New Zealand Journey Guide

Situated approximately 900 miles east of Australia, New Zealand is an island nation comprised of giant land masses—the North Island and South Island—and nearly 600 smaller islands. Whether you’re searching for unique wildlife, world-class eating Places to stay in New Zealand, pristine hiking, unmatched cultural experiences, kayaking in dolphin-stuffed waters, hair-elevating adrenaline sports or sandy, tropical beaches, New Zealand brings it all collectively in a single 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 first Māori settlers between 1250 and 1300, and European explorers didn’t arrive till the 1642 voyage of the Dutchman Abel Tasman. The primary assembly between Māori and Europeans resulted within the loss of life of 4 of Tasman’s crew members and not less than one injured Māori, and Europeans didn’t return till 1769, when James Cook mapped nearly everything of the nation’s coastline.

By way of the whaling and trading industries, European exploration of the world intensified, and beginning in the early nineteenth century, Christian missionaries began changing a lot of the existing Māori. By the late 19th century, the Māori inhabitants was at forty percent of its pre-European contact degree, due in large part to European-launched diseases.

On July 1, 1841, the Colony of New Zealand was formally 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 way of the Great Depression as well.

In more latest history, there’s been a resurgence of Māori culture and several other movements aimed toward promoting higher awareness of their traditions.

New Zealand is often the story of two teams, Māori and Pākehā (European culture within New Zealand), and cultural achievements are not any exception. Within the Māori tradition, there are numerous lovely examples of carvings and weavings, both of which usually have religious and storytelling significance. From the early Pākehā, panorama paintings and some Māori portraiture were common.

Probably the most widely known cultural elements of the Māori people is the haka, a posture dance that entails stamping toes, rhythmic cries and overtly exposed tongues. The All Blacks, the New Zealand rugby union staff, has carried out this ritual before matches since 1905.

While there has historically been little international curiosity in New Zealand’s cultural exports, the film trade has seen a current boon. New Zealand films Once Had been Warriors, The Piano, Heavenly Creatures and Whale Rider all enjoyed 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 international success as well.

When traveling in New Zealand, keep among the following in mind:

CURRENCY
New Zealand’s foreign money is the New Zealand dollar. Only in rare 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. If you happen to’re going someplace notably remote, just be certain 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 provde the most favorable rate.

TIPPING
While tipping’s not necessary in restaurants, it’s nonetheless common, particularly in touristy areas. A 10 p.c gratuity for particularly wonderful service will always be appreciated. At hotels, it’s considered a pleasant gesture to tip anyone carrying your bags or cleaning your room. The following tips are typically a few dollars.

PUBLIC BEHAVIOR
New Zealand’s typically a fairly relaxed, open and pleasant nation. Westerners won’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 example, are more tied to social protocols, tradition and hierarchy.

ELECTRIC CURRENT
New Zealand operates on 230/240 volts. All the time check your US items to see if they’re suitable with a hundred and ten and 220. If not, you’ll want a converter. New Zealand makes use of - or three-pin plugs which are angled, so an adapter’s vital as well.

PUBLIC BATHROOMS
Public bogs are clean, modern and readily available all through New Zealand. You can expect sinks, running water and toilet paper to be provided.

Preserve a special eye out for "Exeloo" toilets. These high-tech restrooms point out 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 bathroom automatically flushes when you wash your arms!

DRINKING WATER
Faucet water’s clear and safe to drink all through New Zealand. In the event you’re heading out for multiday adventures within the wild, use the identical widespread sense you would anywhere. Don’t drink from stagnant swimming pools, and produce along your preferred water sterilization technique—just to be safe.

AUCKLAND REGION
Named after the nation’s largest urban heart, the Auckland region incorporates everything from metropolitan bars and restaurants to the islands of Hauraki Gulf, the place you’re liable to see whales and dolphins.

Auckland: A wonderful metropolis of metropolitan and cultural significance, Auckland is a can’t-miss cease for anybody hitting the North Island. Take within the Sky Tower and gorgeous harbor, as well because the multicultural atmosphere. (Beware, though. Auckland has been ranked one of the world’s most costly cities.)

BAY OF PLENTY REGION
Situated within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, this region’s best identified for its extensive geothermal activity, but it surely’s also a site of historical and cultural significance to the Māori people.

Rotorua: Whether or not you’re interested within the geothermal exercise, trout fishing or Maori culture, Rotorua will hold you spellbound. Don’t miss its array of sizzling swimming pools and geysers.

HAWKE’S BAY REGION
Nestled alongside the japanese coast of the North Island, many come for the surroundings however stay for the wine. Hawke’s Bay is known internationally as the house to many award-profitable reds and whites.

Napier: Devastated in a 1931 earthquake, this resilient metropolis rebuilt in its now-famous Art Deco architectural style. People flock here yr-spherical for wine festivals and celebrations of their Artwork Deco history and heritage.

WAIKATO REGION
Black-sand beaches, revered surfing, natural harbors and pervasive livestock make this North Island region quintessentially Kiwi.