New Zealand

New Zealand is An Country in Oceania. There is 29 Regions in New Zealand, The New Zealand Regions are Northland,Auckland,Waikato,Hawke’s Bay,Gisborne,Bays Of Plenty,Taranaki,Wellington,Manawatu Whanganui,Nelson,Tasman,Marlborough,West coast,Canterbury,Otago,Southland.

New Zealand Is Also Big BIG BIG Allies With Australia and The United States Of America.

Note: I need to research on New Zealand so this isn’t done yet till idk

## New Zealand Before You Go (Road Safety )

### Do I need an international driver’s licence to drive in New Zealand?

A: Yes. If you wish to drive in New Zealand, you must hold a valid international driver's licence or a driving permit accompanied by the driver's licence that the permit is based on,

### What side of the road do New Zealanders drive on?

We drive on the left-hand side of the road and our vehicles seat the driver on the right. If you’re used to driving on the right-hand side of the road, this can be a challenge to remember especially when pulling out into traffic. Remember – if you are driving, you must be seated in the middle of the road – your front seat passenger will be the on edge of the road.

### What are the road conditions in New Zealand?

New Zealand’s diverse terrain means roads are often narrow, hilly and windy with plenty of sharp corners.

Outside of the main cities, there are very few motorways. Most of our roads are single lane in each direction without barriers in between. You may also encounter gravel roads.

It’s important to allow plenty of time, go slow and pull over in a safe place if traffic wants to pass from behind you. Take plenty of breaks so that you stay alert.

### Are there rest areas on New Zealand’s roads?

Yes, there are rest area signs across the roads where you can stop. It is recommended to never drive when you are tired and take regular breaks. It doesn’t matter what country you are driving in; it is extremely dangerous to drive when you are tired.

Visitors to New Zealand might be tired because of jetlag, early starts and late nights, or because they had a long day driving the day before.

Because driving in New Zealand can be very different from other countries, you need to be well-rested and alert – tired drivers are dangerous drivers.

### What are the driving distances in New Zealand like?

It’s easy to underestimate drive times when looking at a map. Maps don’t show how narrow and windy roads can be. What might look like a short trip can take a long time.

For example: Hokitika to the town of Haast, a popular drive for visitors stopping to see New Zealand’s glaciers, is 278 kilometres (172 miles) on the map and may look like a short three-hour drive.

However, drivers should allow for up to four hours of driving time because of the windy road. This is common all over New Zealand. Always allow for more time than you think you’ll need.

### What are the weather conditions in New Zealand for driving?

In New Zealand, you might experience four seasons in one day. It’s possible to start your day off with blue sky and sunshine but arrive at your destination in rain and hail. Because of this, weather-related hazards on the road can occur at any time.

Always check the weather forecast before departing, and adjust your plans accordingly. If you’re driving in the South Island in winter, spring or late autumn, snow is a possibility – ensure that you’re carrying snow chains if a cold snap has been forecast. Most rental companies will provide you with chains and demonstrate how to fit them.

Winter roads can be treacherous.

Snow, ice and fog can be common in winter, especially in the South Island and around mountain passes. Ensure you’re clued up on the weather forecast for the region that you’re driving in, leave large following distances and make sure you’re travelling with snow chains (and know how to fit them).

Be prepared by brushing up on our winter driving tips.

### What are the rules on drink driving in New Zealand?

Drink driving is dangerous and New Zealand has strict penalties if you are caught doing so. In New Zealand, the legal drink drive limits for drivers 20 years and over are a breath alcohol limit of 250 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol per litre of breath and a blood alcohol limit of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.  If you’re under 20 there is a zero alcohol limit.

