## Basic information about New Zealand

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## Why New Zealand

New Zealand is a country that has a very good reputation among destinations to which travelers from all over Europe, North America and especially Asia go. This is because it is a country with beautiful and clean nature, a safe country and at the same time a highly industrially and agriculturally developed country. And it is also relatively farthest. Where to go next? Perhaps only in Antarctica or the Land of Fire ...

New Zealand offers travelers a wide range of opportunities to explore the country, get to know it and have fun. Regardless of the passenger's financial situation. The most expensive item is, of course, a ticket and then payment for transportation between the various places that travelers visit. However, other expenses can be adjusted according to the type of overnight stay travelers choose and what attractions they intend to visit.

## The capital of New Zealand

The capital of New Zealand is Wellington. It lies on the southwestern tip of the North Island and is the southernmost capital in the world. The city is relatively small, the population is only about 180 thousand. However, it is part of a larger agglomeration, which extends about 50 km to the northeast. The most common means of transport to the city is by plane or boat. Massive ferries to South Island leave from Picton from Wellington at any moment.

Wellington's population is predominantly European and Asian. Many of them work in the port, but also in the state administration.

The city has a rich history, which Jules Verne has already situated the beginnings of his stories here, for example, the heroes of his novel 2 years of vacation leave Wellington. However, the city will not inspire ordinary tourists who come to the port by ferry. Before it reaches the historic center, it must be wandered through the unattractive and busy harbor and the dock buildings that surround the harbor.

## Flag of New Zealand

The flag of New Zealand is formed by a blue rectangle, in the upper corner of which is placed the symbol of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. In the next fluttering part are four red stars, arranged in the form of the constellation of the Southern Cross.

## Population of New Zealand

Both islands of Great Zealand have a population of almost 4.5 million, a third of whom live in Auckland. Most of New Zealand's white people are descendants of colonizers who came to New Zealand for a new life. However, many Asians also live here, and of course the Maories, the original inhabitants of the islands.

## Holidays in New Zealand

In New Zealand, we distinguish the following types of holidays: national, local, Christian/traditional. There are most public holidays, there are a total of 10. When it is a public holiday, the day is off and most shops are closed. Local holidays are not valid for the whole country, they are local/regional celebrations. On thoes days, only people from these area have days off. Public holidays are:

- January, 1 - New Years Day - New Year
- January, 2 - Day after New Years Day - the second day after the New Year
- February, 6. - Waitangi Day - New Zealand's national holiday
- moving date - Good Friday
- moving date - Easter Monday
- April, 25 - Anzac Day - War Victims Day
- Monday, June 1 - Queen's Birthday
- 4th Monday in October - Labor Day - Labor Day
- December, 25 - Christmas Day - 1st Christmas Day
- December, 26. - Boxing Day - 2nd Christmas holiday

## Emblem of New Zealand

The emblem consists of a shield, in the first corner of which is the constellation of the Southern Cross, in the second a golden fleece on a red background, in the third a grain sheaf and in the fourth a crossed threshing machine and a hammer. There is a pole on the axis and three sailboats on it. The crown of St. Edward hovers above the shield. Shieldbearers are a woman in a white robe with the national flag over her shoulder and a Maori chief with a taiaha spear. Shieldbearers stand on a fern with a ribbon with the inscription New Zealand.

## Time zones

The time difference between New Zealand and the UK is 12 hours, between New Zealand and Washington D.C is 18 hours. The clock can be forward 1 hour in both directions during the period of daylight saving time
(Daylight saving time is not usually the same in different countries).

## Currency of New Zealand

The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is the legal tender in New Zealand. One NZD has 100 cents. We can find coins for 10, 20 and 50 cents and for NZD 1 and 2. The banknotes are: NZD 5, 10, 20, 50, 100. NZD 1 could be purchased in Great Britain in 2019 for GBP 0,53.

### Prices in New Zealand

The biggest item for tourists in New Zealand is usually transportation and overnight fees. Gasoline/diesel are relatively cheap, but a larger item is car/caravan rentals or transportation buses, trains, ferries. The price of fuel in 2019 was similar to that in England, the rental of the cheapest caravan was NZD 100 per day, the price for transport was around the same in our country.

