City Introduction

Wellington is located at the southwestern tip of the North Island of New Zealand, and is the capital of New Zealand. Close to the mouth of the narrow Cook Strait and in the center of New Zealand, Wellington is a transport hub between North Island and South Island, enjoying a very advantageous geographic location. Advantageous location lays a solid foundation for its development and enables it to be the political, cultural and economic center of New Zealand as well as the second largest port after Oakland, the supply station for European and Asian oceangoing ships, and the biggest passenger port of New Zealand. Wellington has relatively high altitude and is close to Cook Strait, leading to its vulnerability to strong gales, thus leading to the city's nickname of "Windy Wellington”.

 

 

 

 

History and Culture

In the 10th century, Polynesian came to Wellington and settled here. In 1840, Englishmen signed a long-term agreement with the chief of local Maoris, after which a large number of English migrants came here. Initially, this place was called by Englishmen as “Britannia”, meaning “land of England”; it developed gradually and finally to what is today. In 1815, the place was named after the Duke of Wellington, an English great soldier defeating Napoleon. After New Zealand was forced to become a British colony, Auckland was once designated as the capital. However, residents in South Island argued that Auckland in the northern part of North Island was not suitable to be the capital. So, upon numerous discussions, Wellington was chosen as the capital in1865finally.

 

 

 

 

Natural Environment

Wellington is located at the southernmost tip of the North Island of New Zealand, strategically important place leading to Cook Straits. Wellington is surrounded by green mountains at three sides and blue sea at one side, and embraces Nicholson Port. The entire city is verdant, with fresh air and four seasons like spring. Wellington is located at a fault zone, so the whole city is built on mountains except a piece of flat land at the coast. The southern end of Wellington is Miramar Peninsula, which is connected to other parts in North Island through a narrow isthmus. Wellington has three inner islands, only one of which is liveable with the other two too small to live. This island was once used for separating people and animals, and as a concentration camp during World War I and World War II. Today, it serve as an environmental protection zone for protection of threatened species.

 

 

 

 

Climate Change

The temperature is 13-20℃ in summer and 6-11℃ in winter. The average annual precipitation is 1249mm, the time is UTC+12. It is UTC+13 in summer.

 

 

 

 

Currency Exchange

The currency of New Zealand is New Zealand Dollar (NZD). The denominations of coin include 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 dollar and 2 dollar, and the denominations of paper money include 5 dollars, 10 dollars, 50 dollars and 100 dollars. Foreign currencies may be easily exchanged into New Zealand currency at the exchange position set in banks, some hotels, international airports and large cities. Towns in New Zealand seldom have currency exchange outlets. The exchange could only be done in airports or banks. RMB could be exchanged, but it is still recommended to exchange for New Zealand currencies before visiting New Zealand or use your UnionPay cards to withdraw cash from ATMs.

 

 

 

 

Notes

New Zealand has typical Kiwi English, which is mainly featured in pronunciation. For example, “bed” will be pronounced into “bid”, while “bin” will be pronounced into “ben”; so careful identification is required. However, generally, friendly New Zealand people will slow down when speaking to tourists from non-English speaking countries.

Usually, tips are not necessary in New Zealand, even in restaurants or bars. However, visitors may decide whether to give additional tips for enjoying additional service or for thanks. No additional service fees will be charged apart from the bills of hotels and restaurants in New Zealand.

Customs requirements of New Zealand are very strict. When filling in an entry card, do read it carefully, and truthfully declare all your belongings, particularly foods, animals and plants and their products, medicines, cigarettes, etc. In case of untruthful declaration, you may be fined and even rejected for entry. Do not leave valuables, such as handbag, computer bag and mobile phone in the car, or just put them in the trunk if you have to leave them in the car; in other words, prevent others from seeing valuables inside the car through windows so as to avoid the accident of smashing the car for theft. Though the general public security situations in New Zealand are good, smashing the car for theft occurs occasionally. So do be careful.

When crossing a street with traffic signals, don’t forget to press the pedestrian button (silver round button) on the lamppost; it will light up to warn you to wait for green light before crossing the road. Vehicles in New Zealand are often in high speed, so do not cross roads at red signals. New Zealand people in South Island are usually very friendly, and they may say “Hello” to strangers friendly. So please reply with a warm smile. Daily polite languages include: Morning, Thank you, No worries and See you. New Zealand is at the southern hemisphere, where the seasons are opposite to Chinese seasons.

In New Zealand, summer has long sunshine duration, and the climate is a little cold throughout the year. Even in spring and summer, the temperature remains at 10°C-20°C; in winter, the temperature will drop to -10°C in some places. So, keep warm and always keep informed of the weather forecast. In South Island of New Zealand, the “right rudder and left lane” driving rule is implemented, which is opposite to Chinese traffic rules. For self-driving travel, reserve certain time for adaptation, pay attention to the traffic rules, and do not exceed speed limit. It should not be too slow on limit speed roads, or otherwise you will also receive a fine of about NZD 200. Both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts, including the persons sitting in rear seats. Bicycle lanes are provided in most areas.

Bicycle is used more as a body-building means than as a traffic vehicle in New Zealand. When riding a bicycle, do wear a helmet, and turn on the flashing warning light or wear a reflective safety jacket. New Zealand people have a slow pace of life, and you need to “Do in Rome as Rome does”. When you have some troubles, do be calm and don’t speak out loud. Meanwhile, pay attention to some details in public areas, such as standing left when taking an escalator and assuring no people behind when pulling/pushing a door.

Don't jump the queue, don't throw rubbish anywhere, and don’t forget to put tableware in order after dining in public kitchens or barbecue areas. Outdoor sports are very common in South Island of New Zealand. You may joint them such as running, riding, hiking and boating, and you may also prepare tents, sleeping bags and outdoor cooking utensils.