New Zealand is a place where one can find peaceful tranquility, beautiful and dramatic landscapes, friendly and open people, genuine hospitality, but it is also one of the most adrenalin-flowing countries in the world, were lots of adventure is waiting for you! Therefore, the Work & Travel New Zealand program of Linguavision is a unique chance to experience all this while you earn at the same time!
Population
In New Zealand there are about 4 million people (and 40 million sheep!). The majority (75%) of the population lives in the North Island and the dominating ethnic groups are NZ Europeans (76%), Maoris (14 %), Pacific Islanders (5%) and Asians (5%).
Time Zone
New Zealand leads the world time wise and is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +12). During summer, “daylight saving” (also called summer time) is used, which puts the clocks one hour forward (GMT + 13). Daylight saving starts on the last Sunday in September and ends on the first Sunday of the following April.
Climate
New Zealand has a subtropical temperature in the north and a temperate one in the south. The warmest months are December, January and February with an average temperature between 9° C and 26° C (48° F and 79° F). Winter temperatures in June, July and August can vary between 0° C and 18° C (32° F to 65° F).
However, the weather in New Zealand can change quickly due to cold fronts or tropical cyclones blowing in. Therefore, you should be well prepared and wear a warm and windproof jacket.
Driving
Up to 12 months you can drive legally in New Zealand with your current driver’s license or an international driving permit (an authorized translation is needed if it is not in English). After this period it needs to be converted into a NZ license. You need to have it with you all the time. Renting a car is possible if you have a full license and are 21 years or older.
In New Zealand you drive on the left-hand side of the road and drivers give way to all traffic crossing or approaching from the right.
Electricity
NZ has the same 230/240 volts as in Europe and Australia and 3 prong plugs are used.
