The local people, New Zealanders or Kiwis as they like to be called, are a very welcoming bunch of people and known for their hospitality. New Zealand ranks high in the 'Worlds friendliest places to visit' roundup every year and for good reason. New Zealanders love their country and are always excited to show it off to new arrivals. The hospitality is world renowned and comprises of good food, a few laughs and an adventurous life.
New Zealanders make use of their rugged and beautiful country and live an outdoors life. Most of them are into hiking, skiing, swimming, trekking, boat trips and jumping off high bridges to get kicks! The open wilderness make New Zealand a great country to do these activities.
New Zealand has a strong Maori history and the culture is predominant in the north island and in some parts of the south. They came from the Polynesian islands in huge canoes many years ago and were strong warriors who lived off the land. They traveled to find precious greenstone and find food. There are many sacred Maori sights throughout New Zealand. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Treaty House in the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's most historic sites where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed. This is when the English screwed the Maori people over and tricked them into giving away control of their lands.
The food in New Zealand is spectacular with specialities such as lamb, venison, pork, pies, seafood and honey being favourites with tourists. The kiwi cuisine is proudly showcased through the two islands with local restaurants competing for business by coming up with creative and delicious dishes to wet the tourists appetites.
Transport in New Zealand is of the highest quality and catching a short flight, bus or renting a car is easy. The roads consist of long winding corners and epic mountain passes for you to take tour along and it is true that driving around New Zealand is an experience in itself!
There are other options for traveling around like hitchhiking, which is very safe in New Zealand and a common practice amongst backpackers and tourists alike. It is a great way to meet other backpackers and locals and have a nice chat (and a free ride!).
New Zealanders make use of their rugged and beautiful country and live an outdoors life. Most of them are into hiking, skiing, swimming, trekking, boat trips and jumping off high bridges to get kicks! The open wilderness make New Zealand a great country to do these activities.
New Zealand has a strong Maori history and the culture is predominant in the north island and in some parts of the south. They came from the Polynesian islands in huge canoes many years ago and were strong warriors who lived off the land. They traveled to find precious greenstone and find food. There are many sacred Maori sights throughout New Zealand. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Treaty House in the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's most historic sites where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed. This is when the English screwed the Maori people over and tricked them into giving away control of their lands.
The food in New Zealand is spectacular with specialities such as lamb, venison, pork, pies, seafood and honey being favourites with tourists. The kiwi cuisine is proudly showcased through the two islands with local restaurants competing for business by coming up with creative and delicious dishes to wet the tourists appetites.
Transport in New Zealand is of the highest quality and catching a short flight, bus or renting a car is easy. The roads consist of long winding corners and epic mountain passes for you to take tour along and it is true that driving around New Zealand is an experience in itself!
There are other options for traveling around like hitchhiking, which is very safe in New Zealand and a common practice amongst backpackers and tourists alike. It is a great way to meet other backpackers and locals and have a nice chat (and a free ride!).
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