New Zealand
New Zealand is an extraordinary place. A land of dramatic contrasts, with lush forests and ice-capped peaks, peaceful seascapes and boiling thermal pools. Here you can relax in isolated luxury or enjoy the excitement of a bungy jump or whitewater rafting, for example. One thing’s for certain – you’ll never be bored.
New Zealand is multi-cultured, sophisticated and friendly. The facilities are world class, and the people are amongst the most friendly and generous you will find anywhere.
A trip here is the journey of a lifetime. So come prepared for a great time!
History
Maori first landed in New Zealand from their legendary homeland of Hawaaki more than a thousand years ago. They continued to journey here, perhaps over hundreds of years, using only the stars to guide them across the vast expanses of the Pacific.
The arrival of Europeans from the mid 19th century led to the historic signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 between Maori and the British Crown. That document founded modern day New Zealand and continues to define the relationship between New Zealanders. Maori are officially recognised as the tangata whenua – the “people of the land”.
The arrival of other ethnic groups from Europe and Asia in particular has seen New Zealand’s population diversify significantly, and today the influence and evidence of many different peoples can be seen and enjoyed here.
Culture
New Zealand’s location at the bottom of the world, the rich and diverse ethnic backgrounds of the people and the national characteristics of individuality and self-reliance all contribute to a strong and vibrant culture that continues to intrigue everyone who comes here.
From our internationally acclaimed film-makers and sports teams to our rich Maori culture and the flourishing arts scene, New Zealand’s depth and diversity of cultural expression is very much part of the experience of being here. Museums, art galleries, cultural shows and even a rugby match (the national obsession) offer wonderful opportunities to see and hear how New Zealanders express themselves.
Nature
It’s been called “all the world in one place”. Millions and millions of years of undisturbed evolution saw New Zealand evolve into an extraordinary land. Some of the amazing specimens that thrived then still exist today – the kiwi, tuatara, weta and kakapo, for example, are all unique to New Zealand. Being remote has its advantages too – New Zealand has no snakes or fatally poisonous insects. The only dangerous animals you’ll find are in the zoo or on the rugby field!
The land forms too are stunning, dramatic and incredibly varied. New Zealand is only the size of England or California, and yet it contains everything from glaciers and huge mountain ranges to flat, rich farmland, golden beaches, mystical rain forests and steaming geothermal areas.
New Zealand’s “clean and green” environment is legendary, and many visitors love the wide open spaces and the amazing richness of the light.
The weather is mild, with high rainfall, lots of sunshine and relatively small seasonal variation. The spring and summer are wonderful times to explore the native parks and to tramp and fish in New Zealand’s wonderful outdoors. During the winter, head for the mountains. Some of the best skiing in the world is just hours away.
Key Facts
- New Zealand – three main islands (North, South and Stewart)
- 4 million people
- Four major cities – Auckland, Wellington (the capital), Christchurch and Dunedin
- 3 hours from Sydney by air; 12 hours from LA and Japan
- 12 hours ahead of GMT, plus or minus one hour for daylight saving
- English and Maori are the two main languages
- Comprehensive health facilities
- Great shopping, particularly in the main cities
- Currency: New Zealand Dollar
- Well developed tourism industry, including plenty of luxury accommodation
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