Holiday in Auckland
Auckland is a pleasant urban center; it is colourful, vibrant, cultural, beautiful and full of fun.
Introducing New Zealand
Introducing New Zealand. There’s a lot to like about New Zealand.
New Zealand International Airports
New Zealand has five international airports. In addition, there are several smaller domestic airports.
Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef is a glacier in New Zealand’s South Island, on the west coast.
New Zealand Lord of the Rings
Everyone knows that the Lord of the Rings was filmed entirely in New Zealand. Read more about the real locations that were used in the film trilogy.
Driving in New Zealand
Driving in New Zealand is not the same as driving in some of the other countries in the world. For example, in New Zealand, you will need to drive on the left hand side of the road. The driver’s seat is on the right of the vehicle. This can be a real challenge to visitors from the United States or Canada who are driving in New Zealand for the first time. It is essential to have a valid driver’s license to drive in New Zealand. Also, you must not have received any suspension of disqualification of any sort in New Zealand. If you are visiting New Zealand on business, it is recommended to get insured before driving in New Zealand. It is not compulsory for drivers or car owners to get insured in New Zealand, but it protects you from a potentially huge financial loss in case you happen to get into an accident. It is important to learn the Road Code as well, before driving in New Zealand for the first time. If you are an international student who wants to drive in New Zealand, you must be at least 18 years old and will need to pass an […]
The Māori Language
The Māori language is one of the official languages in New Zealand. It is spoken mostly by the indigenous people who are called Māori. The origin of the language traces back the Eastern Polynesian islands, where the Māori history can be traced back. In reality only some 30,000 people can speak the language fluently, but several words have made it into everyday use with all the people currently inhabiting New Zealand. The most famous expression would be the ubiquitous “Kia Ora” which can be translated as “hello, how are you”. Here’s a few more words and concepts to illustrate the rich vocabulary of the Māori people Awa = River Motu = Island Puke = Hill Wai = Water Whanga = Harbour Kia Ora = Hi Haere mai = Welcome Maunga = Mountain The Māori language represents a big part of the culture of New Zealand, yet many people fail to pronounce the words correctly. Despite many of the current inhabitants of New Zealand have ancestors from other countries, the people in general respect the language and the culture of the indigenous people. This is in stark contrast when compared for example against the neighboring Australia. It has been suggested that Australia was home to more […]
Auckland Airport Parking
Auckland airport has a wide variety of parking options for everyone, whether you are picking someone up, going for an extended holiday or just have some business at the airport. As most airports around the world, Auckland airport is also divided between International and Domestic terminals. Both terminals are served by multiple carparks in their vicinity. The car parks can be divided between short and longterms park, and whether they are covered or uncovered. Each carpark has a designated letter to identify it. A Short term uncovered B Uncovered C Short term uncovered D Long term covered E Long term uncovered K Long term uncovered L Long term uncovered M Uncovered Q Covered R Short term covered S Uncovered Valet Parking In addition to these self-service carparks, there is a valet parking option on both terminals. If you are flying overseas, the booth at the international terminal is right outside the terminal building. Follow the letter V for valet parking. If you are at the domestic terminal, the letter R is the symbol for valet parking. Drive up the ramp to level 1 at car park R to reach. The valet parking process is very simple. You just need to […]
Weather in New Zealand
Four Seasons Most of the countries have some seasonal change in weather throughout the year, but generally the closer you are either to the north or the south pole, the stronger are the differences between seasons. Around the equator there is typically only two seasons, the dry season and the rainy season. New Zealand has full four seasons and as most travellers are coming from the northern hemisphere, the seasons would occur in almost opposite time of the year. For example Northern Europe would enjoy the summer season somewhere around between June and August, but in New Zealand the summer months are December, January and February. During summer months the average temperature ranges between 20-30 celcius (70-90 fahrenheit) in daytime and in winter months somewhere around 10-15 celcius (50-60 fahrenheit) degrees. Please note that daytime temperatures are significantly higher than nighttime and you should be prepared accordingly. The weather can change very fast in New Zealand, some might argue you can experience all four seasons within one single day. If you need to know the weather around New Zealand right now, you should check out the National Weather Service for New Zealand at http://www.metservice.com/national/home From metservice website you will up […]
