New Zealand Journey Guide
Situated approximately 900 miles east of Australia, New Zealand is an island nation comprised of large land masses—the North Island and South Island—and almost 600 smaller islands. Whether or not you’re in search of distinctive wildlife, world-class eating places, pristine hiking, unmatched cultural experiences, kayaking in dolphin-stuffed waters, hair-raising adrenaline sports or sandy, tropical beaches, New Zealand brings all of it collectively in one unforgettable nation.
New Zealand is historically unique in that it was one of many last major land plenty to be settled by humans. Estimates put the arrival of the primary Māori settlers between 1250 and 1300, and European explorers didn’t arrive till the 1642 voyage of the Dutchman Abel Tasman. The first meeting between Māori and Europeans resulted within the demise of four 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.
By the whaling and trading industries, European exploration of the area intensified, and beginning in the early nineteenth century, Christian missionaries began changing much of the existing Māori. By the late 19th century, the Māori population was at 40 p.c of its pre-European contact level, due largely to European-launched diseases.
On July 1, 1841, the Colony of New Zealand was formally shaped 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 Melancholy as well.
In more recent history, there’s been a resurgence of Māori culture and a number of other movements aimed toward selling better awareness of their traditions.
New Zealand is commonly the story of two groups, Māori and Pākehā (European tradition within New Zealand), and cultural achievements are not any exception. Within the Māori tradition, there are a lot of beautiful examples of carvings and weavings, both of which often have non secular and storytelling significance. From the early Pākehā, landscape paintings and some Māori portraiture have been common.
One of the crucial widely recognized cultural components of the Māori individuals is the haka, a posture dance that entails stamping feet, rhythmic cries and openly uncovered tongues. The All Blacks, the New Zealand rugby union team, has carried out this ritual before matches since 1905.
While there has historically been little worldwide interest in New Zealand’s cultural exports, the film industry has seen a current boon. New Zealand films Once Have been Warriors, The Piano, Heavenly Creatures and Whale Rider all loved national and international 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 damaged into worldwide acclaim, and the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords enjoys worldwide success as well.
When traveling in New Zealand, keep among the following in mind:
CURRENCY
New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand dollar. Solely in rare circumstances are you able to pay with US dollars right here, so all the time convert into the local currency. Most retailers accept major credit cards, and ATMs are plentiful. When you’re going someplace significantly remote, just ensure that to stock up on money beforehand. When exchanging money, the worst rates will doubtless be at the airport and in hotels. Merely withdrawing from an ATM tends to provde the most favorable rate.
TIPPING
While tipping’s not necessary in eating places, it’s nonetheless common, especially in touristy areas. A ten % gratuity for significantly excellent service will at all times 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 usually a quite relaxed, open and friendly nation. Westerners received’t come up in opposition to too many strict social customs or taboos. There are, nevertheless, 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 in the event that they’re suitable with 110 and 220. If not, you’ll want a converter. New Zealand uses - or three-pin plugs which can be angled, so an adapter’s crucial as well.
PUBLIC BATHROOMS
Public bogs are clean, fashionable and readily available throughout New Zealand. You can anticipate sinks, running water and bathroom paper to be provided.
Hold a special 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 Fun things to do in New Zealand lock the door at the push of a button, and the bathroom automatically flushes while you wash your arms!
DRINKING WATER
Faucet water’s clean and protected to drink throughout New Zealand. If you’re heading out for multiday adventures in the wild, use the same common sense you'll anywhere. Don’t drink from stagnant pools, and bring along your choosered water sterilization technique—just to be safe.
AUCKLAND REGION
Named after the nation’s largest city middle, the Auckland region comprises 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 stupendous metropolis of metropolitan and cultural significance, Auckland is a can’t-miss stop for anyone hitting the North Island. Take in the Sky Tower and gorgeous 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 greatest known for its in depth geothermal exercise, but it’s additionally a site of historical and cultural significance to the Māori people.
Rotorua: Whether or not you’re interested within the geothermal activity, trout fishing or Maori tradition, Rotorua will hold you spellbound. Don’t miss its array of sizzling swimming pools and geysers.
HAWKE’S BAY REGION
Nestled along the eastern coast of the North Island, many come for the surroundings however keep for the wine. Hawke’s Bay is known internationally as the house to many award-successful reds and whites.
Napier: Devastated in a 1931 earthquake, this resilient city rebuilt in its now-famous Art Deco architectural style. Folks flock right here year-spherical for wine festivals and celebrations of their Art Deco history and heritage.
