festivites
1. Waitangi Day: This public holiday is celebrated on the 6th of February every year to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between Māori chiefs and the British Crown in 1840. The day is marked by cultural performances, speeches, and a national holiday.
2. ANZAC Day: This holiday is observed on the 25th of April each year to remember and honor members of the New Zealand and Australian Army Corps who fought and died during World War I. It's celebrated with dawn services, parades, and wreath-laying ceremonies across the country.
3. Christmas: As in many other countries, Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December in New Zealand. The holiday is characterized by family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive meals often held outdoors due to the warm weather.
4. Easter: Easter in New Zealand takes place over a four-day weekend around March or April each year. The holiday is celebrated with religious services, Easter eggs hunts, and family gatherings.
5. Matariki: Matariki is the Māori New Year, which occurs in June or July each year. It's marked by the appearance of the Matariki star cluster and is celebrated with cultural performances, storytelling, and feasting.
6. Queen's Birthday: This holiday, which honors the birthday of the reigning monarch, is celebrated on the first Monday in June. It's marked by public events and parades in some cities and towns.
7. Labour Day: Labour Day is celebrated on the fourth Monday in October and commemorates the struggle for an eight-hour workday and better working conditions. It's marked by public events, picnics, and parades.
seasons
In New Zealand, the different tourist seasons are:
1. Summer Season: From December to February, this is the peak season for tourists with warm weather and long daylight hours. It is recommended to book accommodation and activities in advance.
2. Autumn Season: From March to May, this season has cooler temperatures but still pleasant weather. It is a good time for hiking and outdoor activities, and also for wine tasting as it is harvest time.
3. Winter Season: From June to August, this is the low season with colder temperatures and shorter days. It is a great time for skiing and snowboarding in the Southern Alps, but some activities and attractions may be closed.
4. Spring Season: From September to November, this season has mild temperatures and longer days, with beautiful blooming flowers. It is a great time for hiking and outdoor activities, but it can be rainy.
Overall, it is recommended to check the weather forecast and plan activities accordingly, wear layers and comfortable shoes, and respect the environment and local customs.
visa
Here are some special visa rules for citizens of certain countries who want to visit New Zealand:
1. Visa Waiver Program: Citizens of certain countries can stay in New Zealand for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. Some conditions apply, such as having a valid passport, having enough money to support yourself during your stay, and not working while in the country.
2. Visitor Visa: Citizens of other countries may need a visitor visa to enter New Zealand. The cost for a visitor visa ranges from NZD $211 to NZD $298, depending on the type and length of the visa.
3. Working Holiday Visa: Citizens of certain countries between the ages of 18 and 30 can obtain a working holiday visa, which allows them to work and travel in New Zealand for up to 12 months. The cost for a working holiday visa is NZD $245.
4. Student Visa: Students planning to study in New Zealand for more than three months will need a student visa. The cost for a student visa is NZD $330.
It's important to note that visa requirements can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check with the New Zealand government's immigration website for the most up-to-date information.
souvenirs
1. Jade (Pounamu) jewelry: Prices vary depending on the size, complexity, and quality of the piece. Authentic Pounamu can be found at local markets or specialized stores with prices ranging from $20 to over $1000.
2. Manuka honey: Manuka honey is a unique New Zealand product that is known for its antibacterial properties. Prices range from $15 to $100 for jars of various sizes, available in specialty shops and supermarkets.
3. All Blacks merchandise: The national rugby team's merchandise can be found in most souvenir shops with prices ranging from $10 for small items such as keychains to over $100 for jerseys.
4. Kiwiana souvenirs: Kiwiana refers to uniquely New Zealand items such as paua shell jewelry, Kiwi bird plush toys, and Maori-inspired art. Prices range from $5 to over $100 for authentic and high-quality pieces, available in souvenir shops and markets.
5. Merino wool products: Merino wool is a high-quality wool that is comfortable and durable. Prices for merino wool clothing vary widely, but it is possible to find scarves, hats, and jackets from $30 up to several hundred dollars in specialized stores and markets.
6. Greenstone carvings: Greenstone, also known as jade or Pounamu, is a traditional Maori carving material. Prices vary depending on the size and intricacy of the carving but can range from $50 to over $1000. Available in specialty stores and markets.
7. Wines: New Zealand is known for producing high-quality wines, especially Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Prices range from $15 to $50 per bottle, available in wine shops and supermarkets.
It's worth noting that prices may vary depending on where you buy the souvenirs, and it's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.
