| New Zealand ((in)New Zealand, (mid) Aotearoa) | |
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| Fiordland National Park seen from the village of Milford Sound | |
| Flag | |
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| Information | |
| Capital city | Wellington |
|---|---|
| Area | 270 000 km² |
| Population | 4 400 000 hab. (2010) |
| Density | 16,3 inhab./km² |
| Nice | New Zealander |
| Ocean | Peaceful |
| Minimum altitude | 0 m |
| Maximum altitude | 3 724 m (Mount Cook) |
| Form of State | parliamentary monarchy |
| Official languages | English (de facto), Māori, New Zealand Sign Language |
| Cash | New Zealand dollar (NZD) |
| Electricity | 230 V/50 HzAustralian plug |
| Telephone prefix | 64 |
| Internet suffix | .nz |
| Flow direction | Drive to the left |
| Spindle | UTC 12 |
| Location | |
 41 ° 12 ′ 0 ″ S 174 ° 0 ′ 0 ″ E | |
| Government site | |
| Touristic site | |
The New Zealand is a country ofOceania formed of two main islands. Located at the antipodes of Western Europe, New Zealand is an island with an oceanic climate. Mount Cook with 3 764 m is the highest peak in the heart of a gigantic national park.
Understand
Geography
Seen from the antipodes, New Zealand appears to be made up of two islands. In reality, it has many more: the coastal islands, first of all, some of which are inhabited, then the southern islands, which are important research centers, and finally the Chatham Islands and Stewart. If you will probably never visit theChatham Island, located far east of the main islands in the archipelago of the same name, thestewart island, on the other hand, is easily accessible and unfairly ignored. Yet it is here that you will have an opportunity to see kiwi fruit in freedom since those of Stewart are active day and night.
The North Island, also called a smoking island, is distinguished by its geothermal activity. The volcanoes of Tongariro National Park and Egmont National Park are renowned hiking centers. It is also on the North Island that we find thermal water centers, the best known of which is RotoruaRotorua is also an important Maori cultural and spiritual center, although a bit overdone. Those interested in Maori culture will also go to Auckland and along the Wanganui River. Evil tongues claim that to meet Maori culture, it is better to go to South Auckland, known from the movie "Once were warriors". While it is true that the Maori have often been ostracized and relegated to the distant suburbs of Auckland, you will still encounter a few rural communities throughout your trip.The North Island is also the most populous with three Neo Zealander out of four live there. More urban, more developed, the North Island has lost much of its natural heritage. However, there are still some beautiful forests in the Northland, in the Coromandel, in the Waikato, as well as in the east.
The South Island, wilder, is called Jade Island: the Maoris came there to draw the jade which they use for their tikis. This island is home to the most beautiful national parks in the country. On the western part of the island, colonization having been later, the forests have kept their secrets and you will discover the most emblematic species of the country.
Weather
Story
Population
First discovered in the 12the century by the Polynesian ancestors of the Maoris, New Zealand was then colonized by the British crown. Today its population is mainly made up of migrants or descendants of European migrants, called "Pakehas" in Maori. Added to this is a strong migratory flow from other Pacific islands, such as Fiji or Samoa. New Zealand is also a land of immigration for people from Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, etc. Known as the Kiwis, New Zealanders have a reputation as a people concerned with preserve its natural heritage damaged by successive waves of human immigration.
Holidays and public holidays
Tourism
Like any good country emerging on the international tourist scene, New Zealand tries to offer a quality offer, but unfortunately not always very diversified and it is perhaps not worse thus. New Zealanders seem to have been very much inspired by what seems to work best elsewhere, namely the European tourism model. The best asset of this country remains its landscapes and unspoiled nature thanks to its low population density. Sporting leisure is of great importance and mechanical sports such as a powerful speedboat capable of climbing from 0 to 100 km / h, offers crazy sensations for many. Playing James Bond in the middle of a magnificent stream always seems to be successful. The helicopter or plane overflights of the various reliefs of the country (Mount Cook, Franz Josef glaciers and Fox Glacier) are also "strong points" of New Zealand. Bungee jumping (especially from Auckland Tower) is another thrill seeker. All this helps to give this country a young and dynamic image.
