NEW ZEALAND
Country Guide

Have you decided to Move to New Zealand?
Whether you’re planning a tourist trip or a business relocation, here’s what you should know before you go.

General Overview

• Official country name: New Zealand (Aotearoa in Māori)
• Location: Oceania, South Pacific
• Capital city: Wellington
• Official language(s): English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
• Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• Time zone: UTC+12 (Standard), UTC+13 (Daylight Saving Time)

Culture & Traditions

• Key customs: Strong Māori cultural influence, importance of respect and friendliness, relaxed social etiquette, emphasis on outdoor activities
• Number of official public holidays: 12 days (New Year’s Day, Waitangi Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, King’s Birthday, Matariki, Labour Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and Provincial Anniversary Days)
• Main traditional dishes and local drinks: Hangi (Māori slow-cooked meal), meat pies, fish and chips, pavlova, New Zealand lamb, Hokey Pokey ice cream, local wines, and craft beers
• Languages spoken daily: English is widely spoken; Māori is used in cultural contexts; common greetings include “Kia ora” (hello)
• Clothing and behavioral norms: Casual dress is common; respect for nature and sustainability is important; punctuality is valued

Demographics & Society

• Total population: ~5.1 million
• Major ethnic groups: European (Pākehā), Māori, Pacific Islander, Asian communities
• Main religion(s): Predominantly secular; Christianity is the most common religion
• General safety level: Very high; low crime rates, but petty theft can occur in tourist areas
• Attitude towards foreigners and diversity: Welcoming and multicultural society; strong emphasis on equality and respect for indigenous rights

Key Cities & Regions

• Capital city: Wellington (~215,000 people) – Political and cultural hub, home to Te Papa Museum and vibrant arts scene
• Auckland (~1.7 million people) – Largest city, economic center, diverse cultural influences, known for its harbors and islands
• Christchurch (~390,000 people) – Garden City, known for its English heritage, parks, and earthquake recovery efforts
• Hamilton (~180,000 people) – Located in the Waikato region, known for agriculture and the Hobbiton movie set nearby
• Tauranga (~160,000 people) – Coastal city with beautiful beaches and a growing economy
• Dunedin (~130,000 people) – Strong Scottish heritage, home to Otago University, rich wildlife
• Must-visit regions: Fiordland National Park, Bay of Islands, Rotorua (geothermal activity), Queenstown (adventure tourism), Tongariro National Park

Weather & Climate

• Type of climate: Temperate, with regional variations
• Average seasonal temperatures:
  • Summer (Dec–Feb): 20–30°C
  • Autumn (Mar–May): 10–20°C
  • Winter (Jun–Aug): 0–15°C
  • Spring (Sep–Nov): 10–20°C
• Best times to visit: Summer for beaches and outdoor activities; winter for skiing in the South Island

Practical Information

• Entry requirements:
  • Visa-free for short stays (up to 3 months) for many nationalities
  • NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) required for visa-waiver countries
  • Work and residence visas available for long-term stays
• Local transportation: Public transport (buses, ferries, trains in major cities), rental cars recommended for rural travel
• Cost of living:
  • Housing: High in Auckland and Wellington, lower in smaller cities
  • Food: Moderate to high, especially for imported goods
  • Transport: Public transport affordable, but many residents own cars
• Electrical outlets and voltage: Type I plugs, 230/240V
• Emergency numbers: 111 (police, ambulance, fire)

Visitor Tips

• Gestures to avoid: Do not sit on tables (considered disrespectful in Māori culture), avoid making jokes about the Haka or Māori traditions
• Specific regulations: Strict biosecurity laws (declare food and natural products upon entry), legal drinking age is 18
• Tips for integrating locally: Join local sports or outdoor clubs, respect Māori customs, embrace the laid-back lifestyle
• Potential risks: Earthquakes and volcanic activity, strong sun exposure, remote areas with limited emergency services.