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In New Zealand, The Tanoa Hotel Group has three hotels - Tanoa Paihia Hotel, Russell Cottages, both in the Bay of Islands, and Tanoa Aspen Hotel in Queenstown.
Geography
Lying in the south-west Pacific, New Zealand consists of two main islands - the North Island and the South Island.
The North Island has mountain ranges running through the middle, with gentle rolling farmland on both sides. The central North Island is dominated by the Volcanic Plateau, an active volcanic and thermal area with Lake Taupo in the middle.
The massive Southern Alps form the backbone of the South Island. To the east of the Southern Alps is the rolling farmland of Otago and Southland, and the vast, flat Canterbury Plains.
Climate
The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August.
In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC.
While these temperatures are the norm, the weather in New Zealand can change unexpectedly as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in. Because of this, you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature, particularly if you’re going hiking or doing other outdoor activities.
Population
New Zealand is an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. It has a diverse multi-cultural population of more than 4 million, the majority are of British descent. New Zealand's indigenous Maori make up around 14 percent of the population.
Religion
More than half the population affiliate with a Christian religion, of which Anglican, Catholic and Presbyterian are the largest denominations. The largest non-Christian religions are Buddhist, Hindu, Islam/Muslim, and Spiritualism and New Age religions.
Electricity
Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option.
Transport
New Zealand offers a great selection of quality private and public transport options to help make your travel easier. Travel and transport options include bus transport and bus passes, air charters, car hire, train transport, luxury limousine hire and much more.
Medical Services
With a little care and common sense, your visit to New Zealand should be accident-free. If you are injured here, you may need the help of the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) - New Zealand's accident compensation scheme.
You still need to purchase your own travel and medical insurance because ACC does not cover everything. ACC only covers treatment and rehabilitation in New Zealand, and usually you must pay part of the cost yourself.
We strongly advise you to arrange your own health insurance. New Zealand's public and private medical/hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and service but it is important to note these services are not free to visitors, except as a result of an accident.
Telecommunications
Most public call-phones take cards purchased from bookstalls and newsagents, with a minimum value of NZ$2. Some public call-phones also accept credit cards, but very few accept coins.
New Zealand phone numbers appear online in the White Pages (alphabetical listings) and Yellow Pages (business category listings).
Check with your mobile phone company before leaving home about international mobile roaming facilities available in New Zealand.
Postal Services
New Zealand Post is responsible for mail services and offers direct mailing, priority mail, philatelic and courier services. International courier services also have their offices in New Zealand.
Sports
New Zealand's most popular sport is rugby union, the national sport. Other popular sports include cricket, rugby league, soccer and netball (the top ranking female sport by participation), golf, tennis, rowing and a variety of water sports, particularly sailing. Snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding are also popular. Equestrian sports are highly popular especially with women.
Banking
The major banks represented in New Zealand are: Bank of New Zealand, the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ Ltd), The National Bank, Westpac Banking Corporation and ASB Bank. Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded.
Currency
New Zealand's unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$). Coins have values of 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; notes have values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out of New Zealand. However, every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete a Border Cash Report.
Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres.
Tipping
Tipping is not widely practiced in New Zealand. You may do so at your own discretion.
Please click here for more information on your New Zealand hotel accommodation options with the Tanoa Group.
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