50 Amazing facts about New Zealand
1. There are no snakes in New Zealand. 2. There are no poisonous snakes or dangerous wild animals in New Zealand. 3. Auckland has more than 50 volcanic cones but fortunately most of them have been dormant for thousands of years. 4. There are more sheep in New Zealand than people. 40 million in total. 5. New Zealand has more golf courses per capita than any other country in the world. 6. New Zealand was the first major nation to have universal suffrage. 7. Officially Elizabeth the II from Great Britain is the queen of New Zealand. She is represented by a governor general. 8. A native and now extinct bird called the Moa was one of the biggest birds ever recorded in history. 9. The Māori people are said to have come to New Zealand from a place called Hawaiki. The exact location of Hawaiki is however unknown. 10. New Zealand is the number two country in the world when it comes to McDonald’s restaurants per capita. 11. Te Waikoropupu Springs is a natural wonder, producing roughly 1-2 billion liters of water every day. 12. The Hector dolphin is the smallest dolphin in the world, just about 1.4 meters […]
Are there snakes in New Zealand?
The title says it all, are there snakes in New Zealand? The short answer is NO, there are no native species of snakes living in the New Zealand wilderness. Read along for the more complicated and long answer. While it is true that New Zealand does not have native land snakes, it has sea snakes that can travel long distances, even all the way from Australia and the smaller islands of South Pacific. The yellow-bellied sea snake and banded sea krait are both poisonous and potentially dangerous to humans and animals. Majority of sea snakes or the Elapidae family are poisonous. A close relative for the sea snake would be the more commonly known Cobra. The scientific name of the banded sea krait is Laticauda colubrina and the yellow-bellied is called Pelamis platurus. Luckily both sea snake species are very rare, and it is not likely you will encounter either of them in nature in New Zealand. Because New Zealand has never had a snake population, the local wildlife would be very vulnerable against them. That is the reason why the authorities are very strict about snakes and proceed to eliminate the threat as soon as possible. Sometimes snakes find their way into New Zealand accidentally in […]
New Zealand Beaches
New Zealand being an island, by default the country is having a huge range of beautiful beaches. In fact, there are almost 10,000 miles of coastline in total when you combine the South Island and North Island. New Zealand is filled if beaches not only in quantity but quality as well. You can find almost anything ranging from really hidden lagoons to rocky shores with black sand. Ninety Mile Beach The name of this beach is a bit misleading because the Ninety Mile Beach is actually “only” 64 (88 kilometres) miles. The beach is with golden coloured sands and an excellent place for surfing. It is located on the Northern tip of the North Island, just west of Kaitaia. The northern sand dunes are a popular tourist spot for bodyboarding. If you plan on visiting Ninety Mile Beach on your own, make sure you are driving a 4WD car because of the soft sand. Hot Water Beach Hot Water Beach gets its name from the geothermal activity that brings mineral-rich water from the ground from two natural hot springs. In the southern end of the beach, you can dig your own spa pool in the sand. You should be able to get the […]
Rotorua Attractions
Rotorua is a city on the North Island in New Zealand. The city is famous for being the cultural centre of the Maori people. The city has been built around a lake also known as Rotorua. The city is mostly on the southern side of the lake with some 57.000 citizens. The biggest industry in Rotorua is tourism and here are some of the well-known attractions. Tamaki Maori Village If you are unfamiliar with the Maori culture and history, the Tamaki village is an excellent place to visit. There are several activities, cultural shows and the highlight of the night is the Hangi dinner. This is typically an organized tour so book in advance with some of the operators around the area. Te Puia geysers and mud pools The scenery around Te Puia is very unusual and the geyser “shows” are nothing short of amazing. The geysers go off quite regularly, usually every hour. Te Puia also has a wealth of Maori culture information. Be sure to catch the Haka performance. Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest The trees in the Whakarewarewa forest are so tall that you might fall over trying to catch a glimpse of the top. The redwood forest is an amazing […]
