Culture and History Travel Tour to New Zealand

New Zealand offers a rare seismic beauty: glacial mountains, fast flowing rivers, deep crystal clear lakes, geysers and mud whistling that boil. Home to many forest reserves and long beaches and deserts, also enjoys a very varied fauna, which is the kiwi, endemic to these shores.
Travelers looking for adventure can enjoy a large number of vigorous outdoor activities like hiking, skiing and falling fast, while the favorite sport of many, the bungee jumping. It is also possible to swim with dolphins, play with newborn lambs, whale watching or fishing for trout barley in many of the existing rivers. The people, steeped in a culture that combines the European Maori ancestral customs, noted for his wit and hospitality. It requires some practice to deliver the extraordinary and resounding names of some of the corners behind New Zealand, as Te Awamutu, Whangamomona and Paekakariki.
As a compact, travel through it (by plane, bus, train, car or caravan) it is expensive and not very effective. There are varied and economical accommodations, exquisite cuisine and includes venison, fresh seafood, fantastic ice cream and award-winning wines.

General Information about New Zealand

Official name	New Zealand
Area	268,680 km ²
Capital	Wellington (345,000.)
languages	English and Maori
Religion	Anglican 24%, 18% Presbyterian, Roman Catholic 15%, 5% Methodist, Baptist 2%, 3% other Protestant, 33% unspecified
Local Time	GMT +12

Best Time To Travel New Zealand

Throughout the year there are places to discover and perform activities. The more temperate months (November to April) are the most active, especially during school holidays, commencing on December 20 and last until the end of January. But ski resorts have increased activity in winter. If you travel during high season (especially Christmas), should be reserved in advance, as it may be difficult to find accommodation or means of transport. Might be more pleasant to visit the country before or after periods of more intense tourism, when the weather is still warm and visitors will not proliferate.

New Zealand Mean festivals and Holidays

Among the most significant cultural events include the Summer Program from Wellington (January-February), composed of various festivals that take place throughout the city, the Festival of Food & Drink Marlborough, at Blenheim is happening during the second week February, the International Arts Festival, which runs throughout the month of February in even-numbered years, which can be seen the vestiges of national cultures and international competition of the shearing of the Golden Scissors, that no lover livestock and effort to be missed, and which is held in March in the town of Masterton, and, finally, the spectacles of Canterbury Week, celebrated during November in Christchurch, with agricultural exhibits

Most Attraction Places to Travel in New Zealand

Wellington

The New Zealand capital, Wellington (population 345,000 inhabitants) is located in an excellent port at the southern tip of North Island. Often criticized for its northern counterparts for its bad weather, and winter wind can reach gale force, Wellington is a dynamic city concerned about the culture and art festivals celebrated almost every month and provides excellent ethnic restaurants and cafes. It is also the seat of government and national treasures.
Among the buildings of interest are the Beehive, in the modernist style, the headquarters of the executive of the parliament, the former government building, one of the largest in the world made entirely of wood, the National Library, which houses the largest collection of books the country, and the memorial to Katherine Mansfield, located on the property where the famous writer born in 1888. They can visit museums (including the excellent new museum Te Papa), a zoo and enjoy fantastic views of the city from the top of Mount Victoria. The shopping area is focused on Cuba Street the street in the district of Thorndon there are important historical sites in Lambton Quay is the main business center of the city and Mount Victoria is the ideal place to stay and eat for little money. Also worth visiting the Museum of native plants.

Auckland

Auckland is the country's largest city with a population of 1,002,000 inhabitants. Is almost entirely surrounded by water and covered with volcanic hills. Like Sydney, Auckland has a spectacular harbor and bridge, besides an incredible number of enthusiasts of yachts, which has earned him the title of City of Sails. The city attracts people especially from the South Pacific islands, and currently has the largest concentration of Polynesian people in the world. Among the most remarkable include the Auckland Museum, which hosts a memorable displays of artefacts and Maori culture, and Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World & Antarctic Encounter, a unique simulation of ocean exploration activities.
Areas of Parnell and Newmarket, a suburb of the city are ideal places to shop. Can be well preserved Victorian buildings in Devonport and Ponsonby polynesia crafts can be purchased as well, many cafes, restaurants and markets. Since the extinct volcano One Tree Hill is enjoying beautiful views of the metropolis. For swimming are recommended beaches Kohimarama and Mission Bay. Auckland Hauraki Gulf is dotted with islands such as Rangitoto, Great Barrier and Waiheke, where housing is affordable and there are many opportunities for walking and scuba diving. Waiheke Island is home to great art galleries. Auckland is listed as a starting point to visit the fascinating areas of the Coromandel Peninsula and Hauraki Plains, southeast.

