We report an analysis of new V and I CCD time-series photometry of the distant globular cluster NGC 6229 .
The principal aims were to explore the field of the cluster in search of new variables , and to Fourier decompose the RR Lyrae light curves in pursuit of physical parameters.We found 25 new variables : 10 RRab , 5 RRc , 6 SR , 1 CW , 1 SX Phe , and two that we were unable to classify .
Secular period changes were detected and measured in some favourable cases .
The classifications of some of the known variables were rectified .

The Fourier decomposition of RRab and RRc light curves was used to independently estimate the mean cluster value of [ Fe/H ] and distance .
From the RRab stars we found [ Fe/H ] _ { UVES } = -1.31 \pm 0.01 { ( statistical ) } \pm 0.12 { ( systematic ) } ( [ Fe/H ] _ { ZW } = -1.42 ) , and a distance of 30.0 \pm 1.5 kpc , and from the RRc stars we found [ Fe/H ] _ { UVES } = -1.29 \pm 0.12 and a distance of 30.7 \pm 1.1 kpc , respectively .
Absolute magnitudes , radii and masses are also reported for individual RR Lyrae stars .
Also discussed are the independent estimates of the cluster distance from the tip of the RGB , 34.9 \pm 2.4 kpc and from the P-L relation of SX Phe stars , 28.9 \pm 2.2 kpc .
The distribution of RR Lyrae stars in the horizontal branch shows a clear empirical border between stable fundamental and first overtone pulsators which has been noted in several other clusters ; we interpret it as the red edge of the first overtone instability strip .