Are you looking for the perfect destination for your next vacation? New Zealand should be at the top of your list. This country perfectly blends natural wonders, diverse cultures, thriving wildlife, and adventurous activities. The nation of New Zealand is composed primarily of two islands in the South Pacific Ocean, the North Island and the South Island. However, 700 smaller islands are part of New Zealand.
New Zealanders are very proud of the culture and land they have propagated over the centuries, and travelers who take this journey will witness these elements firsthand. Here are some facts about New Zealand that you must know as you plan a trip to this small country:
Geographical Marvels: Where Nature Takes Center Stage
One of the highlights of New Zealand is its geographical makeup. It has unique land formations to explore, ranging from volcanic landscapes to glaciers to lush forests. Nature takes center stage when you travel to New Zealand, so let’s look at some of the most notable features of the landscape.
Geological Wonders
If you go to New Zealand, you will see one of the many active volcanoes in the area. There’s a lot to explore because the region’s geothermal activity is incredibly high. Plus, New Zealand’s proximity to the tectonic plate borders means there is plenty of activity in these volcanic landscapes.
If you are concerned about safety around volcanoes, consult with local experts who can explain the proper procedures and warning systems in the event of an eruption. Mount Tauhara and Mount Pirongia are popular volcanoes on the North Island.
Diverse Terrain
New Zealand’s history is partially shaped by the diverse terrains of the two main islands. You can explore volcanic peaks and mountains across the whole country. Glaciers, especially the Franz Josef Glacier, are another unique feature of the landscape that displays the power of these massive ice sheets and how they shape the land. The sounds of running water in fjords are also present in many locations. For a stillwater experience, Lake Taupo is a massive crater lake on the North Island.
If you want a relaxing day in the sun, there are beautiful beaches along the New Zealand coastline, particularly the west coast, where you can read a good book or swim. Finally, forests of varying biomes are spread across the map and serve as homes to the unique flora and fauna of New Zealand.
Unique Flora and Fauna
Speaking of which, wildlife lovers will rejoice at the vast array of species that occupy the land and seas of New Zealand. The Kiwi bird is one of the most popular species and is the national bird. There is also the Kea parrot, which resides in the forest and alpine regions of the South Island, particularly in the Southern Alps. The Kauri tree is world-famous for its size and is often called the Lord of the Forest. Another notable plant is the silver fern, which has come to symbolize the national identity of every New Zealander.
Endemic Species
Endemic species only live in a specific part of the world, usually because environmental factors elsewhere cannot sustain them. In New Zealand, there are numerous endemic species. The tuatara is a rare reptile whose ancestry extends back to the age of dinosaurs. Weta is a common name for several species of insects that only live in New Zealand. You may have heard of Hector’s dolphin, the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin species. There are many more endemic species, so wildlife fans will have much to learn about New Zealand’s unique animals.
Cultural Tapestry: A Rich Blend of Influences
New Zealand has an incredibly unique culture that draws attention across the world. Though the country is mainly known for its Maori heritage, there are plenty of other influences on the greater identity of New Zealanders. Here are a few of the primary influences on the national culture:
Māori Heritage
You may not know much about Maori culture, but if you have ever witnessed a Haka, you have experienced a popular ceremonial dance and war challenge. The language that Maori people speak is called Te Reo Maori. The Maori are the indigenous Polynesian population of New Zealand, which arrived on the islands in the 14th century. You can find many meeting houses and cultural centers of the Maori people called Marae throughout New Zealand.
New Zealand was nicknamed the land of the long white cloud because the original Polynesian settlers used the large cloud formations to find the two main islands.
European Settlement
There is also a heavy European influence on New Zealand’s national identity. Great Britain has a powerful influence on the culture, especially regarding the country’s language, institutions, and architecture.
However, other diverse communities exist in New Zealand, such as the Dutch, Asian, and Pacific Islanders. New Zealand is famously named after the Dutch Province “Zeeland.” It was so named when the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to visit the South Island in 1642.
Because of these backgrounds, New Zealand has become an amalgamation of multiple cultures, with these influences manifesting in diverse parts of the country. Many people in the resident population are of both Maori and European descent.