When it comes to accommodation, the most expensive are hotels. Here the price per room per day is about NZD 100. It pays to use campsites of various categories (purple/blue/green), where you can spend the night either for free or for a fee from NZD 8 to 32.

Eating out in restaurants is as relatively expensive as in these in the UK and the US. However, fish and chips can be purchased for NZD 12. If travelers cook for themselves, they will take advantage of the large selection of supermarkets, loaded with goods, as in Western Europe. Prices are relatively similar to those in England and the US. You can buy bread for 3, a bottle of good wine for NZD 10 to 15. Fruits and vegetables are expensive, but cheeses surprise you with their delicious taste and good price. The most sold things are breads, which are expensive as a bottle of wine. The locals call them plastic.

## Visa to New Zealand

Travelers from the UK do not need a visa to stay up to 6 months. However, you must apply for NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) registration and pay NZD 12 and 35 tourist tax for registration. NZeTA is approved electronically - usually within 3 days. However, there is an exception - travelers with a study or work visa and travelers who have an approved tourist visa do not have to apply for NZeTA.

For travelers from the US, International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) which costs NZD 35 is required for U.S citizens who do not transit New Zealand on a transit visa or transit ETA. You need an NZeTA if you travel to or transit through New Zealand under the visa waiver program with the 3 processing days costing NZD 9 via mobile app and 12 via website.

To complete the NZeTA and thus to enter, you must have: a passport, which must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned return from New Zealand, impunity, sufficient funds and a return ticket.

You can enter the NZeta form either via the mobile application (where you will save some money) or classically via a website. Don't forget to arrange NZeT before the trip, without it you can not be on a plane.

Visa for a visit=Visitor Visa - <https://www.immigration.govt.nz/>

## Interesting facts about New Zealand

At first glance, this does not seem so, but New Zealand is quite vast, and it is very long. The distance between the tip of the North Island and the last rock of the South is almost 1200 km. It's like from London to Madrid.

Travelers should decide which part they want to travel to and which to leave for another time. Lovers of rugged nature, mountains, waters and beautiful scenery should focus on the South Island, especially its southernmost part. Those who would like to travel the whole country in less than 2 months, should realize that they will see everything as from the express train and rather choose which part to skip. Whether they pass the attractive southern part of the South Island above, or start in the middle of the South Island and travel to the north for the beautifully warm dunes that are at the tip of the North Island.

New Zealand has beautiful and clean nature and everyone is trying to preserve it in this way for future generations. That is why there are instructions everywhere - even at airports - on how to behave in nature. Under a heavy fine, it is forbidden to throw rubbish in the wild, pollute it with feces and start a fire outside the designated areas. It is not allowed to spend the night in the wild, you can only use camps that are designed for that.

When planning daily routes, it is necessary to take into account not only the distances between the individual locations to be covered, but also the condition of the roads. There are only a few highways in the country, all are only on the North Island. Very high speeds cannot be expected on local and state roads. However, both islands are mountainous and there are a lot of serpentines waiting for the drivers. So there are not many straight and well-arranged sections. The roads are in very good condition, but are usually narrower and a significant number of sections are under repair. The repair is carried out alternately on one side of the road. Instead of traffic lights, a guy with a sign comes and stops the vehicles. And beware - in New Zealand you drive on the left.

You can stop during the journey in the car parks with a view, which are about every 20 km and usually have clean restrooms. Elsewhere - especially on the South Island - there is not much to stop along the route. And what is the reason? Right next to the road is a fence - a fence for cattle - or a bush or a ditch. And the distance between the individual gas station from it can be more than 100 km.

The CampeMate mobile application is a valuable tool for car and caravan travelers. It can be downloaded for free and offers a wide range of accommodation in the selected location. Especially for those who use caravans, it is optimal to prepare routes with this application in advance. If they want to save and not pay for an overnight stay, they can use the so-called green camps, which are designed just for them. The application contains a description of each campsite with an indication of whether it is equipped with a toilet, drinking water and the conditions for camping. For each, the number of places is stated, ie how many caravans can be in the camp at the same time and the number of nights, how many caravans can stay.

