New Zealand Travel Guide
Located roughly 900 miles east of Australia, New Zealand is an island nation comprised of two massive land masses—the North Island and South Island—and nearly 600 smaller islands. Whether you’re in search of unique wildlife, world-class restaurants, pristine hiking, unmatched cultural experiences, kayaking in dolphin-stuffed waters, hair-raising adrenaline sports or sandy, tropical Best beaches in New Zealand, New Zealand brings it all collectively in a single unforgettable nation.
New Zealand is historically unique in that it was one of the last major land masses to be settled by humans. Estimates put the arrival of the primary Māori settlers between 1250 and 1300, and European explorers didn’t arrive until the 1642 voyage of the Dutchman Abel Tasman. The first assembly between Māori and Europeans resulted in the dying of 4 of Tasman’s crew members and not less than one injured Māori, and Europeans didn’t return until 1769, when James Cook mapped nearly the entirety of the nation’s coastline.
Via the whaling and trading industries, European exploration of the realm intensified, and beginning within the early nineteenth century, Christian missionaries began changing much of the present Māori. By the late nineteenth century, the Māori population was at forty p.c of its pre-European contact stage, due in large part to European-introduced diseases.
On July 1, 1841, the Colony of New Zealand was officially fashioned from the Colony of New South Wales, and in 1907, upon request from the New Zealand parliament, New Zealand was proclaimed a dominion within the British Empire. New Zealand fought in both World War I and World War II and suffered by the Great Despair as well.
In more recent history, there’s been a resurgence of Māori tradition and several other movements geared toward selling better awareness of their traditions.
New Zealand is commonly the story of two groups, Māori and Pākehā (European culture within New Zealand), and cultural achievements are no exception. Within the Māori tradition, there are a lot of beautiful examples of carvings and weavings, each of which usually have spiritual and storytelling significance. From the early Pākehā, landscape paintings and some Māori portraiture have been common.
One of the crucial widely known cultural components of the Māori individuals is the haka, a posture dance that includes stamping toes, rhythmic cries and brazenly exposed tongues. The All Blacks, the New Zealand rugby union staff, has performed this ritual earlier than matches since 1905.
While there has historically been little worldwide interest in New Zealand’s cultural exports, the film industry has seen a recent boon. New Zealand films As soon as Had been Warriors, The Piano, Heavenly Creatures and Whale Rider all enjoyed national and worldwide success, and the Peter Jackson–directed Lord of the Rings shot New Zealand into the mainstream spotlight.
On the music front, the Takapuna-born artist Lorde has broken into worldwide acclaim, and the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords enjoys international success as well.
When touring in New Zealand, maintain a few of the following in mind:
CURRENCY
New Zealand’s forex is the New Zealand dollar. Only in uncommon circumstances can you pay with US dollars right here, so at all times convert into the local currency. Most retailers accept main credit cards, and ATMs are plentiful. Should you’re going someplace particularly remote, just make sure that to stock up on cash beforehand. When exchanging cash, the worst rates will possible be at the airport and in hotels. Simply withdrawing from an ATM tends to give you the most favorable rate.
TIPPING
While tipping’s not necessary in restaurants, it’s nonetheless common, especially in touristy areas. A ten % gratuity for particularly glorious service will always be appreciated. At hotels, it’s considered a nice gesture to tip anybody carrying your bags or cleaning your room. These tips are typically a couple of dollars.
PUBLIC BEHAVIOR
New Zealand’s typically a quite relaxed, open and friendly nation. Westerners won’t come up in opposition to too many strict social customs or taboos. There are, nonetheless, subtle differences between the coexisting European and Māori cultures. Māori, for instance, are more tied to social protocols, tradition and hierarchy.
ELECTRIC CURRENT
New Zealand operates on 230/240 volts. Always check your US items to see if they’re suitable with 110 and 220. If not, you’ll want a converter. New Zealand uses two- or three-pin plugs which might be angled, so an adapter’s vital as well.
PUBLIC BATHROOMS
Public bogs are clear, fashionable and readily available all through New Zealand. You may expect sinks, running water and bathroom paper to be provided.
Preserve a particular eye out for "Exeloo" toilets. These high-tech restrooms indicate with a light if the stall’s vacant, occupied or closed, they play mild music over a speaker system, they allow you to lock the door at the push of a button, and the toilet automatically flushes while you wash your fingers!
DRINKING WATER
Tap water’s clear and secure to drink throughout New Zealand. For those who’re heading out for multiday adventures in the wild, use the identical common sense you'd anywhere. Don’t drink from stagnant swimming pools, and produce alongside your choosered water sterilization method—just to be safe.
AUCKLAND REGION
Named after the nation’s largest city center, the Auckland area contains everything from metropolitan bars and eating places to the islands of Hauraki Gulf, the place you’re liable to see whales and dolphins.
Auckland: A gorgeous metropolis of metropolitan and cultural significance, Auckland is a can’t-miss cease for anyone hitting the North Island. Take within the Sky Tower and beautiful harbor, as well as the multicultural atmosphere. (Beware, though. Auckland has been ranked one of many world’s most expensive cities.)
BAY OF PLENTY REGION
Situated within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, this area’s finest identified for its in depth geothermal activity, but it’s also a site of historical and cultural significance to the Māori people.
Rotorua: Whether or not you’re interested in the geothermal activity, trout fishing or Maori culture, Rotorua will hold you spellbound. Don’t miss its array of sizzling pools and geysers.
HAWKE’S BAY REGION
Nestled along the jap coast of the North Island, many come for the surroundings however stay for the wine. Hawke’s Bay is understood internationally as the home to many award-profitable reds and whites.
Napier: Devastated in a 1931 earthquake, this resilient city rebuilt in its now-well-known Art Deco architectural style. Individuals flock right here 12 months-spherical for wine festivals and celebrations of their Art Deco history and heritage.
