New Zealand Travel Guide
Languages spoken : English / Maori
Currency : New Zealand Dollar( NZD $)
Electricity : 230/240V and the cycle is 50 Hz
Time zones : GMT + 12
Daylight savings time : Move forward 1 hour on the last Sunday in September and go back 1 hour on the first Sunday of the April.
Country dialling code : +64
Rugby
Rugby is New Zealand’s national sport and as a major part of the culture in New Zealand. It is embedded in the hearts and minds of Kiwis and watching the sport has become somewhat of a religion.
The All Blacks, New Zealand men’s national rugby union team, are one of the most feared opponents in the rugby world.
Maori Culture
The Maori people are the native people of Aotearoa (New Zealand). Maori culture is a rich and varied one, and includes traditional and contemporary arts. Traditional arts such as carving, weaving, whaikorero (oratory), kapa haka (group performance) and moko (tattoo) are practised throughout the country.
If you visit a marae (Maori meeting house) you will need to get permission to enter. It is customary to greet your hosts with a hongi – a traditional Maori welcome by touch of the noses. Visitors to marae are often welcomed with a wero (challenge) and powhiri (formal welcome) .
New Zealand is a amazing country and a must-do for any travel holiday. Try something different while you are traveling this beautiful country.
Top 10 must do or see places in North island :
1) Rotorua – which is famous for its volcanic activity which includes geysers, steaming hot pools, mud pools and lakes. It is the spiritual home to the Maori.
2) Bay of Islands – The subtropical Bay of Islands is the finest maritime park in New Zealand. There are about 150 islands to explore with many superb beaches and secluded bays.
3) Tongariro National Park – is a World Heritage Park and one of the oldest National Parks in the world. The park consists of three superb volcanoes – Mt Tongariro, Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe.
4) Cathedral Cove – One of the most beautiful beaches on the peninsula, with remarkable rock formations, pure white sand and crystal-clear water.
5) Waitomo – World famous for its glowworm caves, Black Water Rafting, cave abseiling, cave eco-tours and landscapes.
6) Auckland – Explore the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, sail on an America’s Cup boat or on a luxury launch, visit Waiheke wineries, view endangered native birds on Tiritiri Matangi.
7) Raglan – Surfing paradise with world-class surf, stunning scenery, beautiful beaches and inspiring arts which is a top holiday destination
8 ) Taupo – One of the best places in the world to skydive, you can also bungy, white water raft, jetboat and kayak around New Zealand’s largest lake. For those looking for a more gentle adventure Taupo is also famous for its trout fishing.
9) Wellington – A cosy, culturally rich and artistic city with plenty of personality and an abundance of great restaurants and bars
10) White Island Volcano – the only active marine volcano in New Zealand. White Island offers some of New Zealand’s most spectacular views.
Top 10 must do or see places in South Island :
1) Mt Cook National Park – Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. It has the world’s longest ski run, down the Tasman Glacier and Hooker Glacier.
2) Glaciers – Hike, heli-hike or gaze in awe from a scenic flight over the magnificent Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers on the West Coast of the South Island.
3) Kaikoura – offers ultimate marine adventure such as Whale watching, dolphin and seal swimming. Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world where whales can be seen all year round.
4) Queenstown – New Zealand’s most popular destination and known as New Zealand’s adventure capital.
5) Fiordland National Park – New Zealand’s largest National Park as well as the largest National Park on the planet. Experience New Zealand’s most beautiful landscape ¡§C Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound which attracts thousand of visitors every day.
6) Abel Tasman National Park – Home to hundreds of beautiful bays and golden beaches perfect for kayaking.
7) Southern Alps – TransAlpine train across the Southern Alps, one of the fantastic railway journeys of the world. Numerous bridges, viaducts and tunnels feature in this 4.5 hour journey.
8 ) Lake Tekapo – Impressive natural beauty and clear skies. Surrounded by mountain ranges and coloured by tussock and vast glacial lakes it is probably one of the most beautiful places in the world.
9) Lake Wanaka – lies in the center of a world heritage park, Mt Aspiring National Park. It is a supreme ski and snowboard winter holiday destination.
10) Nelson – World Of Wearable Art. Enjoy the beautiful environment while you get involved with the creative local culture available in small boutique galleries to large open well established galleries, such as the Suter.
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