A slice of heaven.
Written: Jan 16 '02 (Updated Dec 24 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: It's a wonderful country at the bottom of the planet.
Cons: So far away from the rest of the world (not really a con)
The Bottom Line: Come and visit us sometime!
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| hollynz's Full Review: New Zealand |
A bit of history
The Maori arrived to these shores about 2000 years prior to discovery by the rest of the world. The Maori name for New Zealand is AOTEAROA (ahh-or-tear-ahh-raw-ahh), which translated means " The Land of the Long White Cloud ".
The Dutch explorer Abel Tasman discovered New Zealand back in 1642 but didn't hang around too long. He named it Staten Landt which was later changed to Nieuw Zeeland after some place in the Netherlands called Zeeland.
Captain James Cook arrived in AOTEAROA in the mid 1700's and not long after, the British claimed this land as it's own. Missionairies, sealers and whalers arrived and not long after followed the settlers. A Treaty was signed between the Maori Tribes and The Queen which acknowledged the sharing of the land between the two races but it wasn't long before the needs of the settlers conflicted with the Maori tribal lands and many a war and land battle followed.
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Today, New Zealand is shaking off the British influences of the past and emerging as an independent and strong nation of the South Pacific. We are a small nation of around 4 million blessed with one of the most beautiful countries on the planet.
Tourism is becoming increasingly popular and with the reputation as the "Adventure Capital of the World ", people flock here to enjoy the solitude of our National Parks, our ski fields, beaches and some of the most exciting extreme sports you will find anywhere. This is the land that invented BUNGY JUMPING, the JET BOAT and ZORBING.
New Zealand is made up of three islands. The North Island, the South Island and Stewart Island. If you are intending to visit you will need at least 2 weeks, (preferably 3-4 weeks) to see both islands. There is a ferry across to Stewart Island if you are keen to see all three.
The North Island has the main cities of AUCKLAND in the north and WELLINGTON (the capital city) at the southern end. It would take approx. 8 hours to drive between these cities without stops along the way. Most visitors stop off at Rotorua on the way through. This city is in the heart of the Geo-thermal belt, slap bang in the middle of what we call the Volcanic Plateau. ROTORUA is totally geared up for tourism; you can explore the MAORI CULTURE, learn about SHEEP FARMING at the AGRODOME or visit some of the bubbling, steaming thermal parks in the area.
The ski fields are about an hours drive south from here. Even in summer this is an interesting area to visit with hikes and chairlift rides to the top of the mountain.
If you have more time then drive north from Auckland and visit the BAY OF ISLANDS. Here you will find scenic beaches and coves, visit The KAURI FOREST, ( 2000 year old trees) and visit WAITANGI. This historic sight was the setting for the signing of New Zealands founding document…THE TREATY of WAITANGI, in 1840.. You can visit the TREATY HOUSE, see the intricately carved MEETING HOUSE and see one of the huge WAKA (Maori war canoe) Every year we celebrate WAITANGI DAY on the 6th of February. This is a day of mixed emotion as the Government likes to mark the day with pomp and ceremony and Maori treat it as a day of mourning and protest. Most New Zealanders just enjoy the day off and head to the beach.
If you have more time, visit the COROMANDEL, the BAY of PLENTY, HAWKE’S BAY and TARANAKI as you meander south.
From WELLINGTON you can drive onto the ferry and sail across the COOK STRAIT to the South Island. There is so much outstanding scenery here that it is hard to pick the highlights. Heading south takes you to KAIKOURA. This is the spot for whale watching as the SPERM WHALES use the deep ocean off the coast as feeding grounds. They dive enormous depths to feed on the Giant Squid, apparently this is one of the richest feeding grounds known.
Further south are the cities of CHRISTCHUCH and DUNEDIN. These main centres are both on the east coast and most of the south’s population live here. Heading south from Dunedin you will find yourself in INVERCARGILL, the most southern city in New Zealand.
Heading north again are the spectacular MILFORD SOUNDS where you can do a short cruise, then it’s onto QUEENSTOWN. If New Zealand is known as the "Adventure Capital of the World", Queenstown is known as the "Adventure Capital of New Zealand" .
Here you might be tempted to throw yourself off bridges with a piece of rubber tied to your legs, take a wild spin on the SHOTOVER JET, take a GONDOLA RIDE to take in the views high above Queenstown. This small town of around 7000 comes to life in winter when it holds the WINTER FESTIVAL. Skiers, snowboarders and partygoers flock here for some winter madness every year.
From here head to the west coast driving over the spectacular HASST PASS. Visit the FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER and FOX GLACIER before heading back to the top of the South Island. Visit the National Parks and explore the MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS before making your way back to the North Island again.
This is an extremely small country but with so much to see and do you might find you need another week or two to see it all.For more information check out this website….
www.purenz.com
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More reviews.
Driving in New Zealand - http://www.epinions.com/content_2863177860
Touring New Zealand - http://www.epinions.com/content_2381815940
Cook Strait ferries - http://www.epinions.com/content_2947260548
Kiwi Speak - http://www.epinions.com/content_2637668484
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
hollynz
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 in Hotels & Travel |
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Member: Christine
Location: New Zealand
Reviews written: 144
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~ In memory of Barbara ~
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