If you have 1 week
Great to hear you are in New Zealand! Here's a one week itinerary suggestion based on some of the best things to do in your country:
Day 1: Start your trip with a visit to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and rich Māori culture. You can explore geysers, mud pools and hot springs, and also experience traditional Māori performances and cuisine.
Day 2: Take a scenic drive south to Lake Taupo, where you can enjoy stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Take a boat tour to see the famous Maori rock carvings or try out some adventure activities like skydiving or bungy jumping.
Day 3: Head towards the east coast and check out the art deco city of Napier. The city was rebuilt in the 1930s after a devastating earthquake and has been well-preserved since then. Walk around the city to admire the architecture and grab a bite to eat at one of its many cafes and restaurants.
Day 4: Make your way to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Take a cable car up to the Botanic Garden for panoramic views of the city and harbor. Visit Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand, to learn more about the country's history and culture.
Day 5: Catch a ferry to the South Island and arrive in Picton, gateway to the Marlborough Sounds region. Take a cruise through the sounds to see the amazing landscape and wildlife, including dolphins, seals and penguins.
Day 6: Drive to Kaikoura, a town famous for its marine wildlife. Go on a whale watching tour to see some of the largest mammals on earth, or swim with dolphins in their natural habitat.
Day 7: End your trip in Christchurch, the South Island's largest city. Explore the city's gardens, parks and museums, or take a day trip to nearby attractions like the Banks Peninsula or Arthur's Pass National Park.
These are just a few of the many amazing experiences New Zealand has to offer. I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your week in this beautiful country!
If you have 2 weeks
Awesome, let's start planning your two-week itinerary! Here are my suggestions for the best places to visit:
Week 1:
- Queenstown: This city is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, and for good reason. You can go bungee jumping, skydiving, skiing/snowboarding, jet boating, and more. The scenery in this area is stunning, with mountains, lakes, and rivers all around.
- Milford Sound: This is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. Take a cruise through the sound and admire the towering cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife.
- Mount Cook National Park: Home to the tallest mountain in New Zealand, Mount Cook, this national park offers breathtaking scenery and hiking trails.
Week 2:
- Rotorua: This city is famous for its geothermal activity, including hot springs, mud pools, and geysers. You can also learn about Maori culture and enjoy adventure activities such as ziplining and mountain biking.
- Bay of Islands: A picturesque region with crystal clear waters, secluded beaches, and over 140 islands. Take a boat tour to explore the area, go fishing or dolphin watching, and enjoy some delicious seafood.
- Waiheke Island: Only a short ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is a haven for foodies and wine lovers. Spend a day exploring the vineyards, enjoying the views, and indulging in some of the best food and wine in New Zealand.
These are just a few of the many amazing places to visit in New Zealand. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, nature lover, or foodie, there's something for everyone. Enjoy your trip!
Culture
Early Māori adapted the tropically based east Polynesian culture in line with the challenges associated with a larger and more diverse environment, eventually developing their own distinctive culture. Social organisation was largely communal with families (whānau), subtribes (hapū) and tribes (iwi) ruled by a chief (rangatira), whose position was subject to the community's approval. The British and Irish immigrants brought aspects of their own culture to New Zealand and also influenced Māori culture, particularly with the introduction of Christianity. However, Māori still regard their allegiance to tribal groups as a vital part of their identity, and Māori kinship roles resemble those of other Polynesian peoples. More recently, American, Australian, Asian and other European cultures have exerted influence on New Zealand. Non-Māori Polynesian cultures are also apparent, with Pasifika, the world's largest Polynesian festival, now an annual event in Auckland.
The largely rural life in early New Zealand led to the image of New Zealanders being rugged, industrious problem solvers. Modesty was expected and enforced through the "tall poppy syndrome", where high achievers received harsh criticism. At the time, New Zealand was not known as an intellectual country. From the early 20th century until the late 1960s, Māori culture was suppressed by the attempted assimilation of Māori into British New Zealanders. In the 1960s, as tertiary education became more available, and cities expanded urban culture began to dominate. However, rural imagery and themes are common in New Zealand's art, literature and media.
New Zealand's national symbols are influenced by natural, historical, and Māori sources. The silver fern is an emblem appearing on army insignia and sporting team uniforms. Certain items of popular culture thought to be unique to New Zealand are called "Kiwiana".
As part of the resurgence of Māori culture, the traditional crafts of carving and weaving are now more widely practised, and Māori artists are increasing in number and influence. Most Māori carvings feature human figures, generally with three fingers and either a natural-looking, detailed head or a grotesque head. Surface patterns consisting of spirals, ridges, notches and fish scales decorate most carvings. The pre-eminent Māori architecture consisted of carved meeting houses (wharenui) decorated with symbolic carvings and illustrations. These buildings were originally designed to be constantly rebuilt, changing and adapting to different whims or needs.
