Size: 268,704 sq km (104,720 sq miles). This is about the same size as Colorado and slightly larger than Great Britain. The two largest islands are the North Island at 114,453 sq km (44,603 sq miles) and the South Island at 150,718 sq km (58,737 sq miles).

Population: 4.2 million

People: European 76%, Maori 15%, Pacific Islanders 5%, Asian 4%

Official Languages: English, Maori.

Immigration: A passport is required to be carried by all visitors, and it must be valid for at least three months from the date you depart New Zealand. Residents from more than 50 countries are not currently required to apply for a visa for stays of less than three months. Should you be unsure as to whether you are required to have a Visitor's Visa please click here. You must also have a return or onward ticket (to a country you are eligible to enter).

Vaccinations: None required.

Electricity: 240V/ 50Hz (110V outlets for shavers available in most hotels)

Time difference: GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) +12. An additional +1 for Daylight Saving applies from the first Sunday of October until the third Sunday of March of the following year.

Money: New Zealand Dollar (NZD). For current conversion rates click here. Banks are open from 9:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday. Some banks in major centres are open Saturday morning. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are located outside most banks, in airport terminals, major shopping districts and malls. Cash withdrawals at ATM's are possible using credit cards and ATM cards that have been encoded with a 4-digit PIN (see your bank for this). Travellers cheques and major credit cards are accepted by most retailers and restaurants.

Shopping: Most shops and malls are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. In larger towns and cities hours are often extended and may include late night shopping to 9pm. Saturday and Sunday opening is quite common.

Tax: Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 12.5% is included in all prices. This tax cannot be claimed back when leaving New Zealand, however any purchases sent from a supplier to a visitor's home address overseas are exempt from GST.

Tipping: The practice of tipping is not obligatory, even in hotels and restaurants. However, it is at the discretion of the visitor to tip for excellent service.

National Holidays (2007 dates):
New Year's Day - January 1
New Year's Holiday - January 2
Waitangi (N.Z.) Day - February 6
Good Friday - April 6
Easter Monday - April 9
Anzac Day - April 25
Queen's Birthday - June 4
Labour Day - October 22
Christmas Day - December 25
Boxing Day - December 26