New Zealand has been mystifying travellers and explorers for years
with its unique landscape, raw scenery and enthusiastic sports culture. Situated
in the South Pacific ocean, between latitude 34'S and 47'S, some 1500km east of
Australia, the country runs roughly
north-south with mountain ranges down much of its length. Its two main islands
cover 266,200 sq km (103,735 sq miles), about the size of Japan
or California and slightly larger than
Great Britain. It is one of the
most isolated major land masses in the world and was the last to be peopled, around
1200 years ago.
New Zealand's separation from other land masses for more than 100 million years has allowed many
ancient plants and animals to survive and evolve in isolation. Geologically, New
Zealand split off from the super-continent of Gondwanaland early, developing
a unique ecosystem in which birds adapted to fill the role normally held by
mammals, many becoming flightless through lack of predators.
Complementing the unique flora and fauna is a landscape that
contains an unrivalled variety of landforms. In a couple of days' drive it is possible to see everything from vast mountain chains,
active steaming volcanoes to sweeping coastlines, thermal geysers and boiling mud to deeply indented fiords
and lush rainforests.
New Zealand is a parliamentary government with a popularly elected single chamber legislature, although it lacks a written
constitution. Supporting it's "green" image, the country became officially and permanently nuclear free in 1987 - to the point
that all nuclear capable vessels are prohibited from New Zealand harbours.
The total population of New Zealand is about 4 million with 3/4 of them living in the North Island - half in Auckland. The society
is largely bicultural, comprised primarily of the Pakeha, the Maori word for those of European descent, and the Maori.
It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for
thrill seekers and adventurers. A
temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it a year-round holiday destination.
Tourism is big business in New Zealand, especially following the success of the Lord of the Rings
trilogy. You can swim with pods of playful dolphins, watch whales, go white-water rafting,
tramping on
some of the world's best known tracks and winter skiing at over a dozen resorts. The country
packs a lot into it's limited space allowing you to visit the main sights in a couple weeks; however, it's best if you can give
yourself a month. A great rule of thumb is to spend 30% of your time in the North Island and 70% in the South.
Most people arrive internationally into Auckland and it is the
best place to start exploring the North of the country. The harbourside business centre is constantly drawing people in
from around New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific. It's a great city and offers you everything you
want, but don't get stuck here. They say that there is Auckland, and then
there is New Zealand.
Wellington is the most self-contained of New Zealand's cities. The presence
of politicians and bureaucrats gives it a well scrubbed and urbane sophistication, enlivened by a
burgeoning cafe society and
after dark scene.
Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, has its roots firmly in the traditions of England. The
town is often referred to as the Oxford of the south due to its small university town feel.
Queenstown is the adrenaline capital where bungy jumping, rafting, jet boating and skiing hold sway.
This guide will help to show you all there is to see and do in New Zealand, and assist you in planning your travels. Have a great
time, it's a beautiful country!
There's so much more to learn... Check out our Facts For The Visitor or read up on our reviews of everything about New Zealand:
If you know of a great destination we're missing,
review it for us!!
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