Largest Cities
Auckland - 910,200
Wellington - 326,900
Christchurch - 312,600

Climate
Not too hot or cold. Seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere.

Currency
Decimal system based on New Zealand dollar, with cent denominations. Coins are 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, 1 and 2 dollars. Notes are 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars All major credit cards are accepted widely. See Currency Calculator

GST
New Zealand operates a Goods and Services Tax of 12.5% on ALL goods and services sold. It is usually included in the listed price.

Customs Regulations
New Zealand's customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from New Zealand of certain items, including firearms and agricultural products. Handguns may not be brought into the country, and a permit for other firearms must be obtained from the New Zealand police immediately after arrival. Tourists have also faced police inquiries as a result of importing or brandishing toy weapons. The Ministry of Agriculture of New Zealand has stringent requirements for the entry of food and agricultural products. Travellers are required to declare any items that come under agricultural quarantine restrictions as stated on the customs form at the port of entry. Heavy fines have been levied against those attempting to bring in undeclared prohibited items. For more information, contact the New Zealand Customs Service at www.customs.govt.nz and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at www.maf.govt.nz.