Finding Hotels Across New Zealand
June 13, 2008
Author: Robert Toth
New Zealand is a very big country and consists of two main islands (the North Island and the South Island) as well as free associations (the residents of which are citizens of New Zealand) and various smaller islands. Finding hotel accommodation is therefore very much dependant on where you wish to stay and how much you are willing to part with for accommodation. Auckland is the country’s largest and most populated city located on the North Island. It is a popular tourist hot spot in addition to which houses the busiest air port in the country. Most flights landing in New Zealand do so at the Auckland International Airport. There are a great number of tourist attractions in the city from amphitheatres, stadiums, the Auckland Town Hall, The Auckland War Memorial Museum, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and bridges as well as numerous natural volcanic cones. Auckland is the country’s commercial hub and is one of the most expensive places to stay at. Hotel rates are high and this is especially true during summer which is the peak season.
Summertime is the most pleasant time to visit the cool region of New Zealand. This is what most visitors to New Zealand do and this is when the hotel rates skyrocket. Advisable to visit the country during the off season as hotels will be reasonably cheaper.
Hotels are possibly the most expensive living arrangement that you could choose. But they also offer much more privacy, comfort, luxuries such as cable television, Internet access, telephone lines, gyms, pools etc and a variety of services from catering all meals (an especially good way to experience the local cuisine) to room service, laundry services etc. A very comfortable option for business people who are in the country on work and do not have to time to do all this on their own.
Many hotels across New Zealand offer you up to twelve months advance bookings. This is convenient for those people with a fixed purpose and agenda. It is also a good way to book your living arrangements before the rates begin to sky rocket.
In case you don’t trust your travel agent to make the right decisions for you are absolutely free to peruse the World Wide Web at your leisure to locate the best deal for yourself. Hotels are found aplenty all across the country even in the smallest towns so you will not be hard pressed to find something that suits your tastes and budget. Since there are so many hotels across the country they are always competing with each other which are beneficial to the customers. They normally offer several discount rates and schemes by which you can arrange for rooms at reduced prices. or example students can almost always get reductions on producing an I card for proof.
The rates also depend on the kind of room and number of rooms that you wish to rent. A modest room with minimum luxuries and a single bed will definitely cost less than a suite with kitchenette, en suite bathroom, television and the like.
Almost all hotels rooms can now be booked as well as paid for online. It is also possible to book a room online at the very last minute though at an extra fee.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/finding-hotels-across-new-zealand-377638.html
About the Author:
Robert Toth provides complete travel services for New Zealand. We enable you to find your choice of information about New Zealand in the quickest possible way by providing a variety of search and
New Zealand accommodation services, airline tickets, car rental, New Zealand travel insurance and much more.
To learn more visit http://www.nz-tourism.com
Explore New Zealand’s Diverse Culture
June 13, 2008
Author: L. Laguardia
The diverse culture of New Zealand carries much tradition and history built on the customs of the indigenous people known as the Maori. Legend holds that the Maori traveled by canoe from their mythical ancestral island of Hawaiki over 1,000 years ago. These Polynesian settlers traveled in open boats (or in canoes) that are not too different from the traditional crafts found in Polynesia today.
New Zealand is a country comprised of two large islands and many smaller islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and is noted for its geographic isolation. The Tasman Sea separates Australia to the northwest; to north are Fiji and Tonga. The total area of New Zealand is 268670 sq. km, which is slightly less than Japan but a little more than the United Kingdom. The country has extensive marine resources and the fifth largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world. Meaning New Zealand can claim over four million km2 or more than 15 times its land area for exploration and use of marine resources.
The climate is mild, mostly cool temperate to warm temperate, with temperatures rarely falling below 0?C (32?F) or rising above 30?C (86?F). The South Island is the largest mass, mountainous, wet and cold. It is divided length-wise by the Southern Alps. The North Island, dry and continental, is marked by volcanism. The tallest mountain on the North Island Mount Ruapehu (9,176-ft) is an active cone volcano. Although the island landscapes are impressive, they became a lot more popular when the production the Lord of the Rings trilogy called them home.