Māori decorated the white wood of buildings, canoes and cenotaphs using red (a mixture of red ochre and shark fat) and black (made from soot) paint and painted pictures of birds, reptiles and other designs on cave walls. Māori tattoos (moko) consisting of coloured soot mixed with gum were cut into the flesh with a bone chisel. Since European arrival paintings and photographs have been dominated by landscapes, originally not as works of art but as factual portrayals of New Zealand. Portraits of Māori were also common, with early painters often portraying them as an ideal race untainted by civilisation. The country's isolation delayed the influence of European artistic trends allowing local artists to develop their own distinctive style of regionalism. During the 1960s and 1970s, many artists combined traditional Māori and Western techniques, creating unique art forms. New Zealand art and craft has gradually achieved an international audience, with exhibitions in the Venice Biennale in 2001 and the "Paradise Now" exhibition in New York in 2004.
Māori cloaks are made of fine flax fibre and patterned with black, red and white triangles, diamonds and other geometric shapes. Greenstone was fashioned into earrings and necklaces, with the most well-known design being the hei-tiki, a distorted human figure sitting cross-legged with its head tilted to the side. Europeans brought English fashion etiquette to New Zealand, and until the 1950s most people dressed up for social occasions. Standards have since relaxed and New Zealand fashion has received a reputation for being casual, practical and lacklustre. However, the local fashion industry has grown significantly since 2000, doubling exports and increasing from a handful to about 50 established labels, with some labels gaining international recognition.
Māori quickly adopted writing as a means of sharing ideas, and many of their oral stories and poems were converted to the written form. Most early English literature was obtained from Britain, and it was not until the 1950s when local publishing outlets increased that New Zealand literature started to become widely known. Although still largely influenced by global trends (modernism) and events (the Great Depression), writers in the 1930s began to develop stories increasingly focused on their experiences in New Zealand. During this period, literature changed from a journalistic activity to a more academic pursuit. Participation in the world wars gave some New Zealand writers a new perspective on New Zealand culture and with the post-war expansion of universities local literature flourished. Dunedin is a UNESCO City of Literature.
New Zealand music has been influenced by blues, jazz, country, rock and roll and hip hop, with many of these genres given a unique New Zealand interpretation. Māori developed traditional chants and songs from their ancient Southeast Asian origins, and after centuries of isolation created a unique "monotonous" and "doleful" sound. Flutes and trumpets were used as musical instruments or as signalling devices during war or special occasions. Early settlers brought over their ethnic music, with brass bands and choral music being popular, and musicians began touring New Zealand in the 1860s. Pipe bands became widespread during the early 20th century. The New Zealand recording industry began to develop from 1940 onwards, and many New Zealand musicians have obtained success in Britain and the United States. Some artists release Māori language songs, and the Māori tradition-based art of kapa haka (song and dance) has made a resurgence. The New Zealand Music Awards are held annually by Recorded Music NZ; the awards were first held in 1965 by Reckitt & Colman as the Loxene Golden Disc awards. Recorded Music NZ also publishes the country's official weekly record charts.
Public radio was introduced in New Zealand in 1922. A state-owned television service began in 1960. Deregulation in the 1980s saw a sudden increase in the numbers of radio and television stations. New Zealand television primarily broadcasts American and British programming, along with many Australian and local shows. The number of New Zealand films significantly increased during the 1970s. In 1978 the New Zealand Film Commission started assisting local film-makers, and many films attained a world audience, some receiving international acknowledgement. The highest-grossing New Zealand films are Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Boy, The World's Fastest Indian, Whale Rider, Once Were Warriors and The Piano. The country's diverse scenery and compact size, plus government incentives, have encouraged some producers to shoot very big-budget and well known productions in New Zealand, including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies, Avatar, The Chronicles of Narnia, King Kong, Wolverine and The Last Samurai. The New Zealand media industry is dominated by a small number of companies, most of which are foreign-owned, although the state retains ownership of some television and radio stations. Since 1994, Freedom House has consistently ranked New Zealand's press freedom in the top twenty, with the 19th freest media
Most of the major sporting codes played in New Zealand have British origins. Rugby union is considered the national sport and attracts the most spectators. Golf, netball, tennis and cricket have the highest rates of adult participation, while netball, rugby union and football (soccer) are particularly popular among young people. Horse racing is one of the most popular spectator sports in New Zealand and was part of the "rugby, racing, and beer" subculture during the 1960s. Around 54% of New Zealand adolescents participate in sports for their school. Victorious rugby tours to Australia and the United Kingdom in the late 1880s and the early 1900s played an early role in instilling a national identity. Māori participation in European sports was particularly evident in rugby, and the country's team performs a haka, a traditional Māori challenge, before international matches. New Zealand is known for its extreme sports, adventure tourism and strong mountaineering tradition, as seen in the success of notable New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary. Other outdoor pursuits such as cycling, fishing, swimming, running, tramping, canoeing, hunting, snowsports, surfing and sailing are also popular. New Zealand has seen regular sailing success in the America's Cup regatta since 1995. The Polynesian sport of waka ama racing has experienced a resurgence of interest in New Zealand since the 1980s.