Modern Kiwi Culture
New Zealand’s population is also known for creating the modern Kiwi culture. Kiwi culture refers to the blend of Maori, European, Asian, and Pacific Islander influences to create a common tradition. Most Kiwis embrace a friendly, laid-back lifestyle incorporating outdoor adventures and sports enthusiasm. It isn’t easy to find more passionate sports fans worldwide than Kiwis. Vibrant art, music, and film scenes have become ingrained in Kiwi culture. Because of this tradition, you might return home with a new perspective on life when you visit New Zealand.
Thriving Economy: Innovation and Sustainability
Many people who visit New Zealand decide to live there. One of the reasons for this is the thriving economy, which heavily focuses on innovation and sustainability:
- New Zealand is a world leader in dairy and meat production.
- They have built an extensive tourism industry because of the famous landscapes, outdoor adventures, and culture.
- The business world has a thriving technology sector and a strong start-up culture.
New Zealand has also embraced renewable energy from hydroelectric and geothermal sources to combat climate change. It is also a large producer of natural gas. The government and current prime minister have also implemented environmental protection and conservation policies.
All these factors make New Zealand an appealing prospect for a much longer stay once your vacation ends.
Fascinating Facts and Figures
If the natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique cultures of New Zealand are not enough to convince you of a visit, then we have only scratched the surface of what this country has to offer. Here are some more fascinating facts and figures about New Zealand that are worth knowing:
The Kiwi
The Kiwi is more than a flightless bird. It has become a national symbol. It is also the basis for the country’s culture of relaxation and friendliness and a popular fruit widely consumed here. The Maori culture also strongly connects to this bird, extending to the spiritual and historical realms. The Kiwi is a nocturnal bird that uses its senses to navigate the darkness, so it has also come to symbolize intuition.
First Country to Grant Women the Right to Vote
The fight that women have gone through to earn voting rights looks different from one country to the next. New Zealand was the first country to grant women equal status in their right to vote. Therefore, it holds a unique historical position as a champion of equality and civil rights. Women have been voting in national elections in New Zealand since 1893.
Lord of the Rings Filming Locations
In the early 2000s, the popular book series The Lord of the Rings, written by JRR Tolkien, was adapted into a three-film series. These movies were famously filmed in various locations around New Zealand, and 17 Academy Awards were won across the three movies.
New Zealand has taken its affiliation with this series and run with it, offering many Lord of the Rings-esque experiences in some of the filming locations for Middle Earth. You can visit the Shire, hike Mount Doom, or the movie studios where these incredible moves were crafted.
Extreme Sports Capital
New Zealand has earned the nickname “extreme sports capital of the world.” Here, you can participate in numerous thrilling adventure sports, all with the backdrop of the gorgeous landscape. Bungee jumping and skydiving are prevalent on the North and South Islands. Auckland is the largest city in the country and features many businesses that host outdoor sports adventures.
Unique Languages
New Zealand has three official languages that most people speak: English, Maori, and New Zealand Sign Language. Therefore, you can experience multiple traditions through language during your visit to this country. Other popular languages spoken in New Zealand include Samoan, Mandarin, Hindi, French, and Cantonese.
No Native Land Mammals
You may have noticed that of all the endemic species mentioned previously, none are land mammals. New Zealand is unique because no land mammals are native to the area. All the island’s land mammals are from different countries (besides bats). Due to its location, New Zealand is completely isolated from larger land masses like Australia and Asia. As a result, it became a haven for birds since no land animals naturally existed there.
Explore the Facts About New Zealand
New Zealand’s population today is just above 5 million. Many people have numerous cultural backgrounds, including British, Dutch, Maori, Pacific Islander, and Asian. The combined culture of these various backgrounds has formed the Kiwi tradition, which embraces hospitality and relaxation. As a result, people who travel to New Zealand often create lifelong memories because of their positive experiences with the people.
However, what you can do in New Zealand is also memorable. You can visit the Cook Islands off the coast of the mainland. You can hike to an active volcano and learn about New Zealand’s geothermal activity. You can jump from a plane and get a great North Island or South Island view. You can visit the world’s southernmost national capital city, Wellington. You can meet Maori chiefs and watch a traditional Haka dance. You can listen to the two national anthems affiliated with New Zealand. With all there is to see and do, you may never want to leave.