WAIKATO REGION
Black-sand beaches, revered surfing, pure harbors and pervasive livestock make this North Island region quintessentially Kiwi.
New Zealand is historically unique in that it was one of the last major land masses to be settled by humans. Estimates put the arrival of the primary Māori settlers between 1250 and 1300, and European explorers didn’t arrive until the 1642 voyage of the Dutchman Abel Tasman. The first assembly between Māori and Europeans resulted in the dying of 4 of Tasman’s crew members and not less than one injured Māori, and Europeans didn’t return until 1769, when James Cook mapped nearly the entirety of the nation’s coastline.
Via the whaling and trading industries, European exploration of the realm intensified, and beginning within the early nineteenth century, Christian missionaries began changing much of the present Māori. By the late nineteenth century, the Māori population was at forty p.c of its pre-European contact stage, due in large part to European-introduced diseases.
On July 1, 1841, the Colony of New Zealand was officially fashioned from the Colony of New South Wales, and in 1907, upon request from the New Zealand parliament, New Zealand was proclaimed a dominion within the British Empire. New Zealand fought in both World War I and World War II and suffered by the Great Despair as well.
In more recent history, there’s been a resurgence of Māori tradition and several other movements geared toward selling better awareness of their traditions.
New Zealand is commonly the story of two groups, Māori and Pākehā (European culture within New Zealand), and cultural achievements are no exception. Within the Māori tradition, there are a lot of beautiful examples of carvings and weavings, each of which usually have spiritual and storytelling significance. From the early Pākehā, landscape paintings and some Māori portraiture have been common.
One of the crucial widely known cultural components of the Māori individuals is the haka, a posture dance that includes stamping toes, rhythmic cries and brazenly exposed tongues. The All Blacks, the New Zealand rugby union staff, has performed this ritual earlier than matches since 1905.
While there has historically been little worldwide interest in New Zealand’s cultural exports, the film industry has seen a recent boon. New Zealand films As soon as Had been Warriors, The Piano, Heavenly Creatures and Whale Rider all enjoyed national and worldwide success, and the Peter Jackson–directed Lord of the Rings shot New Zealand into the mainstream spotlight.
On the music front, the Takapuna-born artist Lorde has broken into worldwide acclaim, and the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords enjoys international success as well.
When touring in New Zealand, maintain a few of the following in mind:
CURRENCY
New Zealand’s forex is the New Zealand dollar. Only in uncommon circumstances can you pay with US dollars right here, so at all times convert into the local currency. Most retailers accept main credit cards, and ATMs are plentiful. Should you’re going someplace particularly remote, just make sure that to stock up on cash beforehand. When exchanging cash, the worst rates will possible be at the airport and in hotels. Simply withdrawing from an ATM tends to give you the most favorable rate.
TIPPING
While tipping’s not necessary in restaurants, it’s nonetheless common, especially in touristy areas. A ten % gratuity for particularly glorious service will always be appreciated. At hotels, it’s considered a nice gesture to tip anybody carrying your bags or cleaning your room. These tips are typically a couple of dollars.
PUBLIC BEHAVIOR
New Zealand’s typically a quite relaxed, open and friendly nation. Westerners won’t come up in opposition to too many strict social customs or taboos. There are, nonetheless, subtle differences between the coexisting European and Māori cultures. Māori, for instance, are more tied to social protocols, tradition and hierarchy.
ELECTRIC CURRENT
New Zealand operates on 230/240 volts. Always check your US items to see if they’re suitable with 110 and 220. If not, you’ll want a converter. New Zealand uses two- or three-pin plugs which might be angled, so an adapter’s vital as well.
PUBLIC BATHROOMS
Public bogs are clear, fashionable and readily available all through New Zealand. You may expect sinks, running water and bathroom paper to be provided.
Preserve a particular eye out for "Exeloo" toilets. These high-tech restrooms indicate with a light if the stall’s vacant, occupied or closed, they play mild music over a speaker system, they allow you to lock the door at the push of a button, and the toilet automatically flushes while you wash your fingers!
DRINKING WATER
Tap water’s clear and secure to drink throughout New Zealand. For those who’re heading out for multiday adventures in the wild, use the identical common sense you'd anywhere. Don’t drink from stagnant swimming pools, and produce alongside your choosered water sterilization method—just to be safe.
AUCKLAND REGION
Named after the nation’s largest city center, the Auckland area contains everything from metropolitan bars and eating places to the islands of Hauraki Gulf, the place you’re liable to see whales and dolphins.
Auckland: A gorgeous metropolis of metropolitan and cultural significance, Auckland is a can’t-miss cease for anyone hitting the North Island. Take within the Sky Tower and beautiful harbor, as well as the multicultural atmosphere. (Beware, though. Auckland has been ranked one of many world’s most expensive cities.)
BAY OF PLENTY REGION
Situated within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, this area’s finest identified for its in depth geothermal activity, but it’s also a site of historical and cultural significance to the Māori people.
Rotorua: Whether or not you’re interested in the geothermal activity, trout fishing or Maori culture, Rotorua will hold you spellbound. Don’t miss its array of sizzling pools and geysers.
HAWKE’S BAY REGION
Nestled along the jap coast of the North Island, many come for the surroundings however stay for the wine. Hawke’s Bay is understood internationally as the home to many award-profitable reds and whites.
Napier: Devastated in a 1931 earthquake, this resilient city rebuilt in its now-well-known Art Deco architectural style. Individuals flock right here 12 months-spherical for wine festivals and celebrations of their Art Deco history and heritage.
WAIKATO REGION
Black-sand beaches, revered surfing, pure harbors and pervasive livestock make this North Island region quintessentially Kiwi.
