Smoking Island"), which is the larger of the two, and the South Island ("the Jade Island"). They are separated by the narrow Cook Strait. Of the two, the South Island offers the most varied relief and the most stunning landscapes, with fjords, glaciers, and the New Zealand Alps, which are home to Mount Cook and its 3,755 metres.

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: at the antipodes of France, almost 2,000 km east of Australia.

• Latitude/longitude: 41°17' S, 174°27' E.

• Local time: Heure : 12857

• Capital: Wellington.

• Nature of the state: parliamentary monarchy.

• Official languages: English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language.

• Currency: New Zealand dollar.

• Population: 4,545,627 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 268,680 km².

• Density: 17 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Mount Cook (3,724 m) in the South Island.

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 15,134 km.

• Driving: on the left.

Tourism

While the cities of Auckland and Wellington have their appeal, and Māori culture is well worth discovering, New Zealand remains above all a country of nature, with diverse and breathtaking landscapes, as well as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Each year, the destination attracts around 3.5 million visitors (3.686 million in 2018), primarily from Australia (40% of arrivals), but also from China, the USA, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, South Korea, and Canada.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner travellers.

• By air: France-Auckland.

• Entry requirements: passport valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date + return or onward ticket.

• Currency to bring: euros.

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★★; Adventure ★★★★; Culture ★★; Relaxation/Holidays ★★/★★★

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 16/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: $39,000 (2017)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +1.9% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 4.7% (2017)

• Population below the poverty line: ()

• Life expectancy: 81.4 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: +2.2 (2017)

• Population growth: +0.77% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 100% (2017)

• Urban population: 86.5% (2018)

• Press freedom: 8/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime: democracy (4/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook