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 RUGBY IN THE HEARTLAND OF NEW
ZEALAND.
WORLD VINTAGE RUGBY CARNIVAL
September 14 - 20 2008, Christchurch, New Zealand.
ABOUT NEW ZEALAND
The 2008 World Vintage Rugby Carnival presents the unique opportunity to
combine participation in a week of rugby and friendship with the ultimate in
travel destinations - New Zealand.
 For those wishing to explore the wide-open spaces and the outstanding scenic
beauty of New Zealand there are so many different options to consider. From
the majestic World Heritage area of Fiordland in the south west, through
adventure-capital Queenstown, past sweeping lakes and snow-capped ranges,
mountain passes and living glaciers in the Southern Alps, up the rugged West
Coast, and on to Marlborough's famous vineyards and the boating heaven of
the Sounds, the South Island offers wonderful scenery at every turn.
 A short hop by air or ferry across Cook Strait takes you to the capital
city, Wellington, a lively centre of arts and culture including the Te Papa
museum, all framed by steep hills and a magnificent natural harbour.
To the north, Auckland the City of Sails, where countless pleasure boats and
yachts ply the sparkling Waitemata Harbour and the warm sheltered waters of
the Hauraki Gulf. On the tropical Far North, with the endless sweeps of
Ninety Mile Beach to the west contrasting the coves and islets of the aptly
named Bay of Islands to the east.
 Hawke's Bay is another burgeoning wine region, with fine dining and tastings
at the vineyards and neighbouring Gisborne is where Captain Cook first
stepped ashore. No trip to the North Island is complete without visiting the
thermal wonderland of Rotorua, where the cultural seat of the earliest Maori
settlers is underscored by hot springs, bubbling mud pools and explosive
geysers.
Yes, New Zealand has something to offer everyone and there are over 400 golf
courses scattered around this wonderland as well !
All you need to know in making the decision to come to the 2008 World
Vintage Rugby Carnival in New Zealand.
- New Zealand is a three and a half hour flight from Eastern
Australia. From the West Coast of the United States, a direct flight to
New Zealand takes about 12 hours. From other places on the Pacific Rim,
such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo, flights take around 10 hours.
-
 The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The
warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June,
July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges
between 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC.
- In summer a light jacket or sweater should be included in your
luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes.
You can expect some rain, so include a light rainproof jacket or coat.
If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and
layer your clothing.
-
 New Zealand is in the South Pacific Ocean. The country runs roughly
north-south with mountain ranges down much of its length. Its two main
islands (North and South) cover 266,200 sq km (103,735 sq miles), about
the size of Japan or California and slightly larger than Great Britain.
-
 New Zealand's separation from other land masses about 100 million
years ago allowed many ancient plants and animals to survive and evolve
in isolation. Complementing our unique flora and fauna is a landscape
that contains an unrivalled variety of landforms. In a couple of days
drive it is possible to see everything from mountain ranges to sandy
beaches, lush rainforests, glaciers and fiords and active volcanoes.
 The
famous Lord of the Rings Trilogy filmed in various parts of New Zealand
highlighted the exciting diverse geology that makes up New Zealand.
- New Zealand is an independent nation and a member of the British
Commonwealth. It has a diverse multi-cultural population of 4 million
people, the majority of whom are of British descent. New Zealand's
indigenous Maori make up around 14 percent of the population.
- New Zealand's first settlers, the Maori, named the Kiwi Bird for the
sound of its chirp - kiwi, kiwi, kiwi! This flightless bird, about the
size of a domestic hen, has an extremely long beak and plumage that is
more like hair than feathers. New Zealanders have adopted this
nocturnal, flightless and endearing creature as their national emblem.
Referring to New Zealanders as Kiwis probably dates back to the First
World War, when New Zealand soldiers first acquired this nickname.
- New Zealand’s basic currency unit is the New Zealand dollar. The
dollar coin features a kiwi bird on one side.
-
 New Zealanders are proud of their "clean, green" image. With a
population of only 4 million, New Zealand has an abundance of open
spaces and outdoor activities accessible to all members of the
population.