Regions
.png/375px-NZ_regions_(fr).png) New Zealand Map |
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North Island - Warm climate, landscapes ranging from sandy beaches and agricultural hills to forests and volcanic mountains with geothermal hot springs. |  |
South Island - Spectacular mountains and fjords, beech forests, beaches, glaciers, biker paradise. |  |
Remote islands - The other wild and isolated islands of New Zealand, from neighboring and accessible Stewart Island to the windswept sub-Antarctic islands and the remote uninhabited Kermadec Islands. |  |
Cities
- 1 Wellington – Political, administrative and cultural capital of New Zealand.
- 2 Auckland – New Zealand's largest and most populous city.
- 3 Christchurch – Nicknamed the "garden city", the city had one of the oldest architectural heritage in the country.
- 4 Dunedin – University city par excellence,Edinburgh South attracts tourists with its Scottish heritage and especially its architecture. It is also the steepest street in the world. The people here speak with a very strong Scottish accent and are very proud of their ancestry which gave the provincial rugby team its name: the Highlanders. From an architectural point of view, the city does not have the same charms as Christchurch. You will still find an astonishing octagonal square and an old train station. The city's museums are also worth a look, especially the provincial museum and museum of modern art. University and working class city, Dunedin is also a bustling city. Pubs are another draw of the city.
- 5 Hamilton
- 6 Napier – The "arts-deco capital" of New Zealand, also famous for its vineyards
- 7 Nelson – Nestled between sea and mountains, the small provincial town of Nelson, in the North of the South Island, is a city where life is good. Many artists and artisans have established residences there, attracted by the beauty of its landscapes, its exceptional sunshine, its vineyards and olive groves. It is an ideal destination for the tourist in search of culture. The workshops and galleries are happy to welcome visitors. A new form of tourism was born there: "creative tourism" which offers visitors the opportunity to spend a day or two with a Nelsonian artist or craftsman to learn the scraps of his art or his technique.
- 8 Queenstown – the capital of adrenaline and extreme sports
Other destinations
- See as well: World Heritage in New Zealand
- Wapouha forest. Located north of Dargaville, this forest is made up of many giant ferns as well as 3/4 kauris (Agathis australis) still alive in New Zealand. You can see the oldest (around 2000 years old) and the biggest (16m in circumference and over 4m wide) by following the marked trails. Possibility of accommodation (camping, bungalow) in the forest.
- Puketi Forest located near Bay of Island. DOC campsite, hiking trails 1 h to 2 days. Many birds: tuis (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae)kiwi fruit (Apteryx)rhipidures (Rhipidura) and ... some kauris.
- 1 Bay of Islands (Bay of island) – Very touristy place where it is possible to bathe in transparent water, visit the islands among the 144 that make up the bay, go out by boat or sailboat, see and swim with dolphins. Accommodation and camping mainly in Russell and Pahiha. To the side of Pahiha, is located Waitangi, the place where the treaty between England and the Maori chiefs to XIXe century. You can visit the house and the garden. the is a public holiday in honor of the day of the signing. Waitangi has a big free party all day long.
- 2 Arthur's Pass National Park – There are only three roads or pass that connect the east coast to the west coast. The first is the Lewis Pass. Less known thanArthur pass, the Lewis nevertheless has many strengths to showcase. The first is that this road is less traveled, less alpine, which can be a serious advantage in bad weather, and especially more forest. Many French-speaking tourists are a little taken aback when they first approach the New Zealand forest. A humid, dense, sometimes even impenetrable forest, it does not immediately invite discovery. Under the effect of tree ferns and supplejack trees(Ventilago viminalis), trees made up of lianas which wrap around neighboring branches and create clusters of plants, the forest becomes dark and the essences indistinct. You have to let yourself be tamed by the forest and the animals that inhabit it. wekas (Gallirallus australis) and other rhipidures will not be long in coming into contact. You will also discover trees like there are only in New Zealand and when names like stirred, kakatea Where failed will have become familiar to you, you will have discovered the good that New Zealanders hold dear. For these names to have a future, they have put under protection a third of the territory and spend millions of dollars each year to preserve them from invasive species. The real star of these mountains is the kea (Nestor notabilis), which can be seen in many places along the route and on the hiking trails. The kea is not strictly speaking an endangered species, although it was once threatened at Arthur Pass due to the damage it caused. In the 1990s, New Zealanders became aware of the threat that weighed, and still hangs over, their endemic species. The country is clearly in favor of the conservation of kea and since then the birds have prospered, thus creating tourist added value.
- 3 Te Wāhipounamu –
The site is registered at World Heritage natural. It encompasses Westland and Mount Cook National Park and Fjordland National Park, located in the southwest of New Zealand. This site offers a landscape shaped by successive glaciations, rocky coasts, fjords and lakes. Two-thirds of its area is covered with southern beech and coniferous forests, some of which are over 800 years old.- 4 Fiordland National Park – Fiordland is rightly considered the jewel of New Zealand. A huge, unique territory. If it were necessary to use the superlatives which characterize it, the list would be immense. Consider: 700 unique plant species, which you will not find anywhere else on the globe, an extremely rich fauna (including the giant kakapo (Strigops habroptila)), breathtaking landscapes and hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails in the middle of totally unspoiled nature.
- 5 Paparoa National Park – Welcome to the heart of the West Coast. Here it is the mountain, the Paparoa Range, and the sea united. There are vast deserted beaches, seal refuges, and waters where you can swim with dolphins. As for accommodation, you will find several types of accommodation. Refuge for idealists, the West Coast was the site of some architectural experiments. Some have been designed to welcome the public, such as the Beaconstone, a fully autonomous Backpackers with solar energy, water collector and even dry toilets. A unique experience.
- 6 Kahurangi National Park – Far from the main tourist routes, Oparara Basin, an area of Kahurangi National Park, is unfairly neglected. It is, however, a place both preserved from human activity and very accessible. Accommodation in Karamea, of quality and inexpensive, makes it possible to approach this exceptional place: red river on white sand, virgin temperate forest, spectacular natural arches, caves, endemism, etc. The detour to get there is significant but devote 2 days to visit this place, exceptional and still untouched by the tide of tourists that we meet along the national road no 6, is amply justified.
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Christchurch and the Banks Peninsula
Banks Peninsula is a very old French colony. This influence is still felt in Akaroa, which is arguably the only city in New Zealand built around its harbor. While the other towns are generally built inland, Akaroa offers a wide seafront where stalls sell fresh fish & Chips and pubs offer outdoor seating. In short, a little taste of the Mediterranean.
If the forest has retreated here, Banks Peninsula offers other interests. Dolphins and other cetaceans swim in its waters, while the bare sides of its hills offer beautiful views of the coast and the bays of the peninsula.
The other point of interest for Banks is Lebon's Bay. There you will find a backpacker who has an excellent reputation. The owner offers a large meal each evening to which all are invited. A good way to meet other backpackers.
The New Zealand forest is, in the opinion of FAO specialists, one of the most beautiful in the world. A true jewel of the antipodes, it is today threatened by new animal and plant species that the colonists imported to find there the landscapes they had left here. Tourism poses a similar threat to New Zealand's cultural heritage. Beyond the quarrels of churches between supporters of ecotourism, solidarity tourism or others, this article simply wants to offer a different perspective on New Zealand and invite you to discover the margins of postcards.
To go
Formalities
Tourist and business trips of less than three months do not require a visa. You must be in possession of a return ticket and a passport valid for three months after the end of your stay.
- Immigration New Zealand – Information in English
By plane
Direct flights from France to New Zealand are non-existent, you need at least one stopover.
On a boat
Contrary to popular belief, there is no ferry service (at least regular ...) to connect theAustralia to New Zealand.
This is particularly due to the fact that the distances are immense for such a crossing.
Cargo connections are still possible if you are a fan of long sea routes, sometimes an opportunity to take stock of yourself for example.
If you really want to bring your own vehicle (for backpackers from the end of the world ...) it will be necessary to contact a shipping company carrying containers by cargo, which vehicles are generally stored there. Routing times and exorbitant prices can be discouraging, however, if you only want to spend a certain amount of time in the territory.
It is essential to carry out careful checks (in writing ...) concerning the condition of your vehicle before it is boxed, the handling of containers and the effect of the tide can cause some inconvenience to your dear mount. As much to prevent that some vehicles have had the bad luck to arrive ... unusable!
The administrative aspect comes down to customs duties according to certain parameters and the presentation of the customs pass, necessary to accept the vehicle before it is circulated on these islands. Quarantine will also be required, interior cleaning by suction and exterior by fumigation (we're not kidding ...). Do not forget to subscribe to the local insurance even if it is not compulsory.
