New Zealand is made up of two large islands (North and South) and several smaller islands. It is famous for its mountainous landscapes, lakes, volcanoes and Maori culture. It became even more popular through the Lord of the Rings movie saga.
Climate
Oceanic temperate, with mild summers and cool winters. In the south, winters can be cold and snowy.
Languages
The official languages are English and Maori. English is predominant, but there is a strong Maori cultural and linguistic presence.
Driving
Drive on the left. Most roads do not have tolls, except for some tunnels and urban highways (electronic payment).
Camping
Wild camping is allowed in many areas (“freedom camping”), as long as the local rules are respected. There are also numerous holiday parks and DOC campsites.
Biker Zones
Famous routes include the Southern Scenic Route (South Island), Desert Road (North Island) and alpine roads such as Arthur’s Pass.
Special Zones
Urban centers like Auckland and Wellington have paid parking zones and pedestrian areas.