New Zealand has a population of about 4.1 million people mostly of European descent with Maori being the largest minority. Non-Maori Polynesian and Asian peoples are also significant minorities, especially in the nation’s cities. Officially, Elizabeth II is the Queen of New Zealand and is represented in the country by a non-political governor-general; however, the Queen has no real political influence. Political power is held by the Prime Minister (currently Helen Clark) who is leader of the Government in the democratically elected Parliament of New Zealand.
Since 1984 the government has be restructuring the economy to lean more towards an industrialized free market and less of an agrarian economy that was dependant on the British market. Leading agricultural exports include meat, dairy products, forest products, fruit and vegetables, fish, and wool.
The culture, contemporary and diverse, has influences from British, Irish, and Maori cultures. New Zealand is one of the most recently settled major landmasses. Polynesian settlers arrived in their waka some time between 800 and 600 years ago to establish the indigenous Maori culture. Among the British settlers, many people were from Scotland giving New Zealand more bagpipe bands than in Scotland!
What exactly is a Kiwi?
A Kiwi to a New Zealander is not the green fuzzy fruit most Americans relate to. It is in truth a flightless nocturnal native bird with a long beak with nostrils on the end. Most important however, it is the national bird of New Zealand. Over the years, Kiwi has been applied to and adopted by New Zealanders as a nickname for themselves and as an adjective for their culture.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/explore-new-zealands-diverse-culture-16306.html
About the Author:
For more information on New Zealand please visit the site at http://www.new-zealand-vacations.info/ . This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box and url links remain intact.
Skiing In New Zealand
June 13, 2008
Author: Chris Chew
When you think of New Zealand, your mind will conjure up an image of a beautiful country, blessed with one of the most spectacular and awesome landscape in the world. With its towering snow capped mountain ranges and international standard ski resorts, New Zealand is a very popular destination for ski vacations.
The country is an island nation is tucked somewhere in the southwest corner of the Pacific Rim next to Australia and is made up of a myriad of islands. However, there are two main island land mass. The land mass are the North Island and South Island with the Cook Strait separating them apart.
During the winter, the 24 skiing resorts and 12 heli-ski operators offer some of the best skiing holidays you can find anywhere. The skiing and snowboarding season starts from June till October. Yes, New Zealand’s winter is in the middle of the year as the country is in the southern hemisphere. This is the time when multitudes of skiing enthusiasts from Japan, North America and Europe assemble in New Zealand to enjoy their skiing adventure.
Let’s take a look at some of New Zealand’s beautiful ski resorts :-
Treble Cone – Treble Cone ski resort is the heart of the country’s Southern Alps. This resort offer spectacular view on the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka. Treble Cone have very reliable and stable snow falls and excellent weather making it one of the most popular ski resorts in New Zealand. Major improvement works done to the skiing trails were done in 2006 and it now have three super highways for both the novice and seasoned skiers.
Treble Cone is approximately 550 ha big making it the largest ski resort in the New Zealand’s South Island. It also has the highest vertical drop on the island at an exhilarating 700 meters or approximately 2,300 feet.
Mount Ruapehu – This skiing location is actually a huge awesome volcano and is the location of two of New Zealand’s largest ski resorts, The Whakapapa and Turoa. Its 1800 hectares of skiing terrain is undulating and breathtaking. Mount Ruapehu is a world class skiing resort with excellent facilities.
Mount Hutt – Mount Hutt is just slightly more than an hour’s drive across the beautiful Canterbury Plains from Christchurch or a half an hour drive from Methven. The resort is high up in New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
At Mount Hutt’s sixth summit, chairlifts provide access to a wide variety of skiing trails and the novice skier’s area is serviced by a dedicated quad chair. With a 150m (almost 500 feet) long Magic Carpet leading into the skiing area for beginners, Mount Hutt have some of the best skiing facilities in the New Zealand. This skiing resort has a wonderful mix of terrain for skiers of every level.
These are just some of the many skiing resorts in New Zealand. If you are looking for fabulous ski resorts for your vacation, why not try New Zealand ski resorts for a skiing adventure of a lifetime?