New Zealand Rabbits
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New Zealand Rabbits? Big white meat rabbit! Nothing surprising about that, as New Zealand rabbits are used in meat production more than any other single breed in the world. They are cute and adorable and make for lovely show animals. Children love New Zealand rabbits, which is why they are kept as pets in some households. So are New Zealand Rabbits from New Zealand? No, not at all – these rabbits are as American as apple pie. They were developed in California and have a very tenuous link to New Zealand. They are a large breed of rabbits and can weigh from 9 to 12 lbs. They are mostly used for meat and their fur. New Zealand Rabbits History These rabbits were developed to meet the huge demand for meat and fur, during the early 20th century. They became especially popular in the US during the Great Depression of the late 1920s and early 1930s when hunger was so common in the country. Following World War 2, the breed made its way to the UK and later, to the rest of Europe. It is now a popular source […]
Lord of the Rings Characters
Lord of the Rings trilogy of movies was mostly filmed in New Zealand. Because the movie was a big hit on so many levels, today there are several companies that take tourists to see the actual filming locations on North and South Island of New Zealand. Below you will find a short description of all the main characters that appear in the movies. If you are interested in the movie shooting locations in New Zealand, click here to read more. Gandalf Gandalf called as Gandalf the Grey and later as Gandalf, the White is a wizard and the first leader of the Fellowship of the Ring. Gandalf, along with Frodo Baggins and Aragorn is one of the principal characters of the Lord of the Rings. He is brave, wise and has magical powers and is willing to do whatever it takes to save the Middle Earth from the evil of Sauron. Sauron Sauron is a personification of all evil, who seeks to rule the world through the power of the One Ring. Sauron was disembodied when the One Ring was cut off from his hand during the Second Age at the Battle of the Last Alliance and but is back, more powerful than […]
How far is New Zealand from Australia?
A simple question and a simple answer. The distance from Australia to New Zealand is 4155 km or 2581 miles. However, Australia is a relatively big country and it really depends on what two points you are measuring. The simple answer 4155 km is based on the geographical centres of both countries, which is most likely useless information to many travellers. It would be a very rare occasion when you travelling between these two points. Australia is the world’s smallest continent and sixth-largest country (7,617,930 square kilometres). It is located in the Southern Hemisphere, between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean. The distance between these two countries looks like a long way, but you should remember that Australia is a relatively large country. It is not just a single island, it is a collection of islands – hence the name Australia (the land of the south). It is rare to travel between Australia and New Zealand because of the distance and the fact that there is no direct flights between the two countries. It would be a very rare occasion when you travel between these two points, however, it is still important to know just in case. Australia’s […]
Visit Small Town New Zealand On Your Road Trip
New Zealand, a dream destination with plenty of dream towns and cities to try and fit into your schedule. In all likelihood, you’ll be road tripping in between these destinations which means random roadside pit stops in small towns. Rather than dine and dash, consider making an extended stop over for a night in one of these towns you have never heard of. You’ll get to see a different side of travelling in New Zealand, a lifestyle that city slickers crave during the week. So much so, many try and recreate over long weekends and any time off they get. Staying In A Bach A bach is a small New Zealand holiday home, usually within a kilometre or two of the beach. Owning a bach became popular during the middle of the 20th century and to this day are sought after. Especially now that adults who spent their holidays in bach’s around New Zealand as kids are now at retiring age and the idea of a beach lifestyle in a small town is appealing. Head To The Pub And Be The Center Of Attention Small town pubs get the same crowd in every week. Everyone knows everyone on a first […]
