New Zealand is a special place. With only 4 million people across the whole country, wide open natural spaces abound. An island nation, it boasts long uninterrupted coastlines, and a spine of dramatic and beautiful mountain ranges.
New Zealand’s indigenous people, the Māori, travelled to New Zealand from the legendary island of Hawaiiki some 700 years ago, bringing with them their culture, arts and language, which make up an important part of New Zealand culture today. The local Māori people of Otago are the Kāi Tahu iwi (tribe).
Any ‘kiwi’ (the name for our national bird – but also what New Zealanders call themselves) will tell you that there’s hundreds of highlights to see here all over the country. While you’re here, why not make time for at least one or two?
Some of the best-loved tourist experiences include the North Island’s Rotorua, famed for bubbling mud, hot springs, and Māori cultural experiences; the South Island’s West Coast, with its goldmining history and breath-taking scenery; and the South Island’s Kaikoura, where whales and dolphins can be seen by boat.
These websites offer further information about New Zealand and what to do and see here:
- Tourism New Zealand
- AA Travel
- New Zealand Tourism Guide
- Lonely Planet – New Zealand
- New Zealand – Wikipedia