## Vaccination

Travelers from the UK and US do not need any vaccinations. Vaccination against is only recommended
both types of jaundice.

## Security

It is said that it is safe in New Zealand that no one has to worry about being robbed or assaulted. However, there are known cases where this has not been the case. Thieves are just everywhere, and there are only a few in this country. Nevertheless, it is recommended that travelers do not leave their vehicles in abandoned places for a long time without control and that they always take their valuables and documents with them. In large car parks, it is useful to check whether it is monitored by cameras.

## Important contacts

**Where to call in case of emergency?**

Rescue service, fire brigade, police: 111

**The New Zealand phone code is +64.**

**Contacts at the British High Commission New Zealand:**

**Address:**

```txt
British High Commission
44 Hill Street

Thorndon
Wellington 6011
New Zealand
```

Phone: +64 (0) 4 924 2888
Further contacts can be found at <https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-wellington>

**Contacts at the U.S Embassy of Cnsulate in New Zealand, Cook Islands and Niue:**

**Address:**

```txt
U.S. Embassy Wellington
29 Fitzherbert Terrace
Thorndon
Wellington
New Zealand
```

Phone: +64 4 462 6000
Further contacts can be found at <https://nz.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/our-ambassador/>

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## List of airports

- Auckland AKL
- Blenheim BHE
- Chatham Islands CHT
- Christchurch CHC
- Dunedin DUD
- Gisborne GIS
- Great Barrier Island GBZ
- Hamilton HLZ
- Hokitika HKK
- Invercargill IVC
  -Kaikoura KBZ
- Kaitaia KAT
- Kerikeri KKE
- Masterton MRO
- Mount Cook MON
- Hapier/Hastings NPE
- Nelson NSN
- New Plymouth NPL
- Nort Shore NZN
- Oamaru OAM
- Palmerston North PMR
- Paraparaumu PPQ
- Picton PCN
- Queenstown ZQN
- Rotorua ROT
- Stewart Islnad SZS
- Takaka KTF
- Taupo TUO
- Tauranga TRG
- Thames TMZ
- Timaru TIU
- Wanaka WKA
- Wallington WLG
- Westport WSZ
- Whakatane WHK
- Whanganui WRE
- Whitianga WTZ

### List of airports in Auckland

In Auckland, we find an international airport, Auckland Airport, which serves as the gateway to the world in New Zealand. It is a combination of international and domestic flights and is home to Air New Zealand and Jetstar. We can get to Auckland from the UK and the US for about 40 and 50 hours respectively.

#### Transport

We can get to the center from the airport by regular buses: "Skybus" runs every 10 minutes directly to the center of Auckland. The journey takes less than an hour and you can buy tickets at the local kiosk, which is marked SKYBUS or directly from the driver (it can be more expensive and payment only in cash)

Line 380 will take you to the nearby village of Papatoetoe, with connections across the Auckland agolmer. You can get a ticket for 5.50 NZD in the vending machine at the stop or also from the driver.

#### Airport Services

Wi-fi is free for 30 minutes.

Free public showers are available at the airport.

Luggage storage can be used at the departure and arrival international terminals.

In conversion, the depository costs 13-16 NZD.

Airports

## Weather in New Zealand

The weather in New Zealand depends on which island and where the visitor is located. The weather is different on the northern tip of the North Island and different on the south, as both places are about 1,200 km apart. To put it very simply, the weather in the north is similar to that in southern Italy and in the south as in the Austrian Alps, but with a shift of half a year. As the reader surely knows, when summer is, it is cold in New Zealand and vice versa. For travelers, the optimal time to visit New Zealand is from December to March, when summer is there. But watch out for the Christmas season, when there are holidays and a lot of locals are taking holidays. Then it's full of people everywhere.

Whether the visitor is on the South Island (but further north than the Southern Alps) or in the North, he can expect temperatures between 20 and 28 degrees in the summer during the day.

Inland, the temperature is usually 3 to 7 degrees higher. At night, temperatures in this area are around 15 degrees. When it comes to rain, it rains / snows in the southern mountains and also around Mount Taranaki.

