New Zealand Destination Guide
History
Amazingly, New Zealand is the youngest country on earth being the last major landmass to be discovered. Comments about saving the best ‘til last may be very appropriate here! The Maori voyaged across the Pacific from their Polynesian homeland some 1,000 years ago and were the first inhabitants of Aoteraroa (New Zealand). The Maori meaning is “Land of the Long White Cloud” and when you visit, you’ll see exactly how true this is.
New Zealand, as we know it today, dates back to 1840, when the Treaty of Waitangi (generally considered to be New Zealand’s founding document) was signed between the Maori and the British Crown. It established British law, but gave the Maori authority over the land and culture.
The meeting house in Waitangi, in the Bay of Islands, where the treaty was signed, has been preserved and this, the colonial mission house, the historic flagstaff and an extraordinary waka taua (Maori war canoe) are popular attractions for visitors to the area.
As a result of the treaty, the Maori lost considerable amounts of land in the 19th and 20th centuries, so in 1975, the Waitangi Tribunal was established and the Maori have now received compensation in both land and cash forms and their importance to society and New Zealand culture has been considerably enhanced.
New Zealand, as we know it today, dates back to 1840, when the Treaty of Waitangi (generally considered to be New Zealand’s founding document) was signed between the Maori and the British Crown. It established British law, but gave the Maori authority over the land and culture.
The meeting house in Waitangi, in the Bay of Islands, where the treaty was signed, has been preserved and this, the colonial mission house, the historic flagstaff and an extraordinary waka taua (Maori war canoe) are popular attractions for visitors to the area.
As a result of the treaty, the Maori lost considerable amounts of land in the 19th and 20th centuries, so in 1975, the Waitangi Tribunal was established and the Maori have now received compensation in both land and cash forms and their importance to society and New Zealand culture has been considerably enhanced.
Geography
Lying a three hour flight across the Tasman Sea (locally known as the “Ditch”) from Australia, New Zealand is made up of three main islands – North Island, South Island and Stewart Island – the lesser known one right in the south.
The capital city, Wellington, is on North Island, although Auckland, further north, is New Zealand’s most well-known city and is the arrival point for the majority of visitors. North Island has a spine of mountain ranges flanked on either side by gently rolling farmland, whilst the central area is a volcanic plateau and thermal area and Rotorua, with its mud pools, hot springs, geysers and all-pervading sulphur smell, is the most popular spot for visitors.
On South Island, the Southern Alps form a towering landmass along the west of the island and to the east, the landscape is of undulating hills and the flat Canterbury plains. The country, as a whole, boasts over 1,000 miles of coastline. North Island and the north of South Island have the lion’s share of the sandy beaches, whilst the rest of South Island is wilder and more rugged.
The Southern Alps are home to Australasia’s highest peak, Mount Cook, and from Mount Cook village, you can take a short walk to view New Zealand’s largest glacier - the Tasman Glacier. However,the most famous glaciers are Franz Josef and Fox and most visitors to the area pay at least one of them a visit.
Marlborough Sound (the famous wine growing area in the north of South Island) and the Fjordlands in the south are examples of mountain ranges which have “sunk” into the sea creating spectacular sounds and fjords. Milford Sound, which appears on almost all promotional literature for New Zealand (and rightly so) is typical of the fabulous scenery for which New Zealand is renowned. Who hasn’t admired the images of verdant, steep hills plunging down into clear, deep, still, protected bays, where the sun twinkles off the water and peace prevails?
The capital city, Wellington, is on North Island, although Auckland, further north, is New Zealand’s most well-known city and is the arrival point for the majority of visitors. North Island has a spine of mountain ranges flanked on either side by gently rolling farmland, whilst the central area is a volcanic plateau and thermal area and Rotorua, with its mud pools, hot springs, geysers and all-pervading sulphur smell, is the most popular spot for visitors.
On South Island, the Southern Alps form a towering landmass along the west of the island and to the east, the landscape is of undulating hills and the flat Canterbury plains. The country, as a whole, boasts over 1,000 miles of coastline. North Island and the north of South Island have the lion’s share of the sandy beaches, whilst the rest of South Island is wilder and more rugged.
The Southern Alps are home to Australasia’s highest peak, Mount Cook, and from Mount Cook village, you can take a short walk to view New Zealand’s largest glacier - the Tasman Glacier. However,the most famous glaciers are Franz Josef and Fox and most visitors to the area pay at least one of them a visit.
Marlborough Sound (the famous wine growing area in the north of South Island) and the Fjordlands in the south are examples of mountain ranges which have “sunk” into the sea creating spectacular sounds and fjords. Milford Sound, which appears on almost all promotional literature for New Zealand (and rightly so) is typical of the fabulous scenery for which New Zealand is renowned. Who hasn’t admired the images of verdant, steep hills plunging down into clear, deep, still, protected bays, where the sun twinkles off the water and peace prevails?
Culture
The Maori make up 14% of the total population of New Zealand and the “European Kiwis”, dubbed “Pakeha” by the Maori, make up the majority. Maori culture, which includes traditional and contemporary crafts, is an important part of life in New Zealand.