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/skiing-in-new-zealand-107466.html
About the Author:
Chris Chew enjoys traveling. More articlesWhistler ski resorts and
Romantic cruise vacation
Accommodation Possibilities in New Zealand
June 13, 2008
Author: Robert Toth
New Zealand is probably one of the best places to take a trip to. It is a lovely, clean and richly bio diverse region and an exceedingly peaceful and accepting country but has strict visa schemes that must be abided by to gain permission to visit the country. Once permission has been granted finding accommodation is a piece of cake. Your choice of accommodation does for a large part depend on your purpose of visit.
If you are visiting New Zealand in a bid to live there on a near permanent basis for work or simply for a change of location then the first thing you need to do is obtain a residency visa or a residency permit (they are the same thing). Locating a reliable real estate company or agency to help you locate and lay claim to a good piece of property is crucial. Real estate is a competitive business in New Zealand and so it is extremely important to gauge the market and find an agency, agent or company you can trust to make you a good deal. This can be done with great facility via the Internet or via any contacts you might have in the region. Remember that business is a slippery game, though and to always appropriately repay any such services you might receive.
For people on a working holiday or people that are sightseeing or touring and have a more temporary itinerary there are a number of other options available.
Hotels, bed and breakfast inns, cottages, cabins, beach resorts in the traditional Kiwi style, and beach houses, farmhouses, holiday homes, hostels, motels. They are easily available (though at high rental rates) and are also largely self-catering thus eliminating your accommodation and sustenance worries in a single blow. Most of these places also offer discounts that can and should be availed of. The rental rates in New Zealand are comparatively very high as is the real estate market due to the property or housing bubble that exists in the country.
A lot of these temporary holiday homes are usually homes that are being rented to visitors when the owners are no using them. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit one’s tastes and can be located all over the country in any part of it that is necessary. New Zealand is on the whole a very clean and well-maintained country and almost any living arrangement will be suitable and comfortable. They do not accept responsibility for any loss or damage of personal property; injuries though so caution is necessary.
Another more feasible option is choosing to live in a youth hostel. Youth hostels are a comfortable and budget friendly option to travelers tight on money. New Zealand is associated with the International Youth Hostel Federation and so has many youth hostels nationwide that are open to travelers from all over the world twenty-four hours a day. They are completely modern and updated with laundry facilities, a Travel desk (to provide guests with any required advice and transport information), Internet access and kitchens where guests are free to cater to them. Booking can be done online, off the official website, or via telephone or email. Advance booking is generally wise especially during the summer, which is when accommodations are full, and your stay could be limited.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/accommodation-possibilities-in-new-zealand-379980.html
About the Author:
Robert Toth provides complete travel services for New Zealand. We enable you to find your choice of information about New Zealand in the quickest possible way by providing a variety of search and
New Zealand accommodation services, airline tickets, car rental, New Zealand travel insurance and much more.
To learn more visit http://www.nz-tourism.com
An Introduction to the unique Cuisine of NZ
June 13, 2008
Author: Craig Elliott
Much of New Zealand’s cuisine, similar to the people themselves, tends to be straightforward and unpretentious. The country’s economy is largely based on agriculture, so not surprisingly the cuisine is based on fresh produce from the sea and the land. It isn’t all basic, the wave of immigrants from China, Korea and other parts of Asia have meant an explosion in ethnic cuisine.
The country was a British colony for much of the 19th century, and the influence can be felt in the food and drink. Most English visitors will feel completely at home in New Zealand, from the traditional Sunday roast, to the afternoon cup of tea. Such favorites as scones and porridge are popular and a meal of fish and chips wrapped in newspaper may not be healthy – but it tastes delicious.
The influx of immigrants as well as the Maori influence has given rise to what is known as Pacific Rim cuisine. The food draws its inspiration from Asia, Polynesia as well as Europe – creating a wide range of flavors and food. You might have a meal with hints of both French and Thai; or a dish that mixes Hawaiian with Greek – the numbers of options are seemingly endless. Somehow, this all seems to work and the end result is usually a memorable meal
Pacific Rim cuisine can be found all over the country, particularly in the larger cities and Auckland especially has a large concentration of such restaurants. Most first time visitors are pleasantly surprised at the quality and diversity of the food in Auckland – you can sample such exotic cuisines as Belgian, Russian and Turkish, among others.
