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Further Information Sources
Listed at the end of this section are useful websites to visit - these are listed by accommodation, activities, events, transport, education and government.
New Zealand's Visitor Information Network
i-SITE Visitor Centres are the front door to New Zealand's unique offerings and experiences, for all you need to know about what to see, where to go and how to get there.
As self-drive visitors travel around New Zealand, they'll be faced with a wide range of tourism options and places to visit. To help them with these many and varied choices, the New Zealand Visitor Information Network (VIN) was established.
With over 80 i-SITE Visitor Centres located throughout New Zealand in most towns and cities, visitors can relax knowing there's a friendly objective source of up-to-date information on local attractions, transport and accommodation.
- i-SITE is the brand for the official Visitor Information Network
- Accreditation to the Network means individual visitor centres have met Network standards, which ensures staff are well trained, knowledgeable and provide objective, quality information
i-SITE Visitor Centres provide a range of products and services to meet the needs of domestic and international travellers. Professionally trained staff are able to help your visitors plan and book and accommodation and travel on the spot once they're in New Zealand.
They can browse and study brochures and maps at their own pace. They can also purchase gifts, souvenirs, maps, guidebooks or stock up on stamps and postcards.
Most centres also have internet facilities and some have cafes nearby so visitors can sit and relax over a cup of coffee while they digest the information obtained, or email friends and family back home.
Visitors arriving into the country by air will find their first introduction to the i-SITE Visitor Information Network at Auckland and Christchurch international airports.
Look for contact details here
Department of Conservation
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is the government agency whose mission is 'to conserve New Zealand's natural and historic heritage for all to enjoy now and in the future'.
The Department manages or administers:
- National Parks and forest parks
- Reserves and conservation areas
- Protected indigenous forests
- Protected inland waters and wild and scenic rivers
- Indigenous/native wildlife
- Non-commercial freshwater fisheries
- Historic places on conservation land
- Marine reserves and protecting marine mammals near offshore islands set aside for conservation
For more information, visit www.doc.govt.nz
DOC Information Centres
Visitors can find information about land administered by the Department of Conservation and a comprehensive range of leaflets and maps. This is where visitors can buy:
- Great Walk passes (four of New Zealand's multi-day 'Great Walks' require prior booking through the Department of Conservation)
- Tickets for other DOC huts (visit the DOC website for more information on huts)
DOC Visitor Centres
In addition to the above, Visitor Centres offer more in-depth conservation knowledge with a selection of displays, interpretive exhibitions and audio-visual experiences.
These centres are usually situated close to the National Parks or wilderness areas.
More information on the Department of Conservation can be found at the official website, www.doc.govt.nz
Useful New Zealand Websites
Accommodation
Backpacker:
Camping grounds:
- www.holidayparks.co.nz
www.topparks.co.nz
www.doc.govt.nz then click on Explore
Farm and home stay:
Guest houses, private hotels and 'Bed and Breakfast':
Lodges and luxury:
Motels:
Star grading:
Other:
Activities:
Sport associations:
Cycling:
Diving:
Fishing:
Gardens:
- www.gardens.org.nz
www.friars.co.nz click on Gardens
Golf:
Historic places:
Maori culture:
Skiing:
Walking:
- www.doc.govt.nz then click on Explore then Tracks and Walks
Wine and food:
Events:
Cricket:
Netball:
Rugby:
Transport
National coach services - touring and scheduled:
Backpackers bus:
Domestic airlines:
Ferry:
- North/South Island: www.interislander.co.nz
Hauraki Gulf Islands, Auckland: www.fullers.co.nz or www.sealink.co.nz
South Island/Stewart Island: www.stewartislandexperience.co.nz
Rental car and campervan hire:
www.newzealand.com/travel/transport/transport-options/transport-options-home.cfm
Train:
Travel Pass:
Education
Education opportunities:
English language schools:
Universities:
Polytechnics:
NZ Qualifications Authority:
Governmental
Immigration:
Business immigration:
Customs:
Department of Conservation:
New Zealand Embassies:
Reserve Bank:
Statistics New Zealand:
Other websites
Maps:
Media:
Phone numbers:
Visas:
Weather:
Guides and New Zealand travel websites:
