New Zealand is not densely populated. It’s the size of the UK with a population of around 4.5 million (for reference the UK population is over 65 million). The Maori are the indigenous people who came to New Zealand from Polynesia in the 14th century. Getting to know Maori culture is important to understanding life in this country. Maori make up about 16% of the country’s population and you’ll see Maori symbols and words throughout the country as you travel. See a Maori cultural show while you are here to get a better understanding of their culture and history. The most popular shows are in Rotorua and cost 150-245 NZD per person (most are 3-4 hours and include a meal). 13. Explore Milford Sound There is perhaps nowhere in the world more enchanting, nor more naturally beautiful, than New Zealand. From dramatic mountains and forested valleys to majestic ice floes and dormant volcanoes. Even if it’s your first time visiting New Zealand, the landscapes may seem familiar, especially if you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia as they were filmed on location here. Only in the last forty years has New Zealand come of age and developed a true national self-confidence, something partly forced on it by Britain severing the colonial apron strings, and by the resurgence of Maori identity. Maori demands have been nurtured by a willingness on the part of most Pakeha to redress the wrongs perpetrated over the last 170 years, as long as it doesn’t impinge on their high standard of living or overall feeling of control.

Kiwis love foreign affirmation: Flight of the Conchords were turned down by domestic television and only became a local success after their HBO hit series. There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of New Zealand. It is illegal to import most food products. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. At latitude 41° south, Wellington is the world’s southernmost capital city and shares the honour of being the most remote with Canberra, over 2000km away. I found New Zealand’s capital to be the most “artsy” city in New Zealand. There’s great architecture, character, fantastic nightlife, restaurants, and cultural activities. Tour the Beehive (where Parliament meets), ride the cable car for epic views over the city, visit the award-winning Wellington Museum and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, or learn how to make movie-quality armor at Weta Workshop (the special effects studio behind Lord of the Rings, District 9, Avatar, and many others). You can also leave the city for a wine tour of the Martinborough wine region (149 NZD). There are so many cultural activities to do here so don’t be like other travelers and rush through — it’s worth a few days! 5. Go dolphin and whale watching If you don’t drive then this is the best option. The two most well known bus companies are the Kiwi Experience, which is aimed primarily at those aged between 18 and 25, and the intercity network.

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The patchwork-quilt fields of Canterbury run, via the grand architecture of Oamaru, to the unmistakably Scottish-influenced city of Dunedin, a base for exploring the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula, with its albatross, seal, sea lion and penguin colonies. In the middle of the nineteenth century, prospectors arrived here and rushed inland to gold strikes throughout central Otago and around stunningly set Queenstown, now a commercialized activity centre where bungy jumping, rafting, jetboating and skiing hold sway. Pavlova– A meringue dessert that has caused much dispute over whether it was originally created in Australia or New Zealand.

Late December and January are particularly busy in New Zealand as this is the nation’s summer holiday. This means that there will be large numbers of both international and domestic tourists. However, as mentioned earlier, New Zealand’s road criss-cross a variety of environments meaning that roads can be very narrow, steep and winding along the contours of the landscape. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. Visa requirementsJake Heke is the patriarch, spending his time getting drunk in the local pub and fighting anyone who he feels steps out of line. New Zealand is renowned for its adventurous spirit, and plenty of travellers – both locals and visitors alike – have had something to say about their experiences. We’ve collected a list of books, guides, and stories that we find to be the most useful and inspiring for anyone interested in visiting New Zealand, the North Island and South Island. It gives you more freedom and flexibility than a car. However it is more expensive and uses more fuel. Although bus networks in New Zealand are well connected, it is harder to get away from the towns and into the middle of nowhere – which is one of the highlights of any visit. Therefore it may be worth paying more to rent, as it could be cheaper when fuel costs are taken into account. Limit Your Eating Out