New Zealand
Living In New Zealand |
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Whether you prefer the fast-paced urban lifestyle, the wider open spaces in the country air or a combination of both; New Zealand is a country of vast contrast that can offer you these diverse experiences.
A relatively young country, many regions in New Zealand still have a lot of natural raw beauty of a world that has been untouched for centuries, and all of these are easily accessible from any location in New Zealand
Being just over 2200 kilometers from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island it is relatively simple to explore. Within 1 hours drive from every city you will find another, as well as passing several smaller towns on the way, each with unique characteristics that make New Zealand the country that it is.
A lot more information regarding Australia can be found at:
World Fact Book
About New Zealand
Locations
Following is some regional information to help you understand what New Zealand is famous for:
Northland
Northland’s proximity to the islands of the Pacific give it a subtropical climate, with warm humid summers and mild winters. Typical summer temperatures range from 22°C to 26°C (maximum daytime) but seldom exceed 30°C. In winter, high temperatures are between 14°C to 17°C. Annual sunshine hours average about 2000 in many areas.This enables Northland’s residents to indulge year round in numerous recreational activities, including fishing, diving, canoeing, tramping and surfing as well as all the usual leisure and sporting activities.
In the Northland region, Whangarei (the major service centre and regional transport hub) and the Bay of Islands are the main population centres, and there is a network of smaller coastal and rural towns.
The city of Whangarei has interesting restaurants reflecting the richness of different cultures; galleries and unique museums, which capture the spirit of eras gone by.
Whangarei District is home to Tutukaka, New Zealand’s Dive Capital located 30 minutes drive out on the wonderful Pacific Coast with its stunning beaches and incredible scenery. The famous Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is a mecca for divers and is accessed from Tutukaka.
The Pacific Coast on the district eastern seaboard offers many alternative scenic drives for those who prefer to discover the byways. For these who prefer land based activities the district has four golf courses, urban parks and gardens or boardwalks through mangrove swamps, which offer leisurely walks.
Auckland
Commonly known as the City of Sails; Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city with a population of just over 1.3 million people, nearly 3 times its nearest rival Wellington. While Auckland is not the capital city of New Zealand it is the heart of the countries economy with most major businesses being centered there. With a mild coastal climate, Auckland is well known for its fast paced urban lifestyle while remaining a coastal city.
As a region surrounded by subtropical islands, sparkling waters and lush native rainforest, Auckland is a superb summer destination. The warm climate lets you enjoy more than 100 kilometres of coastline and a stunning array of beaches. As such outdoor events are an important part of Auckland's summer lifestyle.
Waikato
Waikato - with Hamilton city at its heart - is a region of lush, green hills, bush and farmland, with exceptional surf on the West coast. The beautiful Waikato River carves its journey through the landscapes, intersecting Hamilton.
Discover bush-clad mountains, stunning waterfalls, hot mineral pools, beaches and, of course, the magical limestone glowworm caves in Waitomo. Travel off the beaten track for more memorable views and experiences. Charming small towns are dotted throughout the region, each one with its own specialty.
Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty is New Zealand's premier beach and surfing region. Tauranga, the region's main centre is a large, modern city offering plenty of shopping, boat cruises, nearby scenic coastal walks and many off-shore boating activities.
Tauranga is a city of approximately 100,000 people, about 2 and a half hours drive from Auckland, the country's largest city. Experience rolling surf beaches, stretches of never-ending coastline, untouched New Zealand forests, sumptuous cuisine, bars, cafes and adrenaline pumping activities. Experience jet boating, sky diving, white water rafting, 4W drive escapades or take the whole family to an adventure park for a big day out.
It is not hard to see why this area is is on of the country's most popular holiday destinations with visitors and locals and, in the past decade, this area has experienced a huge population boom with people drawn to the vibrant, yet relaxed coastal lifestyle.
The Bay of Plenty region experiences more sunny days than any other part of NZ - it is known for its warm sunny climate!
Taranaki
Taranaki is situated on the mid west coast of New Zealand. The province has an abundance of rivers, sea, surf beaches and bush walks, all the attractions for which New Zealand is famous.
New Plymouth is the only city in the Taranaki. An attractive coastal city, it's landscape is dominated by the massive dome of Mount Taranaki (formerly called Mt. Egmont) towering in the background. Egmont National Park surrounds the mountain and this is the gateway to skiing on the mountain in winter, trekking and climbing in summer. One of New Zealand's finest public parks, Pukekura Park, shouldn't be missed. This is a 21 hectare reserve of lakes, streams, a waterfall, native trees and colourful display of flowers. The coast with scenic black sand beaches provides swimming, diving, surfing, windsurfing, game fishing, camping and cruising. New Plymouth has many local museums, theatres and art galleries of great interest
Lakes District
Rotorua is located at the heart of the North Island of New Zealand, in the aptly named Lakes District region. The Rotorua region covers 261,700 hectares and has a population of almost 70,000 people. Rotorua is also part of the Central Volcanic Plateau. Rotorua is 297 metres above sea level. Eleven major lakes sparkle in the landscape around Rotorua. The city of Rotorua nestles on the shore of the largest, Lake Rotorua.
