About New Zealand

STATUS
New Zealand is an independent state, a member of the Commonwealth, governed by a democratically elected parliament.

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
New Zealand is 1,000 miles in length, 104,000 square miles in two main islands -- the North and South Islands, a little larger than Britain, slightly smaller than Italy and about 2/3's the size of California.

LANGUAGE & CURRENCY
English is the official language of New Zealand although Maori is also recognized as an official language. The local currency is NZ dollars and cents and the exchange rates vary according to international monetary conditions. Credit cards are accepted just about everywhere.

THE PEOPLE & CULTURE
New Zealand has a population of 3.5 million, mostly of British decent. The indigenous people, the Maori, comprise of about 13% of the population. A rich blend of Maori custom and tradition exist today and can be viewed and experienced throughout the country. New Zealander's proudly call themselves "Kiwis," a term that bonds the multicultural society that is emerging today.

GETTING THERE
Air New Zealand offers daily flights both non-stop and direct, stopping in Hawaii, Tahiti, Cook Islands and Fiji. Many anglers stop for several days rest upon return.

GETTING AROUND NEW ZEALAND
Air New Zealand and Ansett Airlines offer daily flights throughout the country. Mount Cook offers coach service and rental cars are readily available from most major international companies. Rail and ferry services are also available.

THE SOUTH ISLAND
Besides fishing, sightseeing is the most popular activity. New Zealand has many beautiful National Parks and Forests. Probably best known in the South Island is breathtaking Fiordland, sporting rainforests, boat tours and hiking. Mount Cook and Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers offer excellent backpacking, day hiking and photography. Queenstown, a small attractive resort town to the south, offers picturesque scenery, shopping par excellence, and every outdoor pursuit imaginable and then some! Follow the fashionable wine trails of Marlborough in the North of the Island or simply enjoy the countryside, visiting the small towns where time seems to stand still. See the crafts, antiques, local fairs all of which make up the charm of rural New Zealand.

THE NORTH ISLAND
The subtropical marine resort of the Bay of Islands is an area rich in history and offers an international reputation as a Big Game fishing Mecca. Touring the countryside, you will find parks and scenic reserves, many focusing on the geothermal activity located in the center of the Island. World class resorts at Rotorua and Taupo offer golf, tennis, sailing and swimming.

Cosmopolitan cities, small quaint towns, rolling green pastures and virgin native forests all combine to provide an island that's dramatic scenery is a constant reminder of its volcanic past.

New Zealand is a land of contrasts, alpine mountain ranges, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, majestic fiords and volcanic peaks all paint a picture of dramatic beauty. However, her most remarkable resource is her people -- open-hearted, warm and friendly and resourceful. We guarantee you a true New Zealand experience.