This tiny island country, just a few hours from Australia, is truly a paradise. It’s no wonder that the Lord of the Rings films were shot here, the land where Mother Nature has outdone herself. Sprawling valleys, rolling hills, hues of green as far as the eye can see, and the vast expanse of the ocean enveloping them all. Read ahead to find out why you should visit New Zealand soon…
People
New Zealanders, or Kiwis as they are affectionately termed, are a melting pot of Maori, Asian, European and Pacific Island cultures. Pioneers in many ways, having had to develop the island from scratch, this trait has been passed on through generations. Did you know that frozen meat, bungee jumping and the electronic petrol pump are all Kiwi inventions? These resourceful folks also have a strong sense of community. ‘Kia ora’ which means hello, is a common greeting you’ll hear but loosely translated, you are wishing the essence of life upon another. Now isn’t that rather lovely?
Nature
Truly a spectacle of nature, there’s a bit of everything in New Zealand. Explore the rugged, volcanic mountains in North Island to the grandeur of the Southern Alps emerging from the South Islands, and the vast Canterbury Plains in the middle. You’ll also find geothermal areas with tranquil hot springs, mud pools and geysers. A plethora of beaches for your holiday pleasures, jump between the dark sands of the northern beaches and the wilder shores of South Island. New Zealand doesn’t disappoint in the winter-front, with stunning glaciers over the Alps, the most famous being the humongous Tasman glacier! Do check out the fjords, formed thanks to sunken mountains, where there are steep lush hills and deep blue bays.
Cuisine
Moules Mariniere with New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels
Many a tale has been spun about the steadfast Kiwi favourites: fish, chips and barbecues. But the New Zealand gastronomy experience goes beyond that, and how! Be prepared for a smorgasbord of seafood dishes made from mussels, crayfish, oysters and of course, the catch of the day! Allow your tastebuds to savour the award-winning Kiwi cheeses and their famous lamb, complemented with a refreshing glass of wine. Wherever you choose to eat, you are sure to have a splendid meal coupled with the laidback Kiwi atmosphere, the perfect holiday dineout experience!
Wildlife
By Mosborne01 – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8838120
Thanks to the bountiful spread of nature, New Zealand has an equally tremendous range of wildlife! Did you know that most of New Zealand’s native birds are flightless? It’s not just the kiwi, but the kakapo parrot, takahe and the now extinct, moa! You may also spot keas, wekas, tui and the morepork owl, so named for its distinct calling sound. In the oceans, you’ll find whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and several pacific fish. The world’s rarest dolphin, the tiny Hector’s dolphin is found only in the New Zealand waters!
Do allow us at Pickyourtrail to design your magnificent New Zealand vacation! Pack your bags and get ready to visit the Shire in real life, swim with the dolphins and melt your blues away!
