New Zealand Journey Guide

Positioned roughly 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 you’re in search of distinctive wildlife, world-class restaurants, pristine hiking, unmatched cultural experiences, kayaking in dolphin-stuffed waters, hair-elevating adrenaline sports or sandy, tropical beaches, New Zealand brings all of it collectively in a single unforgettable nation.

New Zealand is historically distinctive in that it was one of the final 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 till 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 a minimum of one injured Māori, and Europeans didn’t return until 1769, when James Cook mapped virtually the entirety of the nation’s coastline.

By means of the whaling and trading industries, European exploration of the area intensified, and starting within the early 19th century, Christian missionaries began converting much of the existing Māori. By the late 19th century, the Māori inhabitants was at 40 % 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 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 each World War I and World War II and suffered through the Nice Melancholy as well.

In more latest history, there’s been a resurgence of Māori tradition and a number of other movements aimed at selling higher awareness of their traditions.

New Zealand is often the story of two groups, Māori and Pākehā (European tradition within New Zealand), and cultural achievements are no exception. Within the Māori tradition, there are lots of beautiful examples of carvings and weavings, each of which typically have religious and storytelling significance. From the early Pākehā, panorama paintings and a few Māori portraiture have been common.

One of the vital widely recognized cultural components of the Māori folks is the haka, a posture dance that involves stamping toes, rhythmic cries and brazenly uncovered tongues. The All Blacks, the New Zealand rugby union workforce, has carried out this ritual earlier than matches since 1905.

While there has historically been little worldwide curiosity in New Zealand’s cultural exports, the film industry has seen a recent boon. New Zealand films As soon as Have 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 entrance, 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 touring in New Zealand, keep among the following in mind:

CURRENCY
New Zealand’s foreign money is the New Zealand dollar. Solely in rare circumstances are you able Things to do in New Zealand pay with US dollars right here, so always convert into the local currency. Most retailers settle for main credit cards, and ATMs are plentiful. When you’re going somewhere significantly remote, just be sure 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 give you the most favorable rate.

TIPPING
While tipping’s not mandatory in restaurants, it’s still widespread, particularly in touristy areas. A 10 p.c gratuity for significantly wonderful service will at all times be appreciated. At hotels, it’s considered a pleasant gesture to tip anyone carrying your bags or cleaning your room. These tips are usually a few dollars.

PUBLIC BEHAVIOR
New Zealand’s generally a quite relaxed, open and pleasant nation. Westerners received’t come up towards 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. All the time check your US items to see if they’re compatible with a hundred and ten and 220. If not, you’ll need a converter. New Zealand makes use of two- or three-pin plugs which are angled, so an adapter’s necessary as well.

PUBLIC BATHROOMS
Public bogs are clear, fashionable and readily available all through New Zealand. You'll be able to expect sinks, running water and bathroom paper to be provided.

Preserve a particular 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 can help you lock the door at the push of a button, and the toilet automatically flushes whenever you wash your arms!

DRINKING WATER
Tap 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 common sense you'd anywhere. Don’t drink from stagnant swimming pools, and produce along your favorred water sterilization method—just to be safe.

AUCKLAND REGION
Named after the nation’s largest urban heart, the Auckland area accommodates everything from metropolitan bars and eating places to the islands of Hauraki Gulf, where you’re liable to see whales and dolphins.

Auckland: A stupendous 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 beautiful harbor, as well because the multicultural atmosphere. (Beware, though. Auckland has been ranked one of many world’s most costly cities.)

BAY OF PLENTY REGION
Situated within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, this region’s greatest known for its intensive 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 exercise, trout fishing or Maori culture, Rotorua will maintain 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 house to many award-winning reds and whites.

Napier: Devastated in a 1931 earthquake, this resilient metropolis rebuilt in its now-well-known Artwork Deco architectural style. Folks flock here 12 months-round 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.