The island nation of New Zealand is the youngest country on Earth. It is the last major landmass to be discovered. The Maori were the first people to migrate to New Zealand about 1000 years ago, from lands across the Pacific. Since then, people from all over the world have traveled to and settled in New Zealand.
Some of the oldest Maori sites date back nearly 1000 years and are an exciting contrast to the colonial style architecture that dominate most of the cities and towns. The Dutch were the first Europeans to spot the island, but the British were the first to colonize the country. Their influence left a lasting mark on the culture and the countryside of New Zealand.
Because of its isolated geography, the wildlife of New Zealand is unique. The national symbol of the country is the kiwi. The kiwi is an unusual nocturnal flightless bird. It is endangered and rarely seen in the wild, but there are many zoos and wildlife parks throughout New Zealand where visitors can catch a glimpse of this strange and beautiful bird.
The moment you step ashore, you will experience the mystery and magic of the misty shrouded forests or rolling countryside. The islands of New Zealand offer exciting walking tours, hiking and bird watching. Islands that are nature preserves include Kapiti, Tiritiri, Matangi and Hauraki Gulf.
Auckland is the largest urban area in the country with a population of about 1.4 million. From Auckland, ferries are available to take visitors to the beautiful island of Waiheke and Great Barrier. Waiheke is an island of farmland, forests, vineyards, olive groves and beautiful beaches. Great Barrier, in contrast, offers a rugged landscape that calls the adventurer. Visitors may charter a boat, hire a kayak or even take a cruise ship to the Bay of Islands. This offshore area of islands between Cape Brett and Purerua Peninsula is a maritime dream come true.
If you prefer the tranquility of an inland lake, New Zealand’s beautiful volcanic lakes can offer the peace and beauty you need. Most of the lakes on North Island formed in the craters of ancient dormant volcanoes. The largest of the crater lakes is Taupo. It is an enormous body of water filled with champion sized trout. Dune lakes at Kai Iwi in Northland are three amazingly beautiful lakes surrounded by the purest white sand. Dune lake Papaitonga is bordered by wetlands that are perfect for bird watching. The lakes of South Island were created by glaciers carving out deep bowls in the land, much like the formation of the fiords. Lake Te Anau is the largest, but Lake Manapouri is considered the most beautiful of the South Island lakes.
New Zealand provides accommodations to suit every taste. There are backpackers’ lodges and youth hostels and opulent hotels. Many visitors rent a holiday home. Renting a privately owned home is a wonderful opportunity to get away and explore New Zealand on your own terms. Holiday homes are simple cottages to extravagant lodges in the mountainous regions. There are holiday homes available in almost every region of New Zealand because the tradition of building a second home is a tradition in New Zealand. A holiday home will usually offer you more freedom and more room than a hotel or a hostel.
New Zealand is an overnight flight from the West Coast of the United States. Total flight time from California to the capital of Wellington is about 12 hours. If you take an evening flight from California, you can go to sleep and then wake up in the paradise that is New Zealand.