WAIKATO REGION
Black-sand beaches, revered surfing, natural harbors and pervasive livestock make this North Island region quintessentially Kiwi.
New Zealand is historically unique in that it was one of many last major land plenty to be settled by humans. Estimates put the arrival of the primary Māori settlers between 1250 and 1300, and European explorers didn’t arrive till the 1642 voyage of the Dutchman Abel Tasman. The first meeting between Māori and Europeans resulted within the demise of four 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.
By the whaling and trading industries, European exploration of the area intensified, and beginning in the early nineteenth century, Christian missionaries began changing much of the existing Māori. By the late 19th century, the Māori population was at 40 p.c of its pre-European contact level, due largely to European-launched diseases.
On July 1, 1841, the Colony of New Zealand was formally shaped 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 Melancholy as well.
In more recent history, there’s been a resurgence of Māori culture and a number of other movements aimed toward selling better awareness of their traditions.
New Zealand is commonly the story of two groups, Māori and Pākehā (European tradition within New Zealand), and cultural achievements are not any exception. Within the Māori tradition, there are a lot of beautiful examples of carvings and weavings, both of which often have non secular and storytelling significance. From the early Pākehā, landscape paintings and some Māori portraiture have been common.
One of the crucial widely recognized cultural components of the Māori individuals is the haka, a posture dance that entails stamping feet, rhythmic cries and openly uncovered tongues. The All Blacks, the New Zealand rugby union team, has carried out this ritual before matches since 1905.
While there has historically been little worldwide interest in New Zealand’s cultural exports, the film industry has seen a current boon. New Zealand films Once Have been Warriors, The Piano, Heavenly Creatures and Whale Rider all loved national and international 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 damaged into worldwide acclaim, and the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords enjoys worldwide success as well.
When traveling in New Zealand, keep among the following in mind:
CURRENCY
New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand dollar. Solely in rare circumstances are you able to pay with US dollars right here, so all the time convert into the local currency. Most retailers accept major credit cards, and ATMs are plentiful. When you’re going someplace significantly remote, just ensure that to stock up on money beforehand. When exchanging money, the worst rates will doubtless be at the airport and in hotels. Merely withdrawing from an ATM tends to provde the most favorable rate.
TIPPING
While tipping’s not necessary in eating places, it’s nonetheless common, especially in touristy areas. A ten % gratuity for significantly excellent service will at all times 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 usually a quite relaxed, open and friendly nation. Westerners received’t come up in opposition to too many strict social customs or taboos. There are, nevertheless, 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 in the event that they’re suitable with 110 and 220. If not, you’ll want a converter. New Zealand uses - or three-pin plugs which can be angled, so an adapter’s crucial as well.
PUBLIC BATHROOMS
Public bogs are clean, fashionable and readily available throughout New Zealand. You can anticipate sinks, running water and bathroom paper to be provided.
Hold a special 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 Fun things to do in New Zealand lock the door at the push of a button, and the bathroom automatically flushes while you wash your arms!
DRINKING WATER
Faucet water’s clean and protected to drink throughout New Zealand. If you’re heading out for multiday adventures in the wild, use the same common sense you'll anywhere. Don’t drink from stagnant pools, and bring along your choosered water sterilization technique—just to be safe.
AUCKLAND REGION
Named after the nation’s largest city middle, the Auckland region comprises 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 stupendous metropolis of metropolitan and cultural significance, Auckland is a can’t-miss stop for anyone hitting the North Island. Take in the Sky Tower and gorgeous 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 greatest known for its in depth geothermal exercise, but it’s additionally a site of historical and cultural significance to the Māori people.
Rotorua: Whether or not you’re interested within the geothermal activity, trout fishing or Maori tradition, Rotorua will hold you spellbound. Don’t miss its array of sizzling swimming pools and geysers.
HAWKE’S BAY REGION
Nestled along the eastern coast of the North Island, many come for the surroundings however keep for the wine. Hawke’s Bay is known internationally as the house to many award-successful reds and whites.
Napier: Devastated in a 1931 earthquake, this resilient city rebuilt in its now-famous Art Deco architectural style. Folks flock right here year-spherical for wine festivals and celebrations of their Art Deco history and heritage.
WAIKATO REGION
Black-sand beaches, revered surfing, natural harbors and pervasive livestock make this North Island region quintessentially Kiwi.