New Zealand has competitive international teams in rugby union, rugby league, netball, cricket, softball, and sailing. New Zealand participated at the Summer Olympics in 1908 and 1912 as a joint team with Australia, before first participating on its own in 1920. The country has ranked highly on a medals-to-population ratio at recent Games. The "All Blacks", the national rugby union team, are the most successful in the history of international rugby and have won the World Cup three times.
The national cuisine has been described as Pacific Rim, incorporating the native Māori cuisine and diverse culinary traditions introduced by settlers and immigrants from Europe, Polynesia, and Asia. New Zealand yields produce from land and sea—most crops and livestock, such as maize, potatoes and pigs, were gradually introduced by the early European settlers. Distinctive ingredients or dishes include lamb, salmon, kōura (crayfish), Bluff oysters, whitebait, pāua (abalone), mussels, scallops, pipi and tuatua (types of New Zealand shellfish), kūmara (sweet potato), kiwifruit, tamarillo, and pavlova (considered a national dessert). A hāngī is a traditional Māori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven; still used for large groups on special occasions, such as tangihanga.
Religion
Christianity is the predominant religion in New Zealand, although its society is among the most secular in the world. In the 2018 census, 44.7% of respondents identified with one or more religions, including 37.0% identifying as Christians. Another 48.5% indicated that they had no religion. Of those who affiliate with a particular Christian denomination, the main responses are Anglicanism (6.7%), Roman Catholicism (6.3%), and Presbyterianism (4.7%). The Māori-based Ringatū and Rātana religions (1.2%) are also Christian in origin. Immigration and demographic change in recent decades have contributed to the growth of minority religions, such as Hinduism (2.6%), Islam (1.3%), Buddhism (1.1%), and Sikhism (0.9%). The Auckland Region exhibited the greatest religious diversity.
Demographics
The first European visitor to New Zealand, Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, named the islands Staten Land, believing they were part of the Staten Landt that Jacob Le Maire had sighted off the southern end of South America. Hendrik Brouwer proved that the South American land was a small island in 1643, and Dutch cartographers subsequently renamed Tasman's discovery Nova Zeelandia from Latin, after the Dutch province of Zeeland. This name was later anglicised to New Zealand.
This was written as Nu Tireni in the Māori language. In 1834 a document written in Māori and entitled "He Wakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni" was translated into English and became the Declaration of the Independence of New Zealand. It was prepared by Te W(h)akaminenga o Nga Rangatiratanga o Nga Hapu o Nu Tireni, the United Tribes of New Zealand, and a copy was sent to King William IV who had already acknowledged the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand, and who recognised the declaration in a letter from Lord Glenelg.
Aotearoa (pronounced in Māori and in English; often translated as 'land of the long white cloud') is the current Māori name for New Zealand. It is unknown whether Māori had a name for the whole country before the arrival of Europeans; Aotearoa originally referred to just the North Island. Māori had several traditional names for the two main islands, including Te Ika-a-Māui ("the fish of Māui") for the North Island and Te Waipounamu ("the waters of greenstone") or Te Waka o Aoraki ("the canoe of Aoraki") for the South Island. Early European maps labelled the islands North (North Island), Middle (South Island), and South (Stewart Island / Rakiura). In 1830, mapmakers began to use "North" and "South" on their maps to distinguish the two largest islands, and by 1907, this was the accepted norm. The New Zealand Geographic Board discovered in 2009 that the names of the North Island and South Island had never been formalised, and names and alternative names were formalised in 2013. This set the names as North Island or Te Ika-a-Māui, and South Island or Te Waipounamu. For each island, either its English or Māori name can be used, or both can be used together. Similarly the Māori and English names for the whole country are sometimes used together (Aotearoa New Zealand); however, this has no official recognition.
Cities:
