Skype has finally launched their native application for the Apple iPad. This application comes with everything you adore from the iPhone version to the iPad’s bigger display. This comprises instant messaging, video conferencing and audio chatting. Just like the iPhone version, everything works over both WiFi and 3G cellular data networks.

While at present it is only accessible to users in New Zealand but it is likely to make its way to other countries during the next 24 hours. Several applications have come out this way in the past, according to TUAW. This new “Skype for iPad” version of Skype supports all the features of its iPhone. It looks like all features short of two-way video calling are supported on the original iPad, with that being a feature of the iPad 2.

A list of features from the iTunes page:

* Talk face-to-face or show what you’re seeing with front and back-facing cameras.

* Use Skype for iPad to call anyone else on Skype – and enjoy near CD quality (SILK) sound.

* Instant message and add emoticons to personalize your messages.

* Make cheap calls to landlines or mobiles from your iPad.

* Get an Online Number from Skype so people can call you on your iPad.

* Pay As You Go with Skype Credit – great for when you’re using Skype every now and again.

* Pay monthly with a subscription – best if you use Skype a lot.

TUAW also declared that this iPad application is different from the iPhone application, but will keep the same free price tag. With this iPad app, it would be possible for making calls over both 3G and Wi-Fi but this iPad app will not be capable of file sharing.

Users won’t find the new version as a free update to the iPhone and iPod touch download, but instead will find a brand new application called ‘Skype for iPad’ on the iTunes App Store. This application is, of course, free. The app seems to be available worldwide as of right now.