- New Zealand is renowned for its nuclear free zone status and a
fiercely independent international policy. A relatively safe country,
New Zealand has become a popular destination with a wide range of
tourists from all parts of the world.
-
 English is the principle language though New Zealand English is
occasionally interspersed with words and phrase drawn from the Maori
language that is spoken by many of New Zealand's indigenous people.
- New Zealand is an intriguing, diverse friendly country-home to many
cultures and always ready to welcome visitors.
- Cultural diversity, geographical grandeur, friendly people,
temperate climate and exciting adventures-all that New Zealand has to
offer.
 Useful
New Zealand tourism links
Travelling to New Zealand – advice for visiting
teams...
Arrival
Every person arriving in New Zealand must complete an arrival card.
Passports
Passports are required for all visitors to New Zealand and must be valid for
at least three months after the date the visitor intends to leave New
Zealand.
 Visas
Most nationalities do not require visas to visit New Zealand. Please check
with the nearest New Zealand Embassy or Consul for the current list of those
countries that do not require visas.
Customs Allowances
Additional to personal effects visitors are allowed the following
concessions free of duty and Goods and Services Tax (provided they are over
18 years of age):
- Cigarettes, Cigars, Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco
or 50 cigars or a mixture if all three not weighting more than 250
grams.
- Alcoholic Liquor Concession: 4.5 litres of wine - (this is
equivalent to six 750ml bottles), or 4.5 litres of beer, and one bottle
containing not more than 1125ml of spirits or liquor.
- Goods up to a total combined value of NZ$700 are free of duty and
GST. Goods in excess of this amount may attract duty and GST. They will
only be collected if the revenue assessment is $50 or more.
A detailed leaflet, 'Customs Guide for Travellers', is available from New
Zealand Embassies and Consulates or from The Controller of Customs, PO Box
11-746, Wellington, New Zealand.
 Agricultural Restrictions
New Zealand is free from many animal and plant diseases. Restrictions are
imposed on the importation of some animal and plant materials to maintain
this situation. A declaration will need to be filled out before arrival in
New Zealand.
DO NOT BRING ANY FRUIT OR VEGETABLES IN WITH YOU. The Ministry of
Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) are vigilant and will impose substantial
instant fines for any breach of the regulations. All luggage is x-rayed on
arrival and the machines can detect any fruit, vegetables or other
prohibited items. It is also VERY likely that everyone will be asked to open
suitcases and present rugby boots for inspection. Boots must be immaculate,
spotless and packed close to the top of the suitcase for easy access by MAF
officials. It is not uncommon for people to be fined $200 for golf shoes
with with mud or grass on them.Detailed information is available from the
MAF, PO Box 2526, Wellington.
Language
English and Maori are the two official languages of New Zealand. English is
the common language of New Zealanders. Translators are available for most
languages.
Transport
International Airlines
Direct flights into Christchurch are made by: Air New Zealand, Emirates, Air
Pacific, Freedom Air, Japan Airlines, Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines.
Flights into Auckland, with domestic airline connections to Christchurch,
are made by Air New Zealand, Emirates, Air Caledonia, Air Niue, Air Nauru,
Air Pacific, Air Vanuatu, Britannia Airlines, British Airways, Cathay
Pacific, China Airlines, Eva Air, Garuda Airlines, Japan Airlines, Malaysian
Airlines, Polynesian Airlines, Qantas Airlines, Royal Tongan Airlines,
Singapore Airlines, Solomon Airlines, Thai Airlines, United Airlines, Air
France, Korean, and (from Australia), Virgin Blue.
Domestic Airlines
Major centres and resorts are served by Air New Zealand (National) and
Qantas New Zealand.
 Local
Christchurch taxis operate from stands or on-call by telephone - this is a
24-hour service. Bus and shuttle services are also available.
Approximate travelling times from the city centre:
Airport 15 minutes
WestpacTrust Centre 10 minutes
Akaroa 1 hour
Currency
New Zealand has decimal currency based on dollar and cent denominations.