Otago and Southland

In Otago and Southland are three places to occupy the southern South Island: Queenstown, with its many activities, the ways of the Fiordland National Park and the Otago Peninsula, the first foray into New Zealand ecotourism. Queenstown, situated in a glacial valley on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, is a city full of adventures: paravela, water skiing on ice by fast jet boats, rafting and bungee jumping in the Canyon Bridge. The latest fashion is based on a helicopter launched from 300 m.
Fiordland National Park, which takes its name from its coastline carved by the glacier is located in a wilderness area of mountains and forests of beech and ice. At its peak, the area of Milford Sound, cruise ships sway as if they were toys under the shadows of high mountains and waterfalls. Among the classic alpine routes is the Routeburn Track (in Mt Aspiring National Park), the Hollyford Valley and the Milford Track road (known as the most beautiful in the world).
Otago Peninsula appears to be an important area of wildlife and forests that have

colonies of albatross, penguins and seals, plus aquariums, museums and historic sites. In it, lies the campus of Dunedin, home of famous art and entertainment have led to an eclectic generation of bands success. The city of Scottish influences, has a rich architectural heritage with many museums, galleries and castles.
In the area there are many huge lakes, including Lake Hawe, and not far away, in Otago, Lake Wanaka. Lake Te Anau, Southland, New Zealand's second largest, is the result of the action of a large glacier. It can be visited caves larvae bright waterfalls and whirlpools. Indigenous forests of the Catlins, the largest on the east coast of South Island, are located between Dunedin and Invercargill. Have stocks of rare plants and trees, as well as animal species, including seals, sea lions, penguins and ducks.

Northland

Northland is the cradle of civilization both Maori and the Pakeha, as it was here that the latter had their first contact with Maori, which established the first settlement to whaling, and which signed the treaty of Waitangi. Often known as the north due to the less mild cold temperatures which have over the years, Northland has a number of interesting museums including the Museum Otamatea Kauri & Pioneer; of beautiful white sand beaches, such as Ninety Mile Beach, places to go diving, as the Book of the Poor Knights Islands, considered by Jacques Cousteau as one of the ten best places in the world for this sport, from historic cities (Pahia and Waitangi), in areas designated for sport fishing (Bay of Islands) and flora and fauna reserves (Waipoua Kauri Forest).

Whangaparaoa

A series of attractive bays leads to Whangaparaoa (Cape Runaway), at the extreme eastern end of North Island. The beaches are quite neglected and floating timber, but it's worth visiting the old Anglican church, surrounded by Norfolk pine trees and situated in a lonely promontory. After Runaway can only be reached on foot, but it is advisable to ask permission before entering, because they are privately owned.

Great Barrier Island

This island, situated at the entrance to the Hauraki Gulf, is characterized by miles of white sand beaches on its east coast, protected by deep-water coves of the west coast and a rugged mountain range that runs at its center. The reserve of 80,000 has many trails available that combine old logging roads and rails of the tramway. The hot springs, high kauris forests and serene aura that you breathe make this island the ideal place to escape. From Auckland, 88 km to the south, departing flights and ferries to Great Barrier.

Harihari

Harihari, a small town on the west coast of the South, rose to worldwide fame when, in 1931, Guy Menzies completed the first solo flight across the Tasman Sea from Australia. The trip took place without problems, but the landing was disastrous, because the plane crashed in a swamp, and Menzies, releasing the seat belt, was head of the mud. Currently the city is renowned for its coastline, ideal for walking, to bird watching and fishing salmon and trout.

Mount Cook National Park

The grueling trek of four days by the Copland Pass Mount Cook National Park in South Island, can be considered a unique adventure, but can only be made if weather conditions permit and if carried out with well-trained and experienced or, failing that, in the company of professional guides. The terrain goes from glaciers and snow-covered fields for tropical pools and spas. The road to 2150 m above sea level, is surrounded by peaks of 3,000 meters. There is no indication for a light walk and is only recommended for experienced professionals in the use of ice axes, hooks and equipment targeting high mountains. Who gets to cross this step, they say, joins an elite club made up of amateurs to high altitude.

Stewart Island

The third largest island of New Zealand, Stewart, is internationally renowned for the richness and variety of birds, houses tuis, parakeets, kakas and korimakos. The kiwi, a rare species in the North Island in the South can be seen quite frequently in Stewart, especially its beaches. In the northern part of the island there is a great network of trails and huts, while the south suffers from a relative neglect and isolation, and is sparsely developed. Its population (less than four hundred in all) are hardy, taciturn and generally suspicious of people from the main islands.
The climate is highly variable and range of accommodation, very basic, but there is the possibility of staying in the homes of the villagers at low cost.

Activities in New Zealand

New Zealand is the target for anyone looking for exciting experiences for those interested in the wide open spaces and physical activities. Among the sports that can be practiced in the air include bungee jumping, skydiving, free fall, abseiling and flying. On land, it is feasible to undertake trekking, mountain biking, skiing, horseback riding, rock climbing and practice Zorbing. You can visit underground caves, caverns and down in quick practice hidro sliding; on water is possible to go on bikes and sledges water sports, rafting, boogey boarding, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, rapid decline in surfboard and diving with Bell. If there are difficulties in moving from one place to another, and this is a challenge, New Zealand is the place to try it.
Despite the number of eccentric activities that can be made, maintaining the tramping as the most popular. There are thousands of miles of marked trails and a popular network of shelters that make walking a viable activity for both individuals and for experienced walkers. Many of the most popular trails, such as the Great Walks, is quite traveled, especially during the summer, so if you prefer more solitary paths, it is recommended to contact the Conservation Department to learn about the area.
New Zealand has become one of the most visited in the southern hemisphere for skiing, and other winter sports, due to its abundant and reliable snowfall, which usually occur between June and October. There are many vacation packages for a skiing and a variety of stations scattered throughout the North Island and South.

New Zealand History

In 1642, Dutch explorer Abel Tasman made a brief trip through the west coast New Zealand. His attempts to stay in the country longer were frustrated because some of its crew was killed and eaten. In 1769, Captain James Cook circumnavigated the two main islands aboard the Endeavor. His first contact with civilization Maori were not cordial, but Cook, impressed by the spirit and courage of the Aborigines, ensured the incorporation of this land with potential to the British Crown before leaving for Australia.
When the British began their colonization of the antipodes, New Zealand was considered a branch of the Australian company of whales and seals, in fact, the country remained under the jurisdiction of New South Wales between 1839 and 1841. However, European settlement in the area led to several problems at once, and it was necessary to urgently establish a policy of land distribution among the settlers (Pakeha) and Maori. In 1840 signed the Treaty of Waitangi, by which the Maori ceded sovereignty to Britain in exchange for their protection and the guarantee of the possession of their lands. But the relationship between Maori and Pakeha have deteriorated since the former were very alarmed by the fact that the latter exerted on society and the latter did not respect the rights of Maori that were outlined in a treaty. In 1860 a war was declared between them, which stretched over much of this decade to the defeat of the Maori people.
In the late nineteenth century, has a relative peace. The discovery of gold had engendered prosperity and, together with the development of large-scale sheep ranching, generated security in the country. His reputation as a nation committed to the reforms was consolidated with egalitarian social change, such as the enfranchisement of women, social security, the promotion of trade unions and the creation of services for children.
In 1907 New Zealand was granted the status of dominance within the British empire and in 1931 its independence was recognized, although not formally proclaimed until 1947. The economy remained strong until the world recession of the eighties, when unemployment increased significantly. At present, the economic situation has stabilized, largely due to the recovery of exports. In the mid 1980s, New Zealand was internationally acclaimed for its anti-nuclear, despite involving a disagreement with the United States, and its opposition to French nuclear testing in the Pacific, France countered that tearing the ship Rainbow Warrior of the environmental organization Greenpeace when it reached the port of Auckland.
Today, the Maori population is growing faster than the Pakeha and a resurgence of Maoritanga has impacted on New Zealand society. The cultural aspect is based on encouraging the improvement of relations between Maori and Pakeha in 1985 was the revision of the Treaty of Waitangi, which includes a series of financial compensation to the Maori tribes whose land had been unjustly confiscated. However, the latest proposal by the New Zealand government led to several demonstrations by the Maori, who came to disrupt celebrations and events, occupied the land claimed, blocked roads with barricades and even brought a sledgehammer into the Copa America and threatened to erupt the national parliament. This social unrest shocked New Zealanders and placed national reconciliation as a priority on the political agenda. Although race relations have been restored, the question remains of vital importance.

New Zealand Culture & People

The Pakeha and Maori are the dominant civilizations. Among the other population groups, smaller listed citizens Dalmatian Yugoslavs, Polynesians, Indians and Chinese. The passion for sport unites all people, especially the rugby (the game nationally), and outdoor hobbies, such as sailing, swimming, cycling, hiking and camping. Leaving aside the secular, the Christian religion prevails; faiths are practiced more Anglicanism, Presbyterianism and Catholicism the. The synthesis between faith and faith Maori Ratana ringatu with Christianity has become an alternative religion.
New Zealand has two official languages: English and Maori, although the first is higher. After a long period of decline, today the Maori is resurgent, thanks to the rebirth of Maoritanga (Maori civilization). The Maori, a language sweet and poetic, it is easy to pronounce if spoken phonetically and separates each word into syllables.
New Zealand's diverse art values innovation, integrity and craftsmanship that reflect the heritage Pakeha, Maori and Melanesian. Abundant carvings in wood, stone, shell and bone, while major works such as tukutuku (wood panels), are prepared in most of the maraes (houses reunion). The design of jewelry is inspired by the landscape, therefore, are used Paua shells and pebbles of diorite and grauvaca. You can find earrings with leaf-shaped gingko tree, sunglasses to follow the model of the native fern tendrils and necklaces with designs of flowers franchipaniero. There is a great offer theater throughout the country, especially in Wellington, plus a good number of galleries, including the Public Gallery of Art in Dunedin, the oldest in New Zealand and one of the most remarkable. Similarly, the stage musical incorporates many talented artists, from Split Enz and Crowded House