People who have moved to New Zealand profess two things—amazing weather and virgin nature.

The weather seems to be always just right with more sunshine than rainy days. It is also known for its picturesque sceneries depicted in movies such as “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit.”

Big cities are far from being crowded with a density ratio of 18 people per square kilometer. The people that you do bump into will generally be warm with a positive outlook.

Here are the popular New Zealand holidays:

• New Year’s Day: 1^stJanuary
• The day after New Year’s Day: 2^ndJanuary
• Waitangi Day: 6^thFebruary
• Good Friday: the Friday before Easter Sunday
• Easter Monday: the day after Easter Sunday
• ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corp) Day: 25^thApril
• Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday: 3^rdJune
• Labor Day: 28^thOctober
• Christmas Day: 25^thDecember
• Boxing Day: 26^thDecember

For a list of the embassies in New Zealand click here: complete list of embassies and consulates in New Zealand.

list of embassies and their addresses

USA
Embassy of the United States of America, 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon 6011, Wellington
Consulate-General of the United States of America, Level 3, Citibank Centre, 23 Customs Street East, cnr Commerce Street, Auckland 1010

Canada
High Commission of Canada, Level 11, 125 The Terrace, Wellington 6011
Consulate and Trade Office of Canada, 9th Floor, 48 Emily Place, Auckland 1010

Australia
Australian High Commission, 72-76 Hobson Street, Thorndon 6011, Wellington
Australian Consulate-General, Level 7, PricewaterhouseCoopers Tower, 188 Quay Street, Auckland 1010

Germany
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, 90-92 Hobson St, Wellington 6011
Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany, Level 13, PWC Tower, 188 Quay Street, Auckland 1010

Here are the six international airports in New Zealand

– Auckland Airport
– Christchurch Airport
– Dunedin Airport
– Queenstown Airport
– Rotorua Airport
– Wellington Airport

New Zealanders call themselves Kiwis- a flightless bird that is the country’s national symbol. They are considered a very warm and open people, and often find it hard to directly refuse or say no.

In the same way, someone saying “yes” to a party invitation is not a guarantee that they will be present, so don’t take it personally. While considered to be sociable, they may be conscious about their personal space, so don’t stay too close. Oh, and walk on the left side of the road, in true Kiwi fashion.

Meeting a New Zealander for the first time

– A handshake and a smile
– Smiling even before you talk to them
– Use of titles and surnames which will soon give way to your first name

Food is also a very important part of relating socially. There are many barbeques or hāngis. Hangis is a traditionally Maori meal cooked in an earth oven. Do ensure to bring a small gift for the hostess if you are invited to dinner, even if the host says it isn’t necessary.

Kiwi’s dine the continental way, so ensure that you put away your fork and knife beside each other on the right side of your plate when you are done.

Maori culture still heavily influences much of New Zealand culture.

Do refer to the list below for just a few of them:
– A prayer called the Karakia is said before meals
– Shoes are taken off when you are indoors
– Do not sit on tables or pillows
– A kiss may be used to greet you
– A Māori may sing traditional songs while delivering a speech

If you want to know what it’s like to drive in Kiwi land, then imagine this- good roads, long-distance highways and amazing views. In fact, driving is much more popular than taking public transport.

Rules and Regulations when you drive in New Zealand

– The minimum driving age in New Zealand is 16, which is when you are given a learner license.
– The minimum age for obtaining a full license is 18.
– Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
– The speed limit is 100 km/h (62 mph).
– The legal drinking limit is 50mg per 100ml of blood.
– Not all railway crossings have active warnings.
– Seatbelts are compulsory in all seats, for all vehicles.
– Using your phone while driving is prohibited.
– Roads can be narrower than what you may be used to—some two-lane streets may not even accommodate two vehicles coming from opposite directions.

You can only use your foreign license for a year upon your arrival and will need to apply for a New Zealand driver’s license to be allowed to drive.

Can You Exchange Your Foreign Driver’s License for a New Zealand License?

Yes, if you have a driver’s license from any of the following countries:
– Australia
– Austria
– Belgium
– Canada
– Denmark
– Finland
– France
– Germany
– Greece
– Hong Kong
– Ireland
– Italy
– Japan
– Luxembourg
– Netherlands
– Norway
– Portugal
– South Africa
– South Korea
– Spain
– Sweden
– Switzerland
– United Kingdom
– United States of America

You will need the following documents to convert your license:
– proof of your identity
– your foreign driver’s license (and a translation if it is not in English);
– the application form for the conversion of an overseas license;
– proof that your eyesight meets the required standard;
– a signature and a photograph taken at the time of the appointment;
– pay the application fee of 10 NZD (6 USD);
– a medical certificate in case you have a medical condition that needs to be declared.

Car Rentals

You have to make sure that you have an official license. Make sure to bring your rental agreement with you in case you need to show it to the authorities.

Here’s a list of reputable car rental companies:
– New Zealand Rent a Car;
– Avis;
– Budget;
– East Coast Car Rentals;
– Europcar;
– Hertz;

Public Transportation in New Zealand

Cars are more popular than public transport in New Zealand as the national railway system is considered slow and expensive, but there are a few other options if you don’t want to purchase your own set of wheels just yet.

Buses are the most popular mode of transport in New Zealand with fares between 1 and 3 NZD (0.70 and 2 USD.

Commuting is easy with taxis throughout the country via popular apps such as Uber, Green Cabs or iHail. The two domestic airlines are Air New Zealand and Jetstar, with flights practically every hour.

Trains are not a popular transportation choice for New Zealanders and a roundtrip train ticket starts at 49 NZD (30 USD). The three train lines that run through the country is run by KiwiRail.

Other trains are:
– Auckland to Wellington (Northern Explorer)
– Picton to Christchurch (Coastal Pacific)
– Christchurch to the West Coast (TranzAlpine)