Ashley,+Michaela+&+Sheila

= __// New Zealand //__ = Have you ever wanted to go to New Zealand, but just never thought you could because you knew absolutely nothing of it or was too lazy? Well, have we got a deal for you! This page is filled with useful information on New Zealand to help the weary traveler! It's all FREE because we are kind, amazing, generous people who love to help others (humble too!) OK, that's all a lie on my behalf (no idea about my partners... they're pretty cool) I'm none of those things in particular... but this __//IS//__ information on traveling to New Zealand for a school project called the Dream Vacation Project (Mr. Booker is amazing and I'm not kissing up at ALL!... OK, maybe a little bit) Well let's jump in! =**//__The Real New Zealand project__ //**=

__How's the Climate?__

The beautiful land of New Zealand has a subtropical and South Temperate climate. The warmest months are December, January, and February; the coldest are June, July, and August. Therefore, the best time to go is during winter. It has a maximum temperature of 20 degrees to 30 degrees celsius. Winter temperatures are around 10 to 15 degrees celsius. In New Zealand, the weather changes unexpectanly so you should bring clothes for all kinds of weather, especially if you go hiking or other outdoor activites. Down in New Zealand dress is mainly informal and relaxed due to weather. Light rainproof jackets and sweaters are great for the unexpected weather of New Zealand. ~Michaela

__Where exactly are we going, anyway?__

Where are we going? Well, first of all we will be using an airline in Washington Dulles International Airport, and then we will fly to Auckland international Airport. There are 8600 miles between the two. After having touring Auckland, we will drive to Wellington, which only takes 9 hours. The miles covered between the two is 658 km. All of this takes place on the North Island, but we will have to take a boat and leave inorder to reach Christchurch which is on the South Island. the miles between Wellington and Christchurch is 428 km, and it takes only 7 hourse and 58 minutes. Our last stop is Alexandra. The hours it takes is 6 hours and 30 minute, and the miles is 455 km. ~Sheila

__What's so special about where we're going?__

As we've already stated we are going to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and finally Alexandra.

In Auckland we will be staying at the Cotter House Luxury Retreat. While here the retreat offers a multitude of fun activities. Here you can have a helicopter fly you to various locations for fun in the sun (this attraction is called "Flights of Fancy"). It can take you to world renowned golf courses or to swim with the dolphins, and these are only a few of the attractions to Flights of Fancy. The retreat can also pamper you with a wonderful spa treatment. Aside from the hotel you can also go to various different places, from botanical gardens to art galleries to museums, these are just some of many of the wonders Auckland has to offer.

In Wellington as well, there are many attractions. It is the capitol of New Zealand and holds the Royal New Zealand Ballet, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and the New Zealand Opera. It also hosts a variety of festivals such as the Wine and Food Festival, the Dragon Boating Festival, and the international Festival of the Arts. While in Wellington you'll definitely be kept busy.

Christchurch has the most festivals in all of New Zealand. It has over a dozen specifically in music, arts, heritage,and floral displays along with many others. Christchurch is also called the garden city, it has a wealth of natural beauty, so don't be shy and exercise, walk around it's various parks and botanical gardens! Also don't forget to stop by the Christchurch Cathedral, it is supposed to be really beautiful. So enjoy it's beauty, I mean how many times are you going to fly half-way around the world?

Lastly, we are going to Alexandra we are going specifically to see the world-famous Alexandra Blossom Festival! It is held the from the middle of September to the first week in October and is definitely a sight to see! It's basically a springtime (over there of course) state-fair. With many different activities from wool shearing to fashion parades, it's an amazing must-see event (in my book of course). ~Ashley

__How are we going to get there?__

For a round trip ticket it will cost around $2683. If you leave Washington D.C at 8:30am you will arrive at 10:59pm. When you leave New Zealand at 7:15pm you will arrive arrive in Washington at10:00am. this schedule is when you leave on December 19, 2009 and get back on February 28, 2010. ~Michaela

__Currency:__

New Zealand's currency is called the New Zealand dollar, also informally known as the "Kiwi dollar". One U.S. dollar equals 1.71012 New Zealand dollars. ~Ashley

__Prices:__ rental car: $35 per day Cotter House Retreat (stay here while in Auckland): $475- 960 Villa Melina Bed & Breakfast (stay here while in Wellington): $1000- 2000 Kokonga Lodge (stay here while in Christchurch): $135- 273 Maple Lodge (stay here while in Alexandra): $195- 295) ~Michaela

__What about Visas for us U.S. civilians?__

Yes, you need visas, but, if you are available for a visa waiver, you can stay three months or less as a tourist without a visa. ~Sheila

__Vaccines__

The vaccines needed for this type of traveling are in three categories: Routine, Recommended, and Required. Routine vaccinations are need to prevent travelers from contracting a diseas that may not be in the United States but in another country. Recommended vaccination are used to insure that a disease from another country does not cross the international borders. It is highly recommended if you are visiting rural areas. Required vaccinations are mandatory according to the International Health Regulations. Examples of diseases that need the required vaccinations, are Yellow Fever and Meningococcaol. ~Sheila

 
 * [[image:http://www.cotterhouse.com/PicsHotel/cotter/Images/preview_hallway.jpg align="center"]]

This is a picture of the Cotter House Luxury Retreat. || This is a picture of the Cotter House Luxury Retreat. ||

This is a picture of a float from the Alexandra Blossom Festival.

A picture of flags on a hill during the international Arts Festival in Wellington.



This is a map of New Zealand.

Pictures and map ~Ashley

__Works Cited:__

[|www.cia.gov] [|www.christchurch.org.nz] [|www.xe.com/ucc/convert/cgi] [|www.cotterhouse.com] [|www.aucklandnz.com] [|www.wellingtonnz.com] [|www.villamelina.co.nz] [|Webflyer Mileage Calculator] [|travel visa information] [|travelers information] www.newzealand.com/travel images.businesswork.com googlemaps google images cringel.com [|www.aatravel.com] [|www.alexandratoz.com]