The District is centred around a thriving city on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua, and extends to include a number of rural and lakeside communities. Rotorua is an international tourism icon and a renowned heartland of Mäori culture in New Zealand.
Residents and visitors enjoy the District's many natural attractions, including geothermal activity, forests, beautiful parks and reserves, and 14 freshwater lakes. Rotorua's people take pride in their District, their sense of hospitality, and their sporting and cultural achievements.
Rotorua is also a perfect base for touring the Central North Island and is centrally located in terms of attractions in the surrounding regions. Within a 150 kilometre radius (two hours drive) are the surf beaches of Waihi, Mount Maunganui, and Ohope, the National Parks of Tongariro and Urewera, Lake Taupo and the urban centres of Hamilton, Tauranga, Taupo, and Whakatane.
East Coast and Gisborne
Set apart by the most temperate climate and beautiful natural surroundings of New Zealand's East Coast of the North Island, its little wonder that Tairawhiti District Health, based in Gisborne, is the work destination of choice for many medical professionals.
Gisborne, the first city in the world to see the sun each day, is located on the sunny East Coast of the North Island. The region has a population of approximately 46,000 and is well known for its relaxed lifestyle and its beautiful rural and beach environments. Local schools are excellent and real estate is affordably priced. There is miles of unsurpassed pristine coastline with beautiful golden East Coast sand and crystal blue waves, making relaxation a priority.
Gisborne is also known as the chardonnay capital due to the many wineries in the region. And for nature lovers, close by is the Te Urewera National Park which encloses Lake Waikaremoana and the largest untouched native forest in the North Island. Gisborne is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand with average yearly sunshine of around 2200 hours.
Hawke's Bay
Situated on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Hawke’s Bay is a popular destination for tourists, and those wanting to relocate to an area where the lifestyle offers the best of both worlds.
Bathed in over 2200 hours of sunshine per year, the Hawke's Bay is an ideal location for the mild to wild adventurer. You can take a jet boat or go white water rafting, hot air ballooning or paragliding. With some 20 local golf courses and 17 heritage trails, there is something suited to everyone.
Boasting a population of 150,000 people, most reside in or around the twin cities of Hastings and Napier. Napier is on the coast, and famous for its Art Deco architecture. Hastings is located inland on the fertile Heretaunga Plains, well known for its orchards and cropping. To the north of Hawke’s Bay, Wairoa is a strong rural community, and in southern Hawke’s Bay, Waipukurau, provides the retail and service centre for the predominantly farming district.
Hawke’s Bay is known as ‘Wine Country’ with over 40 wineries producing quality wines ranging from Chardonnay to Cabernet Sauvignon. To complement the sublime wines, Hawke’s Bay is renowned as a gourmet destination for fresh seasonal food, exotic and organic meat, fruit and vegetables grown and processed in the bay. With its Mediterranean climate, Hawke’s Bay is the “fruit bowl of New Zealand” producing over half of the country’s apple crop and significant volumes of other fruit, including a fast maturing olive industry.
Whanganui
Wanganui City is one of the oldest cities in New Zealand and located on the West Coast of the North Island at the mouth of the Whanganui River. The city is within easy distance of New Zealand’s famed North Island ski fields. Mt Ruapehu in the Tongariro National Park is the North Island’s highest peak and principal skiing ground. In addition to winter sport, Tongariro National Park offers exhilarating scenery and a variety of walks and tramps that pass through constantly changing surrounds.
The Whanganui River sweeps through the valley over which the city is spread and is the longest navigable waterway in the North Island. The river provides facilities for rowing, sailing, canoeing, water skiing and windsurfing. Organised jet boat trips, canoeing expeditions and riverboat excursions are available.
Manawatu
Situated in the lower half of the North Island of New Zealand, Manawatu offers a mixture of lifestyles for everyone: sophisticated urban life, rural New Zealand experiences, easy access to ski fields, beaches, wineries, tramping and fishing. Manawatu is centred around the city of Palmerston North. With a population of 75,000, Palmerston North has all the big city amenities – live theatre, sporting facilities, universities and polytechnic, cultural facilities including museum, science centre, library, art gallery – and yet retains its friendly, relaxed lifestyle. For those who prefer country living, lifestyle blocks surround the city.
Situated on the banks of the Manawatu River nestled at the foot of the impressive Tararua Mountain Range, a growing city of 78,100, Palmerston North is unique. Palmerston North is a vibrant youthful city with the active student population. Palmerston North is New Zealand sixth largest city.
Wairarapa
Located on the south eastern corner of New Zealand’s North Island, the Wairarapa region is well made up of 5 smaller towns, each offering their own unique New Zealand experience. You can sample early morning hot air ballooning, to late evening dinners at the many local vineyards as well as the many festivals that occur year round, add to that the spectacular mountain and forest attractions, wild and remote coastal areas as well as beautiful unspoiled beaches.
Wairarapa is only 1 hours drive from Wellington City, so you remain close to the urban facilities while experiencing true heartland New Zealand.
Wellington
The Wellington region offers many lifestyle options for people. Surrounded, as it is, parks and forest reserves, it offers great opportunities for outdoor pursuits such as mountain biking, tramping and fishing. Yachting and golf are also popular. Wellington also offers the best of city living, with a sophisticated nightlife, and thriving arts and cultural scene.
Many people live in Wellington's inner city suburbs and commute against the traffic to the Hutt Valley and Kapiti Coast. Others prefer to live on the western coastal entrance to Wellington and commute across to Hutt Valley while still others commute across from Wairarapa, about 45 minutes away, which is renowned for its quaint villages, wine growing and fruit growing areas.
Enjoy the café culture, the beauty of the Botanical Gardens, the excitement of the sevens rugby, Te Papa Museum, and Oriental Parade – all within walking distance. Come and enjoy one of the top 20 cities in the world, the Harbour Capital, Wellington.
Guided tours such as Walking tours, coach tours or even helicopter tours are available to enjoy the sights.
Wellington is only a short drive or ferry ride away from New Zealand’s top wine regions, Wairarapa and Marlborough. Both regions are popular weekend destinations.
Nelson/Marlborough
Located at the very tip of New Zealand’s South Island, the Nelson and Marlborough regions are one of the glamour locations of the country. Set amongst rolling hills, rugged coastline, endless sunshine and beaches and bays encompassing the entire region, Nelson and Marlborough is a very popular location.
Nelson is the 2nd oldest city in New Zealand while steeped with history is also one of the more progressive cities in New Zealand. There are countless festivals, over 300 full-time arts and crafts people and with all the Art Galleries, Museums, historical landmarks, sporting and entertainment events, there’s something for everyone
Christchurch and Canterbury
Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch - just like the rest of New Zealand - is a city of contrasts.
It is a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty. A growing cosmopolitan ambience also adds a touch of excitement.
Internationally famed ‘The Garden City’, Christchurch’s well-established expansive parks and public gardens owe much to the planning and foresight of the city’s founding fathers. The centrally-located 161 hectare Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens the four leafy inner-city avenues, Victoria Square and spectacular gardens such as Mona Vale on the banks of the River Avon bear testimony to this legacy. It is a vision which is embraced and perpetuated today by proud residents right throughout the city.
Summers are generally mild and sunny with low humidity. The city has an average of over 2,000 hours of annual sunshine. Winter visitors can encounter frosts which develop to clear, calm days. Autumn often has the longest period of settled weather and, for garden lovers, the city puts on an especially fine show in spring.
Much of the city’s area has been set aside for parks, natural reserves and recreation grounds. It is these, together with Christchurch’s splendid private gardens, which give the city much of its essential character.
South Canterbury
Timaru is situated on the East Coast of the South Island 2 hours equal distance between the university towns of Christchurch (population 350,000) and Dunedin (population 110,000). From Timaru it is possible for one to look east over Caroline Bay and the South Pacific to snow capped mountains and follow them with the eye west all the way to Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain.
As the gateway to Mount Cook and the Southern Lakes, Timaru offers a host of activities, from exploring the most scenic areas of New Zealand, boating, fishing in lakes and rivers that are among the best in the world, sports fishing off the coast, to climbing and tramping. Excellent recreational facilities exist within the town boundary giving the opportunity to participate in numerous other indoor and outdoor pursuits.
Otago and Dunedin
Dunedin is known around the world for its internationally recognised tertiary education. But this is only the start of what Dunedin and the Otago region have to offer. Originally Settled in the mid 1800’s Dunedin is one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the world.
With a strong student population comes a passionate culture set around Arts, Sports, Adventure and Commerce. Dunedin is the gateway to the Central Otago region, which is rich in action and adventure opportunities. Alpine skiing, glacier walks, as well as rugged countryside for the more experienced adventurer.>
Southland
Southland offers you a safe, welcoming community where a balanced lifestyle between work and play. With low median house prices, short travel-to-work times, zero-fee tertiary education, quality schools and a positive community that has the “spirit of the nation”.
Southland is home to two of New Zealand’s national parks and with staff holiday homes in Te Anau, Arrowtown and Queenstown you will have easy access to skifields, tramping, surfing, fishing and wineries in NZ’s best scenic destinations.
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