 Banks
Trading banks and Bureaux de Change are open Monday-Friday 0900 hours to
1630 hours except Tuesday when open 0930 hours to 1630 hours. Banking
facilities at international airports provide foreign exchange services for
international arrivals and departures, including weekends (occasionally
these may be closed for late night departures).
ATM machines are widely available for cash withdrawals.
Credit Cards
The practice of payment by credit card is widely accepted throughout New
Zealand. Those in common use include Visa, Mastercard, American Express,
Diners Club and JCB.
Travellers Cheques
Travellers cheques can be changed at trading banks, large city hotels and
many other trading establishments.
Shopping
 Visitors to Christchurch are able to shop within the central city, or in one
of the many suburban shopping malls. Normal shopping hours are 0900 hours to
1730 hours Monday - Friday with one late shopping night to 2100 hours
(usually Thursday or Friday). Additionally many city and suburban shops and
malls are open all day Saturday and Sunday with variations in opening and
closing times. Corner stores, service stations (petrol/gas) and most
souvenir shops are open 7 days.
Duty Free
Duty free stores are located at the airport and in the city centre.
Taxes
Goods and services in New Zealand are subject to a 12.5% Goods and Services
Tax (GST). The Goods and Services Tax cannot be claimed back by visitors.
Departure Tax - $25 nationwide. A taxation clearance is not required of
visitors on departure. Important - Any income earned within New Zealand
during a visit is liable to tax.
 What to wear
New Zealand's relaxed lifestyle lends itself to an informal style of dress.
Even in restaurants and nightclubs neat, casual clothes are acceptable. The
Christchurch Casino requests smart, neat attire.
Medical and Emergency Services
All emergency services can be contacted throughout New Zealand by dialling
111. New Zealand's medical services are both public and private. Please note
- medical services are not free to visitors (except as a result of an
accident). It is strongly recommended that visitors purchase health
insurance.
Visitors requiring medical services, drugs or pharmaceutical supplies after
normal shopping hours should check with the hotel/motel reception or in the
local telephone directory.
There are no snakes or dangerous wild animals in New Zealand. The only
poisonous creature is the very rare katipo spider.
 Driving Licences
Reciprocal driving rights exist between New Zealand and most countries. Most
rental car companies will ask for an International Driver's Licence. The
driver will need to be over 21 years of age.
New Zealand is a right hand drive country.
Newspapers and TV Channels
Christchurch has one daily paper and 5 national and 2 local TV stations, as
well as Sky pay TV available in most hotels and motels.
 Telephone/Communications
Local telephone calls from coin or card operated public telephones cost 50c
per call. Hotels have facsimile facilities and many can provide e-mail
services. Internet Cafe's, offering internet and e-mail access are plentiful
in Christchurch city.
International roaming is supported on Mobile Phone Networks.
Postal Service
Post Offices generally open from 0830 hours to 1700 hours Monday to Friday
with some late nights. A full national and international service is
available.
Tipping
Employees in New Zealand do not depend on tips or gratuities as part of
their income.
Electricity
Electricity throughout New Zealand is supplied at 230 volts, 50 hertz.
Hotels and motels provide 110 volt 20 watt sockets for electric razors only.
Most power sockets in use in New Zealand accept three-pin plugs or similar
adaptors.
Water
All New Zealand cities and towns have excellent public water supplies; tap
(faucet) water is fresh and safe to drink.
 Time
New Zealand is close to the International Date Line and is 12 hours ahead of
Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight saving will not be in place at the time of the
event so New Zealand will be 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Population
New Zealand has a population of about 4.1 million. Most people are of
European descent. There are 500,000 Maori. The Maori people came to New
Zealand in a series of migrations about 1,000 years ago. Christchurch has an
urban population of about 341,000 and is New Zealand's second largest city.
 Geographical Size
New Zealand is similar in geographical size to the State of Victoria in
Australia, California in the USA and Britain.
Gallery of Images...
We have put together a gallery of images taken in
and around Christchurch and the Canterbury region.
Details>>
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