## Weather in Auckland

The best months when the weather in Auckland is good are January to May and November and December, when the temperature reaches 16 to 24 degrees. The coldest are June to September, when it is 14 - 16 degrees. C. It rains the most in winter - from May to September and then in December.

Weather

## Milford sound

Milford Sound is a fjord located in the southwest of the South Island and is part of the Fiordland National Park. It is a piece of beautiful nature, a pearl in the crown of the beauties of this country. Visitors to the fjord can admire the bays, waterfalls, cliffs and the pointed peak of Miter Peak, rising directly from the water. Locals recommend buying a boat because the views from it are beautiful and breathtaking.

Fiordland National Park is the largest national park in New Zealand. Everything in it is green - forests, mosses, ferns, and even the water in the lakes. The local center is the town of Te Anau, where the tourist center can get a lot of information about treks that lead through deep forests and mountain slopes.

## Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is located at the northern tip of the North Island. It is an area where there are beautiful beaches full of sunshine and warm dunes. Travelers are offered a wonderful relaxation - they can float on the waves, watch the waves, take and bring surfers back, and how they can create interesting shapes in the sand. Another option is to explore the whole area, there are, for example, the cities of Russell and Paihia. And because it is a bay of islands, tourists can board a selected boat and visit an island.

## In the footsteps of the Lord of the Rings

If you want to follow in the footsteps of Lord of the Rings filming, you should travel almost all of New Zealand, a landscape that the filmmakers have transformed into Middle-earth. The selected localities were completed with the help of technicians and make-up artists so that the landscape corresponded to the scenario. And where was it filmed? Of course, there were a lot of scenes in The Hobbiton, another in the Tongariro National Park, another by the lakes and mountains of the South Island. And the magic of the landscape is used everywhere, with scenery where the water level, steep mountains and meadows stand out.

## Hobitin

From a sheep farm in the middle of the North Island, between Hamilton and Tauranga, about 100 km north of Rotorua, the filmmakers created a magnet for many admirers of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Visitors can be drawn directly into the story and find themselves in the scenery of the film Middle-earth. They will choose from a range of tours and walk through attractive places that they remember from movies. These include, for example, the hobbit burrow, At the Green Dragonpub and the whole landscape with picturesque views. During the tour, the guides tell you about the events from the shooting. And in the evening, when it gets dark, the tours are much more interesting and the visitors are much closer to the atmosphere they have only seen on the movie screen so far.

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There is great interest in Hobbiton, the venue is often very crowded. Therefore, it is recommended to book a tour in advance.

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## White Island

White Island is an island with an active volcano, which lies opposite the Bay of Plenty. In 2019, the volcano was raging, in January 2020, smoke could be seen coming out of its esophagus. Boat trips to the island are organized, and those interested can also book a sightseeing flight.

Visitors to the island get helmets and walk through the crater with a guide. They can see steaming vents full of steam, hot volcanic springs and bubbling mud levels. All around you see sulfur, which turns everything yellow and orange.

## NP Tongariro

The national park is one of the most visited locations on the North Island. The main attraction is the volcanoes, the highest of which is Mt. Ruapehu / Tahurangi (2,797 m above sea level). Next to it, you can see the massive crater of Ngauruhoe volcano and of course Mt. Tongariro. Accordingly, the popular trek Tongariro Alpine Crossing, 20 km long, is also named. It is recommended to all those who are just a little physically fit to cross the volcanic peak with an elevation gain of about 1200 meters. It starts from the Mangatepopo car park, which is located east of Pukekaikiore. However, you can only park there for a maximum of 4 hours, so those interested in the trek are brought here by taxis from individual hotels and towns that are in the vicinity. It is, therefore, optimal to book in advance not only the arrival at the beginning, but also the transport from the last one, from which tourists will not otherwise get. Visitors will first climb the slopes of Ngauruhoe and then travel along the plateau across the Red Crater to two sulfur lakes. And then just keep going down the serpentines. Between low bushes and often in the sun, the views are great, but the way down is almost more tiring than the challenging climb. Because it is a popular route, it often falls in crowds, both up and down. Nobody buys anything along the way, but there are plenty of mobile toilets. If you don't want to go, you can book a flight over the whole area. And if you have more time, you can try the 6-day Round the Mountain trekking, which runs around Mount Ruapehu.