## New Zealand Before You Go: Plants And Animals

Go To The Animals Content On The animal’s content you will research on plants and animals on New Zealand so stay tuned for the people who read the driving one on the first episdoe of the before you go to New Zealand episode,for people who want to drive. We are looking on the next episode on the before you go to New Zealand episode two where you research about animals and plants in New Zealand so what it’s like in nature in our mother New Zealand

## Animals

Before humans settled in New Zealand, it would have been an extremely noisy place! Large tracts of lush native bush supported an incredible variety of bird life. As they evolved, wings became unnecessary for some birds, as they had no natural predators to fly away from. As a result, several of New Zealand's native birds became flightless, including the kakapo parrot, the kiwi, the takahe, and the world's largest bird, the (now extinct) moa.

As Maori and Europeans settled New Zealand, they hunted birds and brought predators including rats and stoats. This, and loss of habitat, led to the extinction of a number of birds including the moa and huia.

### Sea life

New Zealand has abundant and diverse marine life, and whale watching and swimming with dolphins are two of our most highly recommended experiences. The small Hector's dolphin is the world's rarest dolphin and only found in New Zealand waters. Seals, penguins and a whole host of fish and shellfish also thrive in New Zealand's fertile marine environment.

### National Parks and Marine Reserves

Over 20 percent of New Zealand is covered in national parks, forest areas and reserves - and these are the best places to observe our native flora and fauna. Our mainland also has two World Heritage Areas - Tongariro in the Central North Island and Te Wahipounamu in the south-west of the South Island.

Our 14 national parks contain an incredible variety of unspoiled landscape and vegetation. Administered and maintained by the Department of Conservation, these parks provide opportunity for a wide variety of activities including hiking, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding, kayaking and trout fishing.

For a look at native sea creatures, visit one of New Zealand's 34 marine reserves. A strict no-take policy operates in these areas, which means no fishing or gathering seafood. These underwater wonderlands, which include the world-renowned Poor Knights Islands, are best enjoyed on boat cruises and diving or snorkelling trips.

### The ancient tuatara

The tuatara is a unique relic of the past - the only beak-headed reptile left in the world. Every species of this reptile family, except the tuatara, died out around 65 million years ago. Tuatara can live for over 100 years, and are only found on protected offshore islands. Tuatara are not a threat to humans.

### Plants

New Zealand's high rainfall and many sunshine hours give the country a lush and diverse flora - with 80% of flora being native.

### Trees and shrubs

You'll be awed by the New Zealand's majestic evergreen native forests that include rimu, totara, many varieties of beech, and the largest native tree of them all, the giant kauri. Underneath the trees you'll find a dense and luxurious undergrowth including countless native shrubs, a variety of ferns, and many mosses and lichens.

### Splashes of colour

The yellow flowers of the kowhai tree are some of the prettiest you'll ever see, and if you visit the North Island, you won't be far from the beautiful pohutukawa tree. Its bright red flowers bloom in December, giving it the title of New Zealand's Christmas tree.

## New Zealand Before you go; Seasons

From crisp spring days to long golden summer evenings and cosy winter nights, New Zealand has something unique to offer in each season.

In New Zealand, seasons officially begin at the start of certain months.

## Spring: September - November

During spring, New Zealand bursts with new life. Colourful flowers bloom, lambs are born and waterfalls burst with springs rains. The fresh, happy atmosphere during spring makes this an inspiring time of year to visit.

Temperatures range from 4.5 - 18 degrees celsius (40 - 65F).

## Summer: December - February

Summer activities tend to make the most of the sun, sea and sand. New Zealand’s many beaches and lakes are perfect to cool off during the summer months.

Temperatures range from 21 - 32 degrees celsius (70 - 90F).

## Autumn: March - May

In autumn, New Zealand enjoys some of the most settled weather of the whole year. Soak up long, sunny days and golden leaves with hiking, cycling or kayaking.

Temperatures range from 7 - 21 degrees celsius (45 - 70F).

## Winter: June - August

The winter months bring snow to mountain peaks around the country, and clear, crisp days. In the North Island, you might encounter more rain, while the South Island is colder but drier.

Hit the ski slopes, visit a winery or two or head along to one of the many winter festivals.

Temperatures range from 1.5 - 15.5 degrees celsius (35 - 60F). The further south you go, the colder you will get - temperatures are significantly lower in Queenstown than in Auckland.