Circulate
By plane
Domestic flights from Dunedin, Christchurch to Auckland.
The arrival of a new low-cost airline shakes up Air New Zeland's monopoly. Pacific Blue [1] therefore now allows domestic flights to 39 NZD.
By train
the Tranzscenic will bring you from Christchurch To Greymouth, on the west coast of the South Island. You can admire the Southern Alps in complete comfort, except perhaps in the panoramic wagon: in the open air!
By bus
Some companies make the long trips across the islands.
The best known is Intercity Coach which serves cities across the country.
On a boat
A regular ferry service exists between the North Island to Wellington and the South Island to Picton insured by the company Interislander.
Crossings are possible day and night and last between 3 and 4 hours, the round trip costs between 200 and 300 NZD if you wish to embark a vehicle. It is of course possible to book any crossing with the companies, this is even recommended if you plan your trip in January when it is in the southern summer. Many services are offered on board the ships: a dining room and shops (sale of newspapers and souvenirs among others). Shows are often organized on board for children and adults alike.
THE'stewart island is served by boat between Bluff on the South Island and Halfmoon bay. Several shuttles take place every day, the crossing lasts approximately 1 h 30. One-way ticket costs 66 NZD for an adult and 33 NZD for a child aged between 5 and 14 (the trip is free for those under 5). A large car park is located at the Bluff pier; reserving a place is still recommended depending on the season.
There are also several boats that leave from the ferry building located in the heart of Auckland allowing you to visit the surrounding islands (some are really pretty to see).
By car
In New Zealand, driving takes place to the left from the roadway (the steering wheel is on the right in vehicles), priority is given to the one on the main road.
Even if it sometimes happens to find themselves alongside a fan of thrills, Kiwi drivers are nonetheless courteous on the road.
Roads and highways
There are only a few kilometers of freeway around the big cities, which always end on an ordinary road once the suburbs are crossed. Payment is made by Internet within 5 days of the passage.
The condition of the roads is generally good, however you can end up with sections of collapsed roads which remain in the condition for a long time (for example: road from Broadwood - Northland). It is therefore better to take secondary roads to avoid traffic and enjoy landscapes, often prettier when they exist. Local road maps indicate an unpaved section in the Catlins, but it has since become a motorable road with a few potholes clearly outlined in paint.
The bridges sometimes only allow the passage of a car, a sign governs the rule of priority. A true New Zealander is more likely to let you go first, just out of politeness.
Moreover, the layout of the roads is not always well thought out and sometimes goes to the most direct to cross the many hills of the country. This is not without consequences for heavy goods vehicles, a little tired vehicles or even the rare cyclists having to climb slopes of more than 10%. Many bends must be taken with caution, you can suddenly go from a long straight line to a hairpin (even on the motorway ...). This is why it is rare to be able to reach the authorized speed on the roads of the archipelago.
Legend has it that originally the goats ate the grass of the meadows, that in their tracks followed the sheep which cleared a little more brush, that then came the carts which marked out the paths.
And on these paths, the roads were built ...
In order to wring your neck out of false ideas, you should know that simply crossing one of the two islands requires a well-packed day of driving, such a performance is even a feat given the difficulty of certain routes (slopes and turns ... ) and the number of towns to cross. The ideal is therefore to provide an average of between 50 and 80 km / h, in order to obtain a more realistic estimate when preparing your stages and to avoid any race against the clock once there.
Extract from the New Zealand road network:
- State Highway 1 : is the structuring axis which serves the two main islands. Connecting Cape Reinga on the North Island to Auckland and Wellington (1 106 km...) then Picton and Christchurch to Bluff (941 km...) on the South Island, a few short motorway sections take over when approaching large cities.
- State highway 2 : quits Wellington in the direction of Napier and Tauranga, joining the road SH1 south ofAuckland. With many bends, especially towards the Tararua massif, its route totals 968 kilometers.
- State Highway 6 : starting from the south of Picton, this axis serves the west coast through many natural parks and various fjords up to Invercargill also joining the road SH1. Its length is 1162 kilometers.
- State Highway 25 : serves the Coromandel peninsula located on the North Island.
- State Highway 35 : bypasses the Raukumara massif from Napier passing near the Eastern Cape of the North Island.
- State Highway 60 : connects Nelson at Cape Farewell, its route passes near the Abel Tasman Natural Park located on the South Island.
