PRINT MODULESection Two
New Zealand is too far away
New Zealand is a country in the South Pacific. From other countries on the Pacific Rim like Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Los Angeles it is only a 9-12 hour flight away.
New Zealand is too similar to Australia
Though it is only a three hour flight from our neighbours Australia, New Zealand is another world away. It offers most of the world's geographical landscapes all in close proximity. In New Zealand you can swim with the dolphins in the morning, ski in the afternoon and soak in a thermal hot spring in the evening.
Many New Zealanders are descended from Europeans but the culture has changed in its new environment - becoming more relaxed and independent. New Zealanders have also embraced the rich diversity of Māori traditions in their daily lives.
Finding the real spirit of New Zealand is not hard. It's easily done by farm and home stays, visits to a Marae (the traditional centres of Māori community life) or simply by taking in some sports and cultural activities.
New Zealand is a one time destination requiring a lot of time
There is an assumption that people should see all of New Zealand in one visit. This usually means a holiday of 2-3 weeks either self-drive touring or coach holiday covering both islands.
One of the best ways to enjoy a New Zealand holiday is to have your clients’ slowdown, stay a few days in different cities and regions.
Some suggested short itineraries may be found on www.newzealand.com
New Zealand may be too quiet, possibly boring and behind the times
While some visitors to New Zealand do find the quietness and relaxed nature of some parts of New Zealand appealing, others are put off traveling to New Zealand for this same reason.
The fact is that visitors to New Zealand have a choice as there is such a variety of activities. There are as many opportunities for relaxing, rejuvenating holidays as there are for action filled and contemporary holidays. Part of the challenge in planning a New Zealand holiday is what to leave out!
New Zealand is too expensive
New Zealand's exchange rate is generally favourable against most other currencies and New Zealand offers excellent value for money for your client. Once they have arrived most visitors find their money goes a long way against the New Zealand dollar. New Zealand packages often include more activities and variety than other destinations, offering excellent value for money.
The weather in New Zealand is too cold
New Zealand is a temperate land with four distinct seasons. While the far north has subtropical weather during summer, and inland alpine areas of the South Island temperatures can drop to -10ºC in winter, most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine.
Because New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the average temperature decreases the further south visitors travel.
Four Seasons in One Day
New Zealand does not have a large temperature range, lacking the extremes found in most continental climates. However, the weather can change unexpectedly as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in.
Sunshine
As New Zealand observes daylight saving, during summer months, daylight can last up until 9.00pm.
Rainfall
New Zealand’s average rainfall is between 640mm and 1500mm, evenly spread throughout the year. As well as producing areas of stunning native forest, this rainfall makes New Zealand an ideal place for farming and horticulture.
Note: Climate charts can be found in the regional modules.
For more information on the weather in New Zealand visit www.metservice.co.nz
New Zealand has a limited choice of food
New Zealand has welcomed people from all over the world as immigrants and they have brought with them their culinary skills. All of the world's great cuisines are represented and dining out is often a highlight of a New Zealand holiday.
Combine world class chefs with some of the freshest produce and seafood in the world, free range meat, dairy and vegetables straight from the farm gate.
No matter what your culinary preferences are, you will be well catered for in New Zealand with innovative cuisine ensuring that even those with specific dietary requirements can find a range of delicious options.
New Zealand is a once in a lifetime holiday taking a minimum of two weeks to see the entire country
There is a very real perception or assumption that people should see all of New Zealand in one visit. This usually means a holiday of 2-3 weeks either self-drive touring or coach holiday covering both islands.
New Zealand is a viable short holiday destination; one that allows you to sell New Zealand in smaller pieces for 5-7 day holiday periods.
The reasons are:
- Distance to New Zealand - international arrival points are less than four hours flight from the east coast of Australia or overnight from Los Angeles.
- New Zealand is a compact country, roughly the same size as Britain, Japan or Colorado - so your clients are able to experience a lot in a short time (2 - 4 hours) and distance, due to the diversity of landscape.
- Large variety of activities within regional groupings - clients needn’t travel far (200 - 400kms) to have an interesting short holiday.