Language of New Zealand
New Zealand is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. New Zealand is an island country located in the South Western Pacific Ocean. It was one of the last major landmasses settled by human beings. New Zealand is famous for so many things like kiwis, famous scientists, the first person to conquer Mount Everest and many more, but the most amazing thing about New Zealand is their languages. They have three official languages. English is the first language, Maori takes up the second place and The Sign Language of New Zealand is the third official language of New Zealand. Let’s learn about these languages of New Zealand and how New Zealand come up with the best solutions for every community. Let’s start by knowing about these interesting facts about New Zealand English What is New Zealand English? History of New Zealand English The unique vocabulary of New Zealand English Their first official Language in New Zealand English. The New Zealand English is a beautiful language established in the 19th century. Some unique words and phrases make it different from others, even though it has some similarities with Austrailian English History of New Zealand English New Zealand had […]
Moving to New Zealand
New Zealand is a favourite destination for foreigners. The level of highly-skilled jobs available in the country makes it attractive to the recently graduated, and the nation is currently in an immigration drive. There is a shortage of various skills within New Zealand; construction workers, engineers, chefs, ICT professionals and many other skilled workers are being actively encouraged to migrate to the nation. But what should you know about the country before considering Moving to New Zealand? This article will provide a brief overview of the nation, giving need-to-know information on the country and its people. Auckland Far and away the largest city in New Zealand, Auckland has a booming population and was recently ranked third in the Mercer Quality of Living Survey. The city has an elegant, metropolitan skyline and skilled jobs are plentiful in this area. Much of the city has a local, suburban feel that is not found in other major cities of the world. Auckland has many harbours that provide ideal boating conditions, and the bars and clubs provide a great deal of nighttime fun. There area huge variety of locations to choose from, with many bars situated along the waterfront, predominately in Auckland’s sleek Viaduct […]
New Zealand Maori tattoos
Tattoos are beautiful but also very time consuming and expensive. The true beauty of tattooing lies in its simplicity: one stroke of a needle, a few hours to complete. An obvious example is the modern-day ‘Tribal Tattoo’: a simple design with a few sharp lines, usually on the forearm or upper arm. It’s not hard to see where the inspiration comes from: the ancient Maori people would tattoo themselves with designs to represent their tribe and clan. It’s hard to see why this is so simple, though: what does it represent? What does it mean? You don’t have to understand Maori culture or history to understand tribal tattoos; you need skills and patience. Tattoos are just another way of identifying yourself and your tribe – but that identity should be unique and meaningful, not just arbitrary (like the Tribal Tattoo). If you want your tattoos to be truly meaningful, then your tribal tattoo should tell a story about you – who you are as a person, what drives you, how you think, who you care about. It’s like writing poetry or drawing abstract art – if it doesn’t tell someone something about themselves or give them insight into their innermost […]
Maori Chin Tattoo – What Is It?
Maori chin tattoos are a popular type of tattoo among the Maori people of New Zealand. They are often used to represent various aspects of Maori culture. What is a Maori Chin Tattoo? Maori chin tattoos are a traditional facial tattoo design worn by the Maori people of New Zealand. The tattoos are typically worn on the chin and consist of a series of intricate, interlocking lines and curves. Maori chin tattoos are believed to confer strength, wisdom, and status on the wearer. What do Maori Chin Tattoos Mean? Maori chin tattoos were originally used to signify rank and status within the Maori tribe. They were also used as a way to identify the wearer’s family and tribe. Today, chin tattoos are still used as a way to show allegiance to one’s tribe, but they are also considered to be a symbol of strength, courage, and determination. How Are Maori Chin Tattoos Applied? The traditional Māori chin tattoo was applied with a chisel and mallet. The tattooist would cut the design into the skin with the chisel, then pound the mallet to drive the ink into the cut. This was a painful process, and many Māori women refused to get […]
Is New Zealand In The Southern Hemisphere?
