Auckland: 36°51'S 174°48'E

Aotearoa is the Maori name for New Zealand.
Maori settled New Zealand some thousand years ago as Polynesian people voyaged the Pacific and made landfall in the far-flung corners of the region. Situated in the southwest corner of the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is an ancient land imbued with myths and legends.
One third of New Zealand is held in national parks and conservation areas where the land, flora and fauna are protected for future generations.
New Zealand is made up of two large islands, North Island (in Maori it is called "Maui") and South Island ("Pounamu") and a number of smaller offlying islands.
The North Island is rolling, green and temperate and the South Island is more mountainous and cooler. The warmer months are from November to April.
The beauty and variety of the coast, as well as the challenging sailing conditions is the explanation why New Zealand attracts so many people.
Mountains, glaciers, bubbling hot pools, giant ferns, long, deserted beaches and a unique wildlife are some examples of New Zealand's fascinating nature.
You will find most harbours and anchorages at the east coast of both islands.
Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is situated on a splendid harbour at the southern tip of the North Island.
Wellington is a lively city of culture and arts (with festivals almost every month), and great ethnic restaurants and cafes.
The largest city in New Zealand is Auckland with a population of 345,000.
It is almost enclosed by water and covered in volcanic hills. Also called "City of Sails" with a spectacular harbour and bridges.

TOURISM OFFICE

Tourism Auckland
PO BOX 5561
Wellesley St
Auckland
New Zealand
Tel.: + 64 9 979 7070
Fax: + 64 9 979 7080
E-mail: citysails@aucklandnz.com
Internet: www.aucklandnz.com

GENERAL INFORMATION NEW ZEALAND

Area: 270,534 sq km (104,454 sq miles).
Population: 3,819,762 (2000).
Population density: 14.2 per sq km.
Capital: Wellington.
Population capital: 412,585 (1996, including Kapiti).
Auckland, with a population of 1,073,220 (1996, including Pukekohe), is the largest urban area in the country.
Language: English is the common and everyday language, but other languages are also spoken, including Maori, which is New Zealand's second official language (spoken by the indigenous Maori people who constitute approximately 15 per cent of the population).
Religion: Sixty per cent Christian: Anglican, Presbytarian, Roman Catholic and Methodist are all represented.
Time: New Zealand: GMT + 12 (GMT + 13 from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March).
Chatham Island: GMT + 12.45 (GMT + 13.45 from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March).
Electricity: 230/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Most hotels provide 110-volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents.
Country Code: + 64 ~
IDD Access Code: 00 ~