New Zealanders are among the top consumers of meat, butter, eggs and ice-cream in the world. Throughout the country, you can find small farms or roadside stalls from which you can purchase delicious home made bread, pies, chocolate, honey and jam. In many of the coastal communities, fresh seafood is for sale by the roadside or down by the harbor. And don’t miss the local farmer’s markets, another excellent place to sample local cheeses, meat and wines.
The country also has regional food specialties, oysters are the attraction in the small town of Bluff at the tip of South Island. Dunedin has a distinctly Scottish feel to it, with food to match. The province of Canterbury is the place to go for an excellent rack of lamb and neighboring Marlborough is well known for taking its bounty from the sea – mussels and scallops.
New Zealand’s wines make an excellent accompaniment to any meal – be aware that if you are dining out and want a glass of wine, some restaurants are classified as BYO (Bring your own) And many vineyards run restaurants as well, employing world-class chefs and using fresh local produce such as venison, lamb and seafood – accompanied of course by a glass of the local white or red.
The country boasts several wine growing areas and it’s possible to organize a tour of the country around visiting vineyards. Varieties of grape have been chosen to thrive in the soil conditions and climate of each region. One of the best places to experience New Zealand’s wine culture is in the Wairarapa region, not far from Wellington. In addition to the many wineries in this area, you can also inspire yourself by attending classes at the famous Ruth Pretty cooking school.
If you fancy dessert after your meal, you should sample a Pavlova, the delicious meringue dessert that originated in New Zealand, or Australia, as some maintain. The dessert is usually enjoyed with a topping of whipped cream and accompanied by fresh fruit. Its often eaten on holidays or special occasions, although it can of course, be enjoyed any time.
New Zealanders are fond of their barbecues during the summer months; typically a barbecue will feature lamb, beef or seafood. One experience not to be missed is the traditional Maori meal prepared by cooking food over hot stones buried underground for several hours. You can experience the hangi, as it’s called, at several tourist locations in New Zealand including the Maori village at Tamaki.
Perhaps the food most associated with New Zealand is the kiwifruit. If you just can’t get enough kiwifruit, take a trip to the Te Puke area where hundreds of growers harvest and ship the fruit worldwide. And there’s even a theme park – Kiwi 360 – which offers a tour of the orchards and a kiwifruit dining experience.
There are many reasons to visit New Zealand – spectacular scenery, a fascinating culture, friendly people and undoubtedly, excellent food and drink.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/an-introduction-to-the-unique-cuisine-of-new-zealand-319948.html
About the Author:
Craig Elliott is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as New Zealand Travel | Flights to New Zealand
The Lord of the Rings: Finding Middle Earth in NZ
June 13, 2008
Author: Rene Smith
The Lord of the Rings story has captured the imagination of millions of people around the world. New Zealand has been lucky enough to be involved in this global phenomena thanks to Peter Jackson’s critically acclaimed Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. The wide-open spaces, diverse landscapes and spectacular scenery of New Zealand were the best place to film the movies, allowing New Zealanders to showcase their country and create a growing Lord of the Rings tourism industry.
The Lord of the Rings back-story
When J.R.R. Tolkien wrote the original Lord of the Rings novels between 1937 and 1949, he would have had no idea of the huge impact they would have on future generations throughout the world. The stories have had a massive influence on pop culture and you come across many Lord of the Rings references in songs, movies and other literature.
Tolkien had earlier written a book called The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings novels followed as sequels and continued the epic fantasy theme and have since been reprinted into over 30 languages, making it one of the most popular franchises of the 20th century.
The Lord of the Rings story is based around human like creatures such as Elves, Hobbits, Wizards, Dwarves, Orcs and Men. They live in a sprawling world named Middle Earth, home to mysterious beings, magical rings, the devious Gollum, huge battles, the dark realm of Mordor and much, much more.
Part of the success of the Lord of the Rings can be put down to its complexity and Tolkien’s endless work in developing a credible and highly detailed back-story. This back-story is brilliantly revealed as the story progresses, filling in important details and creating a living and breathing world with a rich history in the minds of readers.
Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movie trilogy
After several acclaimed but moderately successful feature films, New Zealand’s Peter Jackson diverted his attention to a new project, one that would consume many years of his life and eventually turn him into a star and one of Hollywood’s most sought after directors.
Jackson always had a desire to make an updated film of the Lord of the Rings and often wondered why it hadn’t been done earlier. After years of negotiating and revised scripts, Jackson and New Line Cinemas finally agreed to film and release the Lord of the Rings is a trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of The King. Filmed entirely in New Zealand, the films proved to be financial gold mine for both parties with the combined profits of the movies, video games and related merchandise easily heading in to the billions of dollars.
The movies were released to much critical acclaim and while some purists felt that Jackson deviated too far from the book, most agreed that it was both faithful to the book and a spectacular motion picture. The three movies combined for 17 Academy Awards with The Return of the King being the most successful, earning 11 of these, including Best Picture and Best Director for Peter Jackson.
The movies created a huge windfall for New Zealand in terms of publicity, tourism, the movie making industry and the creation of Weta Workshops as a leading special effects design studio. Wellington was even chosen as the destination for the premiere of the final chapter of the trilogy, The Return of the King.
Finding Middle Earth in New Zealand
With the Lord of the Rings thrusting New Zealand’s spectacular scenery in to the limelight, it was inevitable that a demand to see it up close and personal would be created. Labelling itself as “Middle Earth”, New Zealand’s tourism industry gained a much-appreciated boost thanks to thousands of travellers taking part in tours and scenic trips. Immersing themselves in various film locations, ardent Lord of the Rings fans and casual travellers alike could enjoy the wide open spaces of New Zealand knowing that these were where the movies plot twists, dramatic scenes and great battles took place.
Filming took place throughout the country, with areas surrounding Wellington, the lower North Island and Christchurch receiving the most attention. The Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps and Mt Potts high country station serve as particularly beautiful and inspiring areas to see various Lord of the Rings film locations such as Edoras, Helms Deep and the Misty Mountains. All are accessible with tour groups and you’ll have the opportunity to meet new friends with similar interests along the way.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings story has affected the lives of millions of individuals around the world and none more so than here in New Zealand. His epic tale of courage and honour has not only inspired readers but also helped Peter Jackson create his own masterpiece, opening up a whole new generation to Tolkien’s wonderful story. New Zealand’s film industry has been taken to a new level with the burgeoning local industry talent allowing other blockbuster films such as the Chronicles of Narnia and King Kong to also be filmed in the country. The benefits spread further into tourism and related areas with many overseas visitors coming to experience New Zealand’s special link with the Lord of the Rings.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/movies-articles/the-lord-of-the-rings-finding-middle-earth-in-new-zealand-176143.html
About the Author:
Rene Smith is a travel guru who lives and works in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Visit his Christchurch travel website for information on Lord of the Rings tours, travel articles, reviews and helpful tips on planning a vacation to Christchurch, New Zealand.
A Brief History of New Zealand
June 13, 2008
Author: Craig Elliott
Apart from being considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world, New Zealand also has the distinction of being one of the youngest. It was the last major land mass to be discovered by Europeans, and today, this fascinating and unspoiled country offers many reminders of its Maori and Colonial history.
The earliest known settlers in the two islands were the seafaring Maori, who arrived sometime between 1000 and 1300 AD, although some evidence suggests they were there earlier. The Maoris named the new land Aotearoa, meaning “Land of the Long White Cloud”, a name that still seems appropriate today.
The Maoris survived by hunting and farming and later by trading with the European settlers. Today, New Zealand boasts several places where you can still experience several fascinating glimpses into the Maori’s way of life and Maori culture is still an important part of what has become an increasingly multicultural society.
The Maoris were skilled fishermen, as well as expert sailors. One of their traditions was to throw back the first fish caught as a way of thanking the sea god for the catch – a tradition that continues today. They were also adept at hunting the world’s largest bird, the Moa, and harvesting and eating vegetables and potatoes.
One of the best places to gain an insight into their culture is the restored Maori village at Tamaki, which offers the chance to watch traditional singing, dancing and to purchase hand made crafts. The highlight of your visit may be the opportunity to sample a typical Maori meal, prepared the same way as it has been for centuries – cooked for several hours on hot stones buried under the ground.
The Dutch were the first Europeans to discover the two islands, naming them Nieuw Zeeland, after the Dutch province of the same name. The explorer Abel Tasman first sighted the land in 1642 – although the first visit was not a success as there was fighting between the Maoris and the Dutch. Tasman later named the bay where he had anchored “Murderer’s bay”.
The Maoris were left in peace for the next hundred years until the British explorer Captain James Cook arrived in the 18th century. Cook’s group had their misfortunes too – Maori warriors killed and ate nine members of the ship’s crew. New Zealand could just as easily have become a French colony – by coincidence, a French ship was exploring the area at the same time although neither ship sighted the other.
From the late 1790s onwards, the north coast of the North Island became a busy place, as traders, whaling ships and missionaries established settlements there. The settlers traded weapons with the Maoris – often trading muskets for fruit or pigs. This led to the tribes fighting among themselves – a bloody period in New Zealand’s history that has become known as the “Musket Wars”.
The British signed a treaty to colonize the islands in February, 1840 – the Treaty of Waitangi. While most Maoris were agreeable to this, not every tribe was amenable and this led to more fighting – a period known as the New Zealand Wars. One skirmish was triggered off by the Maoris repeatedly cutting down the ceremonial British flagpole in the settlement at Kororareka.
The following year New Zealand officially became a British colony and the New Zealand Constitution Act was established in 1852. The islands saw a further increase in immigrants, not only from the UK, but from other parts of Europe and the US as well. And the late 19th century also saw the beginning of immigration from China, with men arriving to work in the gold mines.
During the 1890s, New Zealand’s economy, which had previously relied mainly on trading and wool, was boosted by the increased export of frozen meat to Britain. The invention of refrigeration suddenly made it possible to keep meat cold for the duration of the long sea crossing – New Zealand would remain a key player in the refrigerated meat business until the 1970s.
New Zealand declared independence from the UK in 1907, although the country remained a part of the British Empire and New Zealanders fought alongside the British in both world wars. A period of cooperation with the United States led to the signing of the ANZUS treaty in 1951, guaranteeing that New Zealand, Australia and America would assist each other if any of the countries were to be invaded.
Today, New Zealand is an independent nation within the British Commonwealth and still retains strong bonds with Britain. The British Union Jack appears on the country’s flag and an image of the Queen can still be seen on some banknotes. People from all over the world visit this remote nation to experience its history and a taste of its unique culture.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/flights-articles/a-brief-history-of-new-zealand-319946.html
About the Author:
Craig Elliott is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as New Zealand Travel | Flights to New Zealand
Check Out the Wildlife in Your New Zealand Travel
June 13, 2008
Author: Phoenix Delray
New Zealand travel can be an exciting thing for so many reasons because this country has so much beauty and so many different things to offer visitors. There are multiple ways to approach your New Zealand travel, but guided tours are always a good way to experience the wonder of the country. New Zealand has a lot of history and culture, so it is nice to be able to explore with the natives and really learn about what makes their home so special and unique. Some of the best things about New Zealand is its incredibly unique wildlife that inhabits all of the land. Some of the animals that have inhabited New Zealand at one point or another are unusual reptiles, hundreds of different exotic birds, a wide array of bats, tropical frogs and the ever famous geckos. Many of these animals and reptiles have become extinct over the years, but there is still one very important animal that you must experience at some point during your New Zealand travel.
The most famous resident in all of New Zealand is the Kiwi bird. Kiwi birds are indigenous to this area, but are quickly becoming an extinct species. This makes it even more important that you be sure to see this incredible species of bird while in New Zealand. The Kiwi bird is unable to defend itself against other predators, so this has made it very difficult to keep them from becoming extinct. There are three different types of the Kiwi bird and each one is distinguishable by its coloring and the curve of its bill. Natives to New Zealand are very attached to the Kiwi bird and it has become the official bird of the country as well as an important icon of the entire nation.
There are three major types of the Kiwi bird: the Great Spotted Kiwi, the Little Spotted Kiwi and the Okarto Brown Kiwi. The Great Spotted Kiwi is sometimes referred to as the Roroa species and is the largest of all the Kiwi birds. The Little Spotted Kiwi is extremely small and is unable to defend itself against any type of predator that may come their way. The Okarto Brown Kiwi is also known as the Rowi; they are very small and only take up a very small area on the South Island of New Zealand. The wildlife in New Zealand is unlike anything else you have experienced and it is definitely something that should be included in your New Zealand travel.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/check-out-the-wildlife-in-your-new-zealand-travel-442341.html
About the Author:
For more information and help in finding a guided tour for a New Zealand travel, please visit our website.
Important Historical Landmarks of New Zealand
June 13, 2008
Author: Grant Eckert
New Zealand is considered to be one of the youngest countries in the world, as it was the last major land mass to be discovered by Europeans. For a young country, New Zealand boasts many fascinating and important historical sites, a legacy of its original inhabitants, the Maori and also its years as a British colony.
The most important historical site in the country is at Waitangi on North Island, where a treaty was signed in 1840 between the Maori and the British, the site is considered to be the birthplace of New Zealand as a nation. The grounds cover 1000 acres and were a gift to the people of New Zealand by the governor at the time, Lord Bledisloe.
There are several highlights of any visit to Waitangi. Not to be missed are the Treaty House, the country’s oldest home, and built for New Zealand’s first resident. Te Whare Runanga is an elaborately carved Maori meeting house; and you can also marvel at one of the world’s largest ceremonial war canoes. Many visitors simply enjoy strolling around the beautiful grounds. If that inspires you, you can even get married at Waitangi.
Two of the oldest towns in New Zealand are situated in the area of the country known as the Bay of Islands, Russell and Kerikeri. Russell boasts an excellent small museum offering an overview of contact between the Maori and Europeans; as well as Christ Church, the oldest wooden church in New Zealand. Russell is also the site of one of the most infamous incidents in the country’s history, the chopping down of the ceremonial British flagpole by the Maori chief Hone Heke.
Kerikeri has the distinction of being the oldest European settlement in New Zealand. A stroll through the quaint streets of the town will show you both the oldest wooden building and the oldest stone building in the country. A couple of nearby historical sites give an insight into New Zealand’s history. Kororipo Pa is a well-preserved Maori fort; Rewa Village is a full scale reconstruction of a Maori fishing village.
Throughout New Zealand, there are many other reminders of the Maori, such as burial grounds, sacred sites and tribal meeting places. The area around Taranaki on the North Island is a particularly good place to visit if you want to learn about the Maori culture, the small settlement at Parihaka was the largest Maori village in the region during the 19th century. There is also a monument to the Maori leader Maui Pomare, as well as the remains of several Maori forts, known as pa.
Wellington has been New Zealand’s capital since 1865 and boasts several historic buildings and sites, many dating from its days as an early European settlement. You can take one of several walking tours of Wellington which take in such historic sites as the birthplace of Katherine Mansfield, the country’s most famous author; and the Dominion Observatory, which once kept the time for the entire country.
Much of the country’s more recent history has been shaped at the Parliament buildings complex. Not to be missed if you are in Wellington are the Old Government building, the second largest wooden building in the world, and the National Library of New Zealand, with its books, maps and other documents. Also, not too far away, you can see one of the country’s most important and famous documents, the actual Treaty of Waitangi, on display at the National Archives building.
Nearly all visitors traveling to New Zealand by air arrive in Auckland, the country’s largest city. Although Auckland is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, it is worth taking the time to seek out some of the area’s historic sites. One of Auckland’s most beautiful buildings is Alberton, an ornate Victorian mansion dating from 1863, which offers a glimpse into how the wealthy lived 150 years ago.
Another historic home in the Auckland area is Highwic; a wooden house built in the Gothic style and filled with antiques. In order to gain some insight into the important role the sea has played in the lives of New Zealanders, visit the National Maritime Museum. Not only can you look at exhibits spanning 1,000 years, you can sail on them. The historic ship Ted Ashby offers rides several times a week.