## Taranaki Volcano

Taranaki is a beautiful, solitary volcano with a regular cone, 2518 meters high, which dominates the western tip of the North Island. In good weather it can be seen not only from the coast, but also from distant places. It is also one of the most visited mountains in New Zealand. With the beauty of the mountain and the possibility that from the top you will see the island in the palm of your hand, because the ascent to the top can be managed in one day. Another attribute of the place is the fact that the mountain is sacred to the Maori, their chieftains were buried here.

The top of the volcano can be reached from several sides, but only one path is accessible for tourists. Those interested in climbing are advised to wear warm and waterproof clothing, as there are ice and frost upstairs. The peak is snowy all year round, respectively. is covered with ice. The mountain is one of the places where it rains the most in New Zealand. Tour participants also have to anticipate sudden changes in the weather, which may force them to return to base. The mountain is the center of Egmont National Park.

## Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is located in Golden Bay in the north of the South Island. Unlike other NPs, tourists do not face any large elevations, the paths lead along the undulating plain along the beautiful coast. What can be seen here? Long sandy beaches, astounding blue sea and the original bush. If the passenger chooses one of the offered treks, he or she can choose between different options - just walk, take a taxi and return on foot along the coast or use only the waterway. Those interested are also offered kayaking or sailing. The whole walking route is 51 km long. It leads along wooden sidewalks, groomed paths along the coast or. along some bays. Visitors can admire beautiful views of the beaches and bays. In some places of the trek there are stops, where the road to the mountain is developed and it is possible to walk along the marked path through the rich vegetation and relax to the sounds of local birds and insects. And what to watch out for? Especially at high tide, some sections of the route are flooded during high tide and passengers have to wait for low tide or wade through the water.

## Lake Tekapo

Tekapo is a glacial lake that lies on the South Island, about 100 km to the south of Christchurch. Its area is 87 km2, the water level is 713 m. The lake is fed by several rivers, the largest tributary is from the Godley River, which originates in the Southern Alps. The water in the lake is turquoise, when viewed from the north, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps behind it, which attracts photographers to immortalize the view of the water and the mountains. Especially when they mix the surrounding meadows, which are full of flowers. In the south of the lake is the town of Lake Tekapo.

## Arthur´s Pass National Park

Arthur's Pass National Park is located in the middle of the South Island. In its center is the village of the same name. The park is a popular destination for tourists, who are attracted to guided roads by trees in the valleys and along the slopes of mountain peaks. They reach a height of 2000 m. However, you can only stop here, park your vehicle on the way from Christchurch to Greymouth and walk on the sidewalks, perceive and absorb the atmosphere of unspoiled nature with all your senses. The NP is very large, so most visitors will see only a small part of it. And who then continues to the Tasman Sea in the west, can stop at Lake Brunner.

## Auckland

Auckland is located on the North Island and is the largest city in New Zealand. Over 1.6 million people live in the entire agglomeration. Many say it is a large village running by highways. This is because the vast majority of buildings are low, the country is not building many high houses due to volcanoes and earthquakes. The tallest building in Auckland is the Sky Tower, which dominates the city. And any other attraction? Visitors are advised to visit the port of Queens Wharf, walk along the main street of Queen Street, visit the fish market, walk to the highest local volcano Mt. Eden, where a green 50-meter-deep crater drips. You can also go to the coast and go swimming. Locals recommend Mission Bay in the northern part of the city or Takapuna Beach, which can be found opposite Rangitoto Island.

Auckland is not only a modern economic center, it is also a city of schools and universities. In addition to the locals, a large number of foreigners, mostly Chinese, study here.

## Coromandel

Coromandel is a peninsula located on the northeastern tip of the North Island. The national park of the same name covers most of the peninsula. There are many attractions that attract visitors from all over the world. Why is it? The peninsula is very mountainous, reaching its peak means going through hundreds of serpentines up and down. The reward, however, is beautiful original nature, beautiful rocky shores and views of the blue sea.

Tourists come here to visit Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach and other natural features. However, the amazing atmosphere of the towns of Coromandel and Whitianga awaits them.

Cathedral Cove is a rock that resembles a gate. Here you enter a beautiful beach, which is bordered by a high steep rock and from which there is a view of the calm sea, in which there are many small islands, rather rocks that break the waves of the ocean, so when you enter the water, the ripples just sway you so easily. Cathedral Cove can be reached on foot from Hahei Beach car park or by boat.

Hot Water Beach is a beach on the shores of the peninsula, but it also offers the opportunity to warm your body in hot water, even if it is cold outside. There are hot springs under the beach, so after low tide, visitors dig wide pools in the sand, which will soon be filled with warm water. Warm thermal water springs from below, it is often too hot. Therefore, it is good to cool it with seawater.

At first glance, the town of Coromandel is reminiscent of a typical town in the American West, where a sheriff rules and a horde of cowboys soon pass. It's Whitiang, it's something else. Solid modern town with beautiful villas, which is separated from the city beach by a palm row. There are many shops and a large shopping center. In the city you will meet a lot of foreigners, whom you will recognize immediately, because, unlike the locals, they normally wear shoes. Locals most often go here barefoot or in rubber boots.

## Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a larger coastal village located on the east coast of the South Island. It is spread under majestic mountains, reaching almost 3000 m. The biggest attraction is the trek around the peninsula - Kaikoura Coast Track. In about 12 km, visitors walk along the seashore, climb steep cliffs and continue along the plateau, everywhere they can observe the blue sky, the surf and flocks of seagulls. On the rocks in the sea, it is possible to see seals, as in one of the few places on earth you can watch whales very close to the mainland. Those interested can pay for a boat trip, which guarantees a meeting with dolphins and whales. If you are unlucky and do not meet any of them, the organizer will refund the amounts paid to the visitors.

## Taupo

Taupo is the name of a lake that lies about 50 km to the north of the volcanoes Tahurangi and Tongariro, the North Island. The lake was created 26,000 years ago by a supervolcano, on the top of which a caldera filled with water was created. It is the largest lake in New Zealand, with an area of 616 km2. There are beautiful sandy beaches and many species of water birds live here. The sand on the beaches is white and there are a lot of white smooth stones everywhere. But when you throw them into the lake, you will find that the stone floats - it is pumice, which is light and originated here during volcanic activity.

The lake area is a frequent tourist destination. And not only because of the lake and swimming, but there are also other attractions, such as the most beautiful wild water in the country - Huka Falls and Crater of Moon, which is an active geometric area, the largest in the country. For a small fee, visitors can watch a mixture of steam and hot mud being ejected into the air. The ground is smoked everywhere. The circuit route will take them about an hour.

## Rotorua

The city of Rotorua lies on the shores of the lake of the same name, which was formed as a result of volcanic eruptions. It is the largest city in the region, has its own airport, large shopping malls, beautiful parks and museums, but it is mainly a spa. Spa is designed to improve the musculoskeletal system, relax muscles and relieve pain. The city lies in an area that is the center of the volcanic area. There are many pools, whose thermal water has a temperature between 33 and 43 ° C. Steam rises from the ground and mud bubbles in the ponds everywhere. Geothermal manifestations can be observed in almost every place in the city.

The largest spa is located in the Government Gardens, which lies between the city center and the lakeshore. Their dominant feature is the Tudor Tower building in which the Museum of Art and History is located.

The city also has a Forest - 5,500 hectares of forest, 6 hectares are planted with gigantic redwoods, which were imported here in the 20th century. Visitors can walk here and admire both the forest and the individual trees. There are also Maori villages and performances of Maori culture.

The city not only offers walks and shopping, but there are various outdoor activities available, including rafting, skyline under the cable car, zipline on the local track, bike park and finally you can walk the trail in the treetops. 30 km from the city are lakes Titikapu and Rotokakahi - blue and green lake. Titikapu is beautifully blue, there is a large camp on its shore and you can swim in it.