- State Highway 92 : connects Invercargill To Balclutha via the Cathedral Caves natural site.
Gas stations and amenities
The network of service stations is well distributed across the territory, most of these infrastructures also make it possible to obtain various items necessary for any road trip: various maintenance items are available and quick consumption meals are offered for travelers in a hurry, not to mention newspapers and magazines.
The price of fuel is almost the same across the country but significantly cheaper than in Western Europe. Diesel is of course available there everywhere, but the latter remains mainly used by heavy goods vehicles and special vehicles (all-terrain, motorhomes, etc.). Most cars and all motorcycles run on "unleaded" fuel, of which two types coexist: regular unleaded and the premium unleaded.
While most points of sale remain open 24 hours a day in the city, others may even close on weekends, especially in the countryside.
Signage and regulations
The signage is sometimes similar and sometimes far from European standards, the metric system came into force on the archipelago since 1975. The work is indicated by orange signs while those indicating a permanent danger are yellow.
A solid yellow line or not means that it is forbidden to overtake.
Speed limits:
- Expressway and road: 100 km / h (reduced to 90 km / h in the event of towing a trailer and all vehicles weighing 3.5 tonnes, etc.)
- City : 50 km / h
A round sign with a border circled in red bearing the inscription "LSZ"means" Limited Speed Zone ". It is mainly located where the weather conditions are often bad, sometimes on a stretch of road in bad condition. If any of these events should occur in the presence of this sign, it is advisable to not to exceed 50 km / h as specified in the New Zealand Highway Code even if this rule seems to be gradually falling into oblivion.
The permitted blood alcohol level while driving is 0.8 g / l of blood.
Be aware that no indulgence will be granted to you in the event of an offense committed, whether for speed or for blood alcohol level. An overrun of 10 km / h costs almost NZ $ 100, ride beyond 50 km / h of the authorized speed can lead to a driving ban of 28 days, a temporary seizure of the vehicle can be ordered in the extreme case. Wearing seat belts is compulsory in all vehicle seats, children must be installed in special seats if you are transporting them.
In the event of an accident, notify the police and note the identity of the driver as well as that of the opposing vehicle before arriving. Never admit in advance that you are solely responsible even if you think you are, it is the police establishing the report that will determine on the spot.
Dangers
Night driving is generally not a problem on the outskirts of cities, it becomes more difficult in rural areas where all kinds of wild animals can cross the road without calling "station". Hitting a sheep with its vehicle can have severely unfortunate consequences for the mechanics.
It is not uncommon to have to ford a river in which case it becomes necessary to assess the depth, in particular so as not to flood your vehicle's engine.
The passage from the paved road to the dusty track should always be done smoothly so as not to lose control of the vehicle.
Some itineraries, even unique in a given sector, are sometimes closed at the last minute, which can make it necessary to spend the night there. It is therefore necessary to provide some items and food if it is not possible for you to find a roof, you never know. New Zealanders will tell you ...
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is a very efficient way to get around New Zealand.
Due to the low number of roads, it is very easy to get to the biggest cities in the country. Although the traffic is not always high, it is rare to wait more than 20 min on the main axes. Despite the impressive number of tourists on the roads, it is the locals who take it the most easily.
They will often be very happy to make a small detour to show you landscapes that you would miss by staying on the main axis and will give you all their knowledge about the region.
Rent or buy?
Many companies offer rental possibilities.
This solution is rather expensive, so backpackers will prefer to opt for the purchase (especially if they stay 2 months or more ...). Nothing could be simpler in New Zealand! You find the buyer by consulting the advertisements of the newspaper, the supermarket or the e-cafes ofAuckland. Once the price is agreed, you go to the nearest post office to register the vehicle. A simple formality! At the post office, you will be asked to pay for the "registration" if the previous one comes to an end. You will then have the choice between paying one, two or four quarters. A term costs around NZ $ 50.
Finally, if it is not compulsory to insure it (the State covers health costs ...), it is still recommended to do so, if only to cover repair costs. of the third-party vehicle in the event of an accident. You just need to go to the nearest Backpackers and ask for insurance. If you are not a member, you will also have to pay for the card.
Some tips for buying a car
First of all, let's reassure the anxious. Getting a car repaired in New Zealand is usually very cheap, especially if it is a popular model. Choose small Japanese, their reputation for robustness has made them successful and there are many of these very old vehicles at attractive prices. You will therefore only take a moderate risk by choosing to buy one of these vehicles which will take you absolutely everywhere!
European brands are not to be outdone, far from it. So why not try your little French girl with a right-hand drive and an automatic gearbox? The choice is relatively wide, there is something for all budgets and for all tastes.
In addition, the reputation for honesty of kiwis is not overrated! Garage owners will not incur unnecessary costs. Likewise, while kiwis are always looking to sell a car for a good price, they usually don't try to hide the "pitfalls". Ask them if the car is a "lemon," a term for a bad deal.
For all these reasons, it is advisable to buy your car from a kiwi and if possible outsideAuckland where some have made the car for backpackers a not always clear trade. If you really want to buy your car when you arrive, it is better to go and look at used car dealers: they are more expensive but have been serviced beforehand.
The other very popular solution is to go to "backpackcars", a kind of market where those who leave New Zealand sell to those who arrive. You can get a good deal, some can not wait any longer, sell their car or camper at a low price. The problem is that it is not always possible to try the vehicle out or give yourself time to think it over. All the conditions are right for getting a bad deal.
It is therefore better to go to the "source" and meet the vendors in the campsites or backpackers, places where they often stay.
Finally, when making your choice, you must be very attentive to the document displayed on the windshield. It indicates the date of the next technical inspection (always very brief) and of the next "registration". Le contrôle technique est rapide et n'est pas très cher, surtout s'il est fait hors des grandes agglomérations. Il faut savoir que la périodicité s'avère courte entre deux visites : les véhicules âgés de moins de 6 ans sont soumis à un contrôle tous les 12 mois et tous les 6 mois pour les plus anciens.
L'immatriculation et la mise à jour du certificat de propriété se fait dans tous les bureaux de poste de l'archipel.
To speak
THE'English, le maori et le langage des signes néo-zélandais sont les langues officielles de la Nouvelle-Zélande.
L'anglais est de loin la langue la plus parlée, l'anglais de Nouvelle-Zélande est considéré comme une des principales variantes de l'anglais et est assez différent des autres formes pour être classé comme un dialecte distinct, qui a son propre dictionnaire : le dictionnaire Oxford d'anglais néo-zélandais. Certaines expressions ne signifient pas la même chose qu'en anglais britannique et peuvent gêner le voyageur... L'accent néo-zélandais est nasal avec des sons de voyelles "diminués", eux-mêmes considèrent leur accent différent des Australiens. Ceci explique pourquoi les Néo-zélandais sont souvent offensés lorsqu'on les confond avec eux.
Le maori est encore beaucoup parlé par une minorité d'autochtones, il est bien sûr possible d'étudier cette langue dans certains instituts. Quelques noms de villes sont en langue maori et il peut être utile pour le voyageur de connaître la prononciation.
Enfin, le langage des signes néo-zélandais est devenu une langue officielle du pays en 2005.
To buy
La monnaie de la Nouvelle-Zélande est le dollar néo-zélandais (NZD).
Eat
Les habitudes culinaires sont à peu près semblables à celles pratiquées dans tout pays anglo-saxon.
On peut consommer des hamburgers et des "fish and chips" à peu près sur tout le territoire, le "vegemite" et la "marmite" sont également au programme pour celles et ceux qui voudront bien se laisser tenter.
On trouve des magpie, sorte de petite tartelette individuelle fermé ou ouverte souvent dans les bakery.
Côté gastronomie locale, ne pas s'attendre à des miracles car les habitants ne cuisinent pas souvent eux-mêmes...
Boire
Bonne nouvelle : le prix des consommations n'a en général pas grand-chose à voir avec le standing de l'établissement. Les cafés, cappuccinos et autres boissons chaudes sont copieuses et à un prix raisonnable. Les routards n'hésiteront pas à aller s’asseoir à une terrasse.
La région de Canterbury produit aussi quelques bons vins.
Housing
Backpackers
Les backpackers sont le meilleur moyen de se loger pas cher lorsque l'on visite Aotearoa (l'île du long nuage blanc, autrement dit la Nouvelle-Zélande). Ils sont généralement organisés autour d'une cuisine, un salon et des chambres individuelles ou parfois de petits dortoirs. Si certains ressemblent à des auberges de jeunesse, d'autres ont plutôt le profil de B&B. Le principe est de se débrouiller avec les équipements mis à disposition et les denrées que l'on apporte ou que d'autres ont laissé. C'est souvent l'occasion de rencontrer d'autres voyageurs qui viennent d'un peu partout dans le monde, de s'échanger les bons plans et de passer de sympathiques soirées.
Nombre de backpackers se sont réunis autour du label BBH et publie un guide. Deux fois par an, les visiteurs des BBH sont invités à se prononcer sur la qualité de l'accueil. La satisfaction est alors exprimée en pourcentage et figure dans le guide BBH gratuit disponible dans chaque backpacker agrémenté.La "rating" crée une saine compétition qui pousse chaque propriétaire à proposer un service original et de qualité. Un tel se spécialise dans l'écotourisme, un autre propose des repas communs compris dans le prix de la nuit, etc. Les backpackers se distinguent en particulier dans les zones les plus rurales où l'accueil tient généralement plus de la chambre d'hôtes que de l'auberge de jeunesse.
Camping
Les campings sont nombreux et parfois bien équipés (cuisine, gaz, BBQ, couverts, ustensiles...). Les prix varient suivant les services proposés (cuisine, douches chaudes, wifi). Attention toutefois dans les villes où ils sont un peu plus chers et généralement situés à proximité des routes.Hors des campings privés, il existe aussi quelques campings gratuits tenus par les municipalités et les campings du Department of Conservation, situés dans les zones protégées. Ces derniers sont en général très sobrement équipés (toilettes et douche froide, pas d'eau potable), mais très bon marché.
Le camping sauvage n'est pas toléré (200 NZD d'amendes par personne). Il est autorisé de rester trois nuits dans un endroit sous certaines conditions : avoir un van/camping car homologué self-contened, et être dans une zone où il n'y a pas d'interdiction. En général les bords de mer, les parcs protégés, les bords des greats walk sont interdits. Vous pouvez vous renseigner auprès des i-site, et demander en cas de doute.
2 applications communautaires référencent les campings payants et gratuits : CamperMate and WikiCamps. (référencent aussi les points wifi, les points d'eaux...)
Enfin, le DoC tient de nombreux refuges dans les zones protégées. Si ceux-ci sont généralement chers le long des neuf Great Walks, les autres sont très bon marché. Il faut acheter des coupons auprès d'un centre d'information du DoC. Chacun coûte quelques dollars et permet de passer une nuit confortable dans un refuge généralement bien tenu.
Hotel
To work
- Pour travailler en Nouvelle-Zélande, il suffit d’obtenir le Working Holiday Visa, ou Permis Vacances Travail, valable 12 mois. Il n’y a pas de limite de places pour les Permis Vacances Travail en Nouvelle-Zélande!
- Les jobs disponibles en Nouvelle-Zélande dans le cadre du Working Holiday Visa sont pour la plupart des postes temporaires ou saisonniers. Même si la plupart des jobs se trouvent sur place (bouche à oreille, journaux, agences locales) il est bon de commencer les recherches au plus vite, et d’explorer les sites de recrutement pour se faire une idée du marché de l’emploi en général.
Communicate
Security
 | Emergency telephone number: All emergency services:111 |
Les précautions d'usage habituelles valent également en Nouvelle-Zélande même si les problèmes sont relativement peu nombreux.
Il est déconseillé de transporter sur soi de grosses sommes d'argent. Il est plus prudent de retirer de l'argent liquide au fur et à mesure des besoins, des distributeurs automatiques sont implantés en nombre suffisant. Les hôtels disposent généralement d'un coffre-fort où vous pouvez en votre absence, confier vos biens de valeurs et documents officiels (faire des photocopies...).
En cas de perte ou de vol, il est impératif de se rendre à la police, celle-ci vous éditera un procès-verbal nécessaire au renouvellement de vos documents ainsi qu'au dédommagement de vos objets pour votre assurance. Les établissements ouverts au public (transports en commun, hôtels, centres commerciaux...) disposent également d'un service d'objets trouvés à qui vous pourrez également vous adresser. Ne rien laisser en vue dans votre véhicule, surtout dans les zones urbaines des grandes métropoles. Si par hasard vous possédez certains objets que vous ne pouvez pas emporter, enfermez-les dans le coffre.
Si vous êtes une femme, évitez tout de même de vous promener seule la nuit surtout en ville, n'empruntez que les artères voyantes et bien éclairés si vous ne pouvez pas y renoncer. Le mieux est tout de même d'appeler un taxi car les transports en commun sont extrêmement rares en soirée, même à Auckland and to Wellington.
Lors des baignades en bord de mer, se méfier des vagues qui se révèlent souvent dangereuses. En cas de doute, renseignez-vous auprès des habitants ou des autorités avant de vous jeter à l'eau.
Malgré sa position géographique, sachez que l'archipel ne compte aucun requin ni crocodile, pas le moindre serpent ne viendra croiser le chemin du paisible randonneur que vous êtes (oui, vraiment...). L'inexistence de ces créatures ravageuses est tout bonnement due à la stricte application des lois douanières concernant l'importation d'animaux et de végétaux sur le territoire.
Government travel advice
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Belgium (Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation) 
Canada (Government of Canada) 
France (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) 
Swiss (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs)
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Respect
Environment
Les habitants de Nouvelle-Zélande sont respectueux de la nature, les parcs gratuits ou payant sont très bien aménagés et permettent à chacun de se trouver en cohésion avec la nature. Ils sont en quelque sorte les dépositaires d'une nature encore préservée par rapport au reste du monde, du moins pour le moment. La densité de population étant un facteur de préservation de l'environnement, environ 4,4 millions d'habitants pour une superficie égale à la moitié de la France.Vous trouverez peu de poubelles publiques en Nouvelle-Zélande, pour autant les espaces sont parfaitement propres. Vous devrez donc emporter avec vous tous vos déchets, en particulier lors de pique-nique ou de camping (self-contened, camping du doc, refuge…). À savoir que des points de collectes récupèrent les poubelles à recycler gratuitement, pour les autres déchets il vous sera demandé une participation forfaitaire (environ 1 NZD/sac).
Piéton
Le piéton est prioritaire lorsqu'il traverse sur un passage clouté. Les Néo-zélandais s’arrêteront toujours.Dans les autres situations, la voiture est prioritaire et ne s’arrête pas, l'attention est donc de mise.
Contrôle sanitaire
La Nouvelle-Zélande, étant une île, faite très attention à ne pas importer des champignons et autres bactéries. Lors de votre arrivée en, vous devrez remplir un questionnaire détaillé sur le contenu de votre valise afin de contrôler les objets susceptibles d'importer des bactéries (aliments, bois, etc.) ; par exemple, une tente ou des chaussures de marche ayant servis seront systématiquement contrôlés.
Le phalanger commun (Trichosurus vulpecula), marsupial importé d'Australie et aussi connu sous le nom d'« opossum d'Australie », est devenu objet de haine de la part des Néo-zélandais car qualifié de nuisible. Ils sont environ 40 millions à vivre en liberté dans l'ensemble du territoire. Relativement inoffensif, il est accusé de dévorer la forêt primaire et de détruire nids et œufs du kiwi (Apterygiforme), l'animal fétiche du pays. Il est également accusé de transmettre la tuberculose aux bovins. Pour toutes ces accusations, il est admis et c'est devenu un sport national, d'écraser volontairement ces petites bêtes. Il est fréquent de retrouver un phalanger sans vie sur le bord d'une route, complètement dépiauté (qu'en est il alors de la propagation de la tuberculose ?). En effet, le commerce de la fourrure de cet animal représente des centaines de millions de dollars. D'après le WWF, qui n'approuve pas ce commerce, il est possible que certaines entreprises aient un intérêt à assurer la survie de cette espèce.
Voyager avec des enfants
Vous trouvez sensiblement la même chose qu'en France pour un bébé dans tous les supermarchés : couche, lait en poudre, lingette. Il y a de nombreux espaces publics aménagés : structures de jeux, plages, parcs en ville...
De nombreuses familles choisissent de louer un van/camping car et sillonnant les routes avec enfant(s). Les campings sont accueillants, et souvent gratuit en dessous de 5 ans.
Pas de danger ou restrictions particulières hormis quelques moustiques suivant la saison. Il y a des médecins et des pharmacies dans toutes les grandes villes. Les supermarchés vendent les médicaments de base sans ordonnance. Toute la famille devra se protéger du soleil sérieusement, celui-ci est réputé extrêmement fort en NZ et peut brûler très rapidement.