The Maori stories and legends are depicted in their art and carvings. Most place names are of Maori origin – apparently unpronounceable at first, but quite logical once you have mastered the sounds. Rotorua, on the central plateau of North Island, has one of the greatest concentrations of Maori residents in the country and is one of the best places to experience this unique culture. You’ll almost certainly have the chance to see the “Hongi” – the traditional Maori greeting where two people rub noses. And even the non-rugby lovers amongst us could not fail to recognise the familiar sounds and actions of the “Haka”, an ancient Maori dance, which has made the New Zealand All Blacks famous the world over.
And, of course, we should not forget the viniculture. New Zealand is a renowned New World wine producing region and you can visit wineries across the country – Hawkes Bay in the north and Marlborough in the south are amongst the most frequented. Perhaps most well-known for its sauvignon blanc, you should definitely not miss an opportunity to sample the local produce.
The Maori stories and legends are depicted in their art and carvings. Most place names are of Maori origin – apparently unpronounceable at first, but quite logical once you have mastered the sounds. Rotorua, on the central plateau of North Island, has one of the greatest concentrations of Maori residents in the country and is one of the best places to experience this unique culture. You’ll almost certainly have the chance to see the “Hongi” – the traditional Maori greeting where two people rub noses. And even the non-rugby lovers amongst us could not fail to recognise the familiar sounds and actions of the “Haka”, an ancient Maori dance, which has made the New Zealand All Blacks famous the world over.
And, of course, we should not forget the viniculture. New Zealand is a renowned New World wine producing region and you can visit wineries across the country – Hawkes Bay in the north and Marlborough in the south are amongst the most frequented. Perhaps most well-known for its sauvignon blanc, you should definitely not miss an opportunity to sample the local produce.
The Great Outdoors
In a country, which is the size of Great Britain, but has a population of just 4 million, it goes without saying that there is a lot of space. And wow, how that space is filled! Mountains, glaciers, lakes, volcanoes, sulphur springs, fjords, rainforests and the ocean make up this glorious country.
Adventure junkies should head for Queenstown, where you can experience one adrenalin rush after another with white-water rafting or powerboat rides down the Shotover River and bungy jumping off Kawarau Bridge. If you prefer something a little less heart-stopping, a cruise on the SS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu is an opportunity to take in the breath-taking scenery at a slightly slower pace.
Sailing buffs will adore Auckland – nicknamed the “City of Sails” - built around a natural harbour and a regular port on the Americas Cup route.
New Zealand is a hiker’s paradise. The locals call it “tramping”, but you are spoilt for choice with some of the most scenic walking tracks in the world. Most of them take three to five days to complete and in some cases, like the Milford Track and the Routeburn Track, you need to obtain a permit in advance and this then covers the hut accommodation provided en route. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track and the Heaphy Track are also high on many hikers’ lists.
Whale watching at Kaikoura, north of Christchurch, kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park and ski-ing in the Southern Alps are also on the list of possibilities.
In a country, which is the size of Great Britain, but has a population of just 4 million, it goes without saying that there is a lot of space. And wow, how that space is filled! Mountains, glaciers, lakes, volcanoes, sulphur springs, fjords, rainforests and the ocean make up this glorious country.
Adventure junkies should head for Queenstown, where you can experience one adrenalin rush after another with white-water rafting or powerboat rides down the Shotover River and bungy jumping off Kawarau Bridge. If you prefer something a little less heart-stopping, a cruise on the SS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu is an opportunity to take in the breath-taking scenery at a slightly slower pace.
Sailing buffs will adore Auckland – nicknamed the “City of Sails” - built around a natural harbour and a regular port on the Americas Cup route.
New Zealand is a hiker’s paradise. The locals call it “tramping”, but you are spoilt for choice with some of the most scenic walking tracks in the world. Most of them take three to five days to complete and in some cases, like the Milford Track and the Routeburn Track, you need to obtain a permit in advance and this then covers the hut accommodation provided en route. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track and the Heaphy Track are also high on many hikers’ lists.
Whale watching at Kaikoura, north of Christchurch, kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park and ski-ing in the Southern Alps are also on the list of possibilities.
Touring country
A country of such a manageable size is perfect for touring, whether it’s on an escorted coach tour or on a self-drive itinerary with a rental car or in a motorhome. As an added bonus, the Kiwis drive on the left.
There’s so much to see that you should take care not to try to squeeze too much into a short time. Although, there are some long distances, where you can drive for miles without seeing another vehicle (and take note, no fuel either!), in fact, most major spots tend to be no more than 4 - 5 hours drive apart.
If you plan to tour both islands, it’s worth considering flying into Auckland on North Island and out of Christchurch on South Island to save backtracking. Ferries operate the three hour journey across the Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton and carry passengers, vehicles and freight. It is essential to pre-book vehicles in the summer.
There’s so much to see that you should take care not to try to squeeze too much into a short time. Although, there are some long distances, where you can drive for miles without seeing another vehicle (and take note, no fuel either!), in fact, most major spots tend to be no more than 4 - 5 hours drive apart.
If you plan to tour both islands, it’s worth considering flying into Auckland on North Island and out of Christchurch on South Island to save backtracking. Ferries operate the three hour journey across the Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton and carry passengers, vehicles and freight. It is essential to pre-book vehicles in the summer.