What is the Southern Hemisphere? The Southern Hemisphere is the half of the Earth that is south of the equator. It includes all of Africa, South America, Antarctica, and Australia. The Northern Hemisphere is the half of the Earth that is north of the equator. The Equator is the imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It is also the line that is equidistant from the North and South Poles. What Countries Are in the Southern Hemisphere? The Southern Hemisphere is made up of countries that are located below the equator. This includes countries in Africa, South America, and Australia. These countries experience warmer weather and have more tropical climates. The Southern Hemisphere is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world. The Sydney Opera House, for example, is an iconic structure that is known around the globe. Other famous landmarks in the Southern Hemisphere include Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, Table Mountain in South Africa, and Uluru in Australia. These landmarks are all popular tourist destinations and are known for their stunning architecture and natural beauty. What is the Northern Hemisphere? The Northern Hemisphere is the half of the Earth that […]
Kiwi Bird Facts: Interesting Things About The Kiwi Bird
Kiwi birds are a unique species of bird that can be found in New Zealand. They are the national bird of New Zealand and are known for their brown plumage and lack of wings. The kiwi is an important part of New Zealand’s culture and heritage and we hope that their numbers will continue to increase in the future. Where Do Kiwi Birds Live? The kiwi bird is native to New Zealand. They are found in the North and South Islands. The kiwi bird is a flightless bird and lives in forests and other areas with plenty of vegetation. Are Kiwi Birds Extinct? Kiwi birds are not extinct, but they are in danger. There are about 68,000 kiwis left in the wild, and the population is decreasing. The main threat to the kiwi is the loss of their forest habitat. What are the threats to the kiwi birds? The Kiwi bird is a critically endangered species that are currently facing many threats. These threats include habitat loss, predation by cats and dogs, and introduced pests. The biggest danger to kiwi chicks is being killed by stoats, and the biggest danger to adult kiwi is being killed by dogs. Cats also […]
New Zealand Standard Of Living
New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes and friendly people. But what is the standard of living like in New Zealand? In this post, we’ll take a look at the cost of living in New Zealand and some of the living conditions there. A few key points about the standard of living in New Zealand: 1. Higher wages than most other countries 2. Higher levels of education and skilled labour 3. Higher levels of health and well-being 4. More affordable housing 5. More green space per capita The Cost of Living in New Zealand New Zealand is a country located in the southern hemisphere, off the coast of Australia. The country has a population of around 4 million people and is known for its natural beauty, including its stunning coastline and mountains. New Zealand is also known for its high quality of life, which is largely due to its relatively low cost of living. The cost of living in New Zealand is relatively low when compared to other developed countries, making it an attractive option for those looking to relocate. The cost of living in New Zealand varies depending on the city you live in, but on average, basic […]
Job Opportunities For Foreigners In New Zealand
If you are looking for job opportunities in New Zealand, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss the various types of jobs that are available to foreigners. New Zealand is not a big country but there are a number of different places to live and work. So, whether you want to work in the city, on the coast, or in the countryside, there is likely to be a job that is perfect for you. The most common type of job for foreigners in New Zealand are in the service industry. This includes jobs in restaurants, hotels, and cafes. Other common jobs include jobs in the medical and health care field, as well as in the financial sector. There are also a number of opportunities available for foreigners in the agricultural sector, as well as in the construction industry. Careers in New Zealand There are many opportunities for foreigners in New Zealand, whether you’re looking for a career change or just want to experience a new country. The country is well-known for its stunning scenery, friendly people, and a strong economy. Typical jobs in the New Zealand tourism industry might include positions such as tour […]
The Forests Of New Zealand
New Zealand is a beautiful country with a rich natural history. One of the most amazing aspects of this history is the presence of the native forests. What are the Forests of New Zealand? The forests of New Zealand are some of the most diverse in the world. They contain rainforests, temperate forests, and subalpine forests. The rainforests are the most diverse and contain a wide variety of plants and animals. The temperate forests are mostly found in the north and east of the country, while the subalpine forests are found in the mountains. What is an alpine forest? An alpine forest is a type of forest that is found in the mountains. They are very diverse and contain a wide variety of plants and animals. The alpine forests in New Zealand are found in the mountains of the North and South Islands. What is the History of New Zealand’s Native Forests? The forests of New Zealand date back over 100,000 years. The first inhabitants of the island were the Māori, who relied heavily on the forest for food and shelter. Over time, the forests have been chopped down to make way for farms and settlements, but they are now […]