Admittedly, many people visit New Zealand for the spectacular and dramatic scenery, and the chance to experience the great outdoors at its very best. However, if you are lucky enough to visit New Zealand, do not overlook the country’s proud and fascinating history.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/important-historical-landmarks-of-new-zealand-350645.html
About the Author:
About Author:
Grant Eckert is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as New Zealand Travel | Auckland Vacation
What to Expect on a New Zealand Vacation
June 13, 2008
Author: Craig Elliott
New Zealand is one of the most isolated and beautiful countries in the world. Most people think of the country as being just off the coast of Australia and tend to lump the two together, in fact over 1200 miles of water separates the two countries.
On a visit to New Zealand, you can experience some of the most dramatic and unspoiled landscapes anywhere on earth. New Zealand boasts snow-capped mountains, deep blue lakes, forests, geysers and boiling pools of mud. The South Island contains most of the country’s highest mountains, including Mount Cook at 12,000 feet; while the North Island has more volcanic activity.
New Zealanders do not take their beautiful country for granted, many towns and cities have walking trails and around a third of the land is designated as National Park. Also, if some parts of New Zealand look vaguely familiar, the country’s dramatic and unspoiled landscapes are featured in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.
One thing that you will immediately notice about New Zealand is that it is sparsely populated. Sheep outnumber people by about ten to one. The sea has always been important to the people of New Zealand ever since the Maoris settled on the two islands around 1000 years ago. No place in the country is more than about 80 miles from the sea.
Although the country is sparsely populated, it has become increasingly cosmopolitan, attracting immigrants from all over the world. Many New Zealanders are of British descent; there are also many immigrants from China, Korea and Japan. Around 23% of New Zealanders were born overseas, one of the highest such percentages in the world. Visitors as well as residents enjoy a high standard of living in beautiful New Zealand.
New Zealand appeals to lovers of the great outdoors and in recent years, the country has become one of the main destinations for so-called adventure travel. You can find it all in New Zealand, white water rafting, skiing, hiking, (tramping as it is called here) sky-diving, hot air ballooning, kayaking and swimming with sharks. Also, for the true thrill-seeker, the most extreme of extreme sports, bungee jumping.
Queenstown has become the unofficial capital of adventure sports as well as the most visited destination in the country. The city boasts the world’s first commercial bungee jump site. It has also become a popular destination for skiing and winter sports. Queenstown is situated in some of the country’s most beautiful scenery, in a country that is not exactly short on natural beauty.
While New Zealand is undoubtedly a major destination for outdoors enthusiasts, the country also boasts sophisticated cities and a fascinating culture. New Zealand has also been recognized for its quality wines in recent years. The country has six major wine growing regions and it is possible to spend your entire time here simply touring vineyards. There are over 80 in the Auckland area alone.
Auckland, known as the City of Sails, is where most international visitors arrive. It is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the country and offers a wide selection of shops, nightlife, galleries and restaurants. Many visitors are surprised at the quality of the dining in Auckland – particularly recommended are those restaurants specializing in Asian and Pacific Rim cuisine.
The Maoris were the first inhabitants of New Zealand and it is difficult to travel through the country without coming across reminders of their culture and influence. The Auckland Museum is a great place to become familiar with Maori culture. For a more hands-on experience, visit the reconstructed and authentic Maori village at Tamaki. One place not to be missed is the East Cape, one of the last places where the Maori language is part of everyday life.
For much of the 19th century, New Zealand was a British colony and one of the most noticeable things to any visitor is how much parts of the country feel like Britain. The city of Christchurch, with its squares and avenues and beautiful Victorian buildings, is perhaps the most ?English? of New Zealand’s cities, it even has a River Avon running through the center. The delightful town of Dunedin might have been transplanted from Scotland. Also, another aspect of New Zealand life that is good to know, New Zealanders drive on the left.
Most visitors leave New Zealand with a favorable impression. It is a country that really does have it all, wonderful scenery, vibrant cities, excellent food and wines and a fascinating culture.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/what-to-expect-on-a-new-zealand-vacation-319950.html
About the Author:
Craig Elliott is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as New Zealand Travel | Flights to New Zealand
Study in New Zealand
Featured New Zealand Institutions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
