New Zealand

Facts and Statistics Location: Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia Capital: Wellington Population: 3,993,817 (July 2004 est.) Ethnic Make-up: New Zealand European 74.5%, Maori 9.7%, other European 4.6%, Pacific Islander 3.8%, Asian and others 7.4% Religions: Anglican 24%, Presbyterian 18%, Roman Catholic 15%, Methodist 5%, Baptist 2%, other Protestant 3%, unspecified or none 33% (1986)

Food New Zealand cuisine is largely driven by local ingredients and seasonal variations. Occupying an island nation with a primarily agricultural economy, New Zealand yields produce from land and sea. Similar to the cuisine of Australia, the cuisine of New Zeland is a diverse British-based cuisine, with Mediterranean and Pacific Rim influences as the country becomes more cosmopolitan. Historical influences came from Māori culture. New American cuisine, Southeast Asian, East Asian, and Indian culinary traditions have become popular since the 1970s. In New Zealand households, dinner (also known as "tea") is the main meal of the day, when families gather and share their evening together. Restaurants and takeaways provide an increasing proportion of the diet. Pavlova, one of the icons in New Zealand cuisine.

A hāngi dinner as served to tourists. Preparation of a modern hāngi for tourists at Mitai Maori Village, Rotorua.

New Zealand Customs Service The Customs Service whose role is to provide border control and protect the community from potential risks arising from international trade and travel, as well as collecting duties and taxes on imports to the country. New Zealand's Minister of Customs is the Hon. Maurice Williamson. Intercepting contraband, and checks travellers and their baggage, as well as cargo and mail, for banned or prohibited items. It is also responsible for assessing and collecting Customs duties, excise taxes and Goods and Services Tax on imports and protecting New Zealand businesses against illegal trade.

Recommended Clothing Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities. 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.

Typical Food The New Zealand cuisine, has remarkable flavor, cooking is known as flat, the reason is to add a little salt and fat utilization be very controlled, garlic, onion and herbs are also exempted in the preparation of dishes. It has a very positive side which is all that medicine orinenta only missing then the sugar. Well, they do a great consumption of venison and lamb accompanied by much tomato sauce, seafood and vegetables in their three foods. The herbs are acceptable mint and rosemary, let's add the wine produced on the site that is widely consumed. The most common dishes that are part of the cuisine is typical: Kiwi Pavlova is a meringue fresh fruit with whipped cream served as dessert, Maori Hangi, a dish is cooked to steam the meat and vegetables, Roast Hogget, made with peas, potato, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and meat roasted lamb served with mint sauce base. Roast Hogget

Culture New Zealand culture is derived from European roots, and more recently U.S., but have evolved distinctive features of the New Zealand environment, indigenous culture of the Maori, and the influence of neighbors. The vigor and originality of the arts in New Zealand films, opera, music, painting, theater, dance and arts - are achieving international recognition. Maori Wood Carving

Tourist attractions Taupo - The town of Taupo is still less than Rotorua, and also sits on the edge of a beautiful lake. It has many tourist activities, spas, interesting tours on the lake, waterfalls and sports for all tastes.

Wellington - The second largest city and capital of New Zealand is interesting, with lots of activities, bars, restaurants, shops etc... Because it is more compact, seems more than acochegante Auckland which is more flat and spread out.

Waitomo Caves are a system of caves and a major tourist attraction in southern Waikato in the North Island of New Zealand. Currently, several companies, large and small, guide tourists through the cave with hundreds of tourists per hour.Tourists do sports like crawling up to the cave system.

Celebrities Cliff Curtis The Piano (1993).... Mana Trauma (2009)série de tv....Paramédico Rabbit Palchuck The Last Airbender (2009/2010).... Senhor do Fogo Ozai A Thousand Words (2011).... Dr. Sinja Melanie Lynskey Hello I Must Be Going(2012)....Amy The Perks of Being a Wallflower(2012).... Aunt Helen Win Win (2012).... Cindy