## The most beautiful beaches of New Zealand

### 90 Mile Beach

This beach is the world's most famous beach in New Zealand. The beach is known mainly for its length and is a destination for surfers. It is located on the very northern tip of the North Island. The southern end of the beach is near the Reef Point promontory, which lies near the town of Kaitaia. The beach is narrow and very long, lined with dunes, behind which there is only a bush. The northern end of the beach is formed by Cape Reinga. This is where everything ends, there is only the ocean.

### Tunnel Beach

Tunnel Beach is a beach located in the southwest of the center of Dunedin. It is sought after for its appearance: it has sea-carved sandstone cliffs and rock arches. It has its name because it can be reached through a tunnel. Visitors can reach the tunnel and the beach from Blackhead Road and then the Tunnel Beach Track. Although the beach is beautiful and photogenic, it is not very suitable for swimming. In the warmest months, the average temperature in Dunedin is around 15 degrees, so even though it is very hot during the day, the water in the sea does not heat up much.

### Piha Beach

Piha Beach is located on the west coast about 40 km west of Auckland. The sand here is black - due to its volcanic origin - and Lion Rock divides it into two parts. The beach is especially popular with surfers. The reason is high waves, in which it is almost impossible to swim, just jump or ride a surf. Therefore, it is also quite dangerous and the Coast Guard stands and controls bathers on both parts of the long beach. It always has marked places where it is possible to enter the water. As for bathers elsewhere, they wave and whistle at him. They do this to prevent them from being drawn into the lower vortices, which would not allow them to climb out of the water and pull them into the depths. Visitors to the beach do not swim much, but they can warm themselves by lying on the hot sand. Because of this, it is not possible to get to the beach without shoes, the hot sand will allow the barefoot to take them a few steps only. There are shorter treks around the village of Piha, which take tourists to the surrounding views and to the extending mountain, which stretches far inland. You can also conquer Lion Rock, where the totem is located.

### Wharariki Beach

Wharariki Beach is a sandy beach on the northernmost tip of the South Island. Visitors will find it in the west of Cape Farewell. At the back of the beach are white sand dunes, otherwise everywhere only sand surrounded by rocks. And at low tide, the water creates a reflective surface on the sand, where you can see the silhouettes of rocks rising from the sea. Someone calls them rocks, officially the Archway Islands.

In addition to swimming, long walks and exploration of rocks and caves can be taken. The rocks have picturesque shapes, one looks like an elephant lost at sea, the other gives the impression that it is an unfinished stone envelope of a large temple. At low tide, small pools remain in the sand, and many visitors are fortunate to see seal pups playing together while adults rest nearby.

### Moeraki Boulders Beach

Koekohe Beach is located on the east coast of the South Island, about 40 km to the north of Dunedin. It is a "normal" sandy beach, which differs from others in that it is scattered by groups of huge round stones (Moeraki Boulders). The stones - rather boulders - are up to two meters wide and weigh several tons. There is a path around them and because it is a big attraction, there are always a lot of people interested in taking pictures of them.

### Papamoa Beach

From Tauranga approximately 10 km to the east in Plenty Bay, the beaches of Papamoa are not attractive from a tourist point of view. But this is a very big mistake! There is one beautiful beach after another in the whole bay. There is beautiful fine yellow sand everywhere, the beaches are clean, not very wide and there is no rush on any of them. The sea is refreshing, the water temperature in the summer months is optimal. The waves are not too high, so you can swim well in the sea, go boating or just play with the children. Many beaches are next to campsites and hotels. The author of these lines was most interested in the beach in Papamoa. It is next to the Papamoa Holiday campsite and is separated from the residential houses by a high slope and a meadow. Just drive to the parking lot above the beach, go down a few steps and visitors are right by the water.

## The highest mountain in New Zealand

Mount Cook resp. Aoraki is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It is 3724 m high and lies in the Southern Alps in the middle of the South Island. In its vicinity are the Tasmanian and Hooker glaciers, it lies in the National Park of the same name, where there are more than 100 other peaks, higher than 2,000 meters, and many glaciers that cover the NP of 40%.

Guide to New Zealand

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