New Zealand Key Facts:
New Zealand, home of the Maori haka and All Blacks, full of cultural heritage, adrenalin pumping tourism activities and natural wonders.
Self-driving holidays are one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy New Zealand’s landscape. Many of our roads are scenic and traffic is low when compared to international standards.
New Zealand is an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. It has a diverse multi-cultural population of 4 million people, the majority of whom are of British descent. New Zealand’s indigenous Maori make up around 14 percent of the population.
New Zealand’s first settlers, the Maori, named the kiwi bird for the sound of its chirp – kiwi, kiwi, kiwi! This flightless bird, about the size of a domestic hen, has an extremely long beak and plumage that is more like hair than feathers. New Zealanders have adopted this nocturnal, flightless and endearing creature as their national emblem.
Referring to New Zealanders as Kiwis probably dates back to the First World War, when New Zealand soldiers first acquired this nickname.
Visa application forms are available from NZ diplomatic missions overseas, travel agents or through the New Zealand Immigration Service. NZ Freephone: 0508 558 855 | International: +64 9-914 4100 | Website: www.immigration.govt.nz
