Deep within Fiordland National Park lies Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most stunning natural attraction. With its magical combination of mountain peaks, ink-dark waters and superb dramatic forest-clad cliffs, it must be seen to be believed.
Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs perfect for bathing and relaxing in. It also has some of the epic biking trail in the world.
The Sky Tower is a telecommunications and observation tower in Auckland, New Zealand. It has stood tall at 328 meters as an icon of Auckland’s sky line for over 20 years. On top of Sky Tower, there are 3 fabulous viewing platforms over Auckland’s skyline, a fantastic selection of bars, award-winning restaurants and cafes, two first-class hotels and the world-class SkyCity Casino.
Hot Water Beach is an New Zealand must Do and one of its most dramatic places. This world famous beach at the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula contains two volcanic hot water springs that keep the water heated. Visitors who come here will get a unique experience of digging your own natural spa pool.
There are few places on earth like Kaikōura, a small coastal village that has breath taking views that will stop you in your tracks. The towering snow-clad mountains known as the Seaward Kaikōura’s provide a stunning backdrop over the town centre which extends out to the Kaikōura Peninsula, where the waves of the Pacific Ocean roll in.
1. The name New Zealand comes from the Dutch ‘Nieuw Zeeland’ after the Dutch province called Zeeland which means country by the sea. The Dutch were the first European explorers of the islands.
2. About 5 million people live in New Zealand (2021). New Zealand is about the size of Colorado/USA and bigger in land area than the UK. The largest city of New Zealand is called Auckland on North Island. Auckland has about 1.6 million inhabitants.
3. The official languages of New Zealand are English, Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language. About 4% of the people in New Zealand speak Te Reo.
4. The national symbols of New Zealand are the silver fern and the kiwi bird. Did you know that kiwi are flightless birds that are as big as a chicken?
5. Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. The city is located on South Island. About 417,000 people live in Wellington (2021). Wellington is the southernmost capital city in the world!
6. Māori culture is an important part of life in New Zealand. Many place names come from the Māori language, Marae are the meeting houses of the Māori, the haka is a famous dance and the hāngī is a typical Māori feast.
7. New Zealand has four distinct seasons. The weather though varies widely between the North and South Island. The North Island has a subtropical weather in summer, and the mountainous South Island has cold weather in winter.
8. National parks and nature reserves cover over 20% of New Zealand’s land area. There are 13 national parks in New Zealand.
9. New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand Dollar.
10. The New Zealand cuisine is known for its roast lamb and sea food. Kahawai and mackerel are sustainable seafood choices. And don’t miss to try a typical New Zealand ‘barbie’ (barbecue) or a traditional Māori hāngī meal.
A national symbol of New Zealand
The capital of New Zealand
One of the National Parks in NZ
Traditional food in New Zealand
The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March, which bring long, bright and sunny days and temperatures of 16°C to 24°C. They’re ideal for visiting the lovely beaches or enjoying the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking.
However, the country’s rugged beauty and varied landscapes make it a spectacular destination to visit at any time of year. Just be prepared for a fair sprinkling of rain whenever you decide to visit.
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