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
In 2017, Jacinda Ardern became the leader of the New Zealand Labour Party and then in October 2017, at age 37, she became the country’s youngest prime minister in more than 150 years. Early life and start in politics Ardern was born to a Mormon family in Murupara, a small town best known for its high concentration of Maori gang activity. Seeing “children without shoes on their feet or anything to eat for lunch” inspired her to eventually enter politics. Ardern’s experience growing up in Murupara taught her the importance of fighting for the rights and welfare of marginalized communities, which is why she decided to pursue a career in politics. Ardern embarked on an “overseas experience,” a trip to Britain that is usually seen as a rite of passage for the children of New Zealand’s middle and upper class. While living in London, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern worked as an associate director for Better Regulation Executive within the cabinet office of British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Her primary responsibility was improving the way local authorities interacted with small businesses. In 2007, she was elected president of the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY). This position took her […]
What Is A Haka Dance?
Introduction: A Haka is a traditional dance performed by the Maori people of New Zealand. The word “Haka” means “to chant.” The Haka is often used to represent war or combat. In modern times the Haka has been used as a performance art form. What Is The History Of The Haka? The haka is a traditional dance of New Zealand. It is thought to have originated in the Māori culture and was used as a ceremonial dance. The haka is performed to show respect to one’s ancestors and to celebrate events such as wars or victories. Today, the haka is used as a form of team sport and performance art. The New Zealand rugby team is known for their powerful and fast haka. The New Zealand rugby team is known as the All Blacks. What Does The Haka Symbolize? The haka is a traditional Maori dance that symbolizes battle readiness. The dance is performed by groups of men and typically features fast, rhythmic movements. For an outside, the haka performance might seem aggressive or threatening, but the purpose is to show respect and honor to one’s ancestors. Historically, the haka was used as a way to display bravery and strength in […]
Working Holiday In New Zealand: A Comprehensive Guide
The working holiday visa scheme allows people aged 18-30 to travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months. The scheme is open to citizens of most countries, and you don’t need a job offer or sponsorship. You can stay in New Zealand for as long as you like, and you can apply again if you want to stay for longer. How much does a working holiday visa cost? In general, the working holiday visa is very affordable, for example UK citizens would need to pay only 215 pounds for the application. To check the fees for your specific country, please refer to the up to date information from https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/work/thinking-about-coming-to-new-zealand-to-work/working-holiday-visa How long it will take to receive the working holiday visa? The working holiday visa process in New Zealand can take up to six weeks, but it is usually much quicker. The most important factor in receiving a working holiday visa is having a valid passport and a visa application form. Do I need to have a job to receive a working holiday visa? No, you do not need to have a job to receive a working holiday visa. However, you will need to provide evidence […]
Tips For Renting A Car In New Zealand
If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand and want to rent a car, these tips will help make the process easier. There are many advantages to renting a car in New Zealand. One advantage is that you can explore the country easily and quickly. You can also save money by renting a car instead of using public transportation or flying. Rental car allows you to explore the country at your own pace. You can stop at any time and take in the sights and sounds of the beautiful country. Second, rental cars are usually more reliable than public transportation. This is especially true in rural areas, where buses can be unreliable and often overcrowded. How to Rent a Car from an Airport or Port of Entry When renting a car in New Zealand, it is important to remember that there are two ways to do so: from an airport or port of entry. From an airport, the process is fairly straightforward. All you need to do is locate the rental car facilities and follow the instructions on how to get started. Once you have picked up your vehicle, be sure to read the rental agreement carefully. Some important things […]