Climate

Climate

New Zealand’s climate is mild and wet. Temperatures range from around 25˚C in the summer to between 5 and 10˚C during the winter. New Zealand’s climate is affected by two geographical features: the mountains and the sea. New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall, and many hours of sunshine throughout most of the country.

Recreation and Sports

Recreation and Sports

Despite being a small nation, New Zealand has a large and dedicated sports following. Sports such as rugby, cricket, and netball are among the most popular pastimes in the country. Other popular sports include basketball, soccer, golf, tennis, rowing and a variety of water sports, particularly sailing and surf sports. Snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding are also popular in New Zealand.

New Zealand is known by dare devils around the world as one of the best place for extreme sports. There is a wide variety of heart pounding activities and sports for any adventurer to take part in including:

Boardsports – snowboarding, sandboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, riverboarding, river surfing, surfing, flowboarding, skysurfing, skateboarding, mountainboarding, snowskate, wakeboarding, dirtsurfing.
Motorsports – Motocross, snocross, rallying, drifting, supercross, motorcycle rally.
Water sports – Rafting, whitewater kayaking, whitewater canoeing, free-diving, scuba diving.
Mountaineering – Ice climbing, rock climbing, bouldering, free solo climbing.
Free Fall – Parachuting, bungee jumping, wingsuit flying, base jumping.
Flying – Paragliding, hand gliding

Culture

Culture

There are three official languages of New Zealand, they are: English, Maori, and NZ Sign Language. New Zealanders call themselves Kiwis collectively. Kiwis are friendly, outgoing, they can be somewhat reserved initially yet they always polite, and enjoy extending hospitality. They are quite easy to get to know as they say hello to strangers and will offer assistance without being asked, they do not stand on ceremony and are egalitarian, they move to a first name basis quickly and shun the use of titles. Kiwis dress casually, but neatly. Most restaurants do not have dress codes and except in business, dress is decidedly casual. Business dress is conservative, although jackets may be removed and shirtsleeves rolled up when working. New Zealand has no formal class structure. Kiwis take pride in individual achievements and believe that opportunities are available to all.

Transport

Transportation in New Zealand

In New Zealand, bus transport is the most common form of public transportation. Auckland and Wellington both have suburban rail systems for public use. Ferries as well are used by locals to get around, albeit not as frequently.
Bus fare will range from about $1.80 to around $7.90(NZ) depending on where and when you are traveling and the length of your journey. By train, fares span from $1.70 for travel within one stage to $8.90(NZ) for travel within 8 stages. By Ferry, you can expect to pay between $4.90and $7.40(NZ) per trip.

Part Time Work

Part Time Work

Employment rates for international students studying in New Zealand are very high. Finding part time work in New Zealand is not difficult, if you do require assistance there are always employment advising centres that will help students find suitable employment. These services are aimed directly at finding relevant and satisfactory work for students and can be very helpful to those who utilize them. Students usually find jobs as caretakers, farmers, homework helpers, Assistants, computer operators, waiters, receptionists, and cleaners, among hundreds of other opportunities.

Minimum Wage
There are three minimum wage rates:
•The adult minimum wage applies to all employees aged 16 and over who are not new entrants or trainees is $13.00/hr.

•The new entrants minimum wage applies to employees aged 16 and 17, except for those who have completed 200 hours or three months of employment in the workforce, whichever is shorter; or who are supervising or training other workers; or who are trainees is $10.40/hr.

•The training minimum wage applies only to employees aged 16 and over who are doing recognised industry training involving at least 60 credits a year.

Night Life

Night Life

New Zealand’s major cities offer a diverse and vibrant night life. After dark, the familiar sounds of laughter and vigorous conversation issue from all kinds of people milling about or leaving the bars and restaurants.
With a wide range of nightclubs, restaurants and bars, live music and theatre, New Zealand’s nightlife offers something for all age groups. The legal drinking age for New Zealand is 18. Live bands are popular with young pub-goers and jazz venues accommodate the mature crowd. Nightclubs vary in dance styles and music, and the diversity of quality live theatre in New Zealand ensures all age groups and interests are catered for.

For a night of thrills and excitement, try your luck at one of New Zealand’s casinos. Casinos sometimes also offer restaurants, live music and dancing. For a quieter night, unwind in a bar or restaurant and enjoy New Zealand’s fine cuisine, wine and beer.

Health Care

Health Care

The healthcare system of New Zealand has undergone significant changes throughout the past several decades, creating a mixed public-private system for delivering healthcare. The cost of treatment for cases deemed ‘accidents’, for all people legally in New Zealand (including tourists), is covered by the Accident Compensation Corporation . The extensive and high-quality system of public hospitals treats citizens or permanent residents free of charge and is managed by District Health Boards. A secondary market of health insurance schemes exists which funds operations and treatments for their members privately. Primary care (non-specialist doctors / family doctors) and medications require co-payments, but are subsidized, especially for patients with community health services cards or high user health cards.