Although one of the most isolated countries in the world, New Zealand is also one of the most beautiful. New Zealand is situated in the region broadly referred to as the Antipodes, flanked by the Tasman Sea on one side and on the other by the huge vastness of the Pacific Ocean. Alongside Australia, it's nearest neighbour some 2,000km to the west, it is commonly referred to as "Down Under". With a total area of 268,670 sq km (slightly larger than the United Kingdom and a little smaller than Japan), the country is made up of two main land masses - the North and South Islands - that are divided by the Cook Strait. There are considerably smaller islands and a series of satellite islands dotted around these major land masses forming the entire part of the country.
New Zealanders are universally known as "kiwis", after the national bird: a timid nocturnal flightless bird found mainly in forests. The indigenous people of the country, Maori, form an integral part of the country with their unique culture, traditions, language and customs. Throughout this and ensuing posts, I will bring to the reader's attention many Maori words and place names. On visiting this unspoilt beauty, you will experience some of the most dramatic landscapes to be seen anwhere on earth. Major travel publications consistently rate it as one of the must-see destinations, from snow-capped mountains, deep blue lakes, forests, geysers and boiling pools of mud. New Zealanders do not take their country for granted: many cities and towns have walking trails and up to a third of the entire country has been designated as a National Park. As an island country, no place is more than 50 kms (80 miles) from the sea.
Although the country is sparsely populated, having only recently passed the four-million mark, it is becoming more cosmopolitan in it's make up, attracting migrants from all over. These migrants are attracted to the country because of New Zealand's enviable lifestyle, culture, living conditions and human rights for all it's citizens. It's appeal as a great outdoor destination is popular, and in recent years it has become a mecca for lovers of adventure tourism such as white-water rafting, skiing, hiking or tramping, sky-diving, hot-air ballooning, and bungy-jumping.
The country proudly boasts it's sophisticated and modern cities and it's fascinating and unique culture. Maori were the first inhabitants, having travelled great distances across the Pacific Ocean to reach these shores. Visitors will be hard-pressed to travel the country without coming into direct contact with the influence that the culture has played in developing New Zealand's standing in the world.
Most visitors arrive and leave with a favourable and long-lasting impression. It really does have the best of all worlds: wonderful and spectacular scenery, modern and vibrant cities, excellent food and wines, and without doubt, a fascinating culture. For readers of this blog who are contemplating where to spend their vacations, I strongly urge you to consider New Zealand as a viable option. To assist you with your decision, I recommend that you check out an amazing report that contains comprehensive information for those looking to visit New Zealand. You will find information on:
- Visa requirements,
- Driving in New Zealand,
- New Zealand lifestyle,
- New Zealand culture and
- A wealth of information on living, working or investing in New Zealand.
To get full and complete access to this report, please click here. Should you require any additional information, please leave a comment on my blog and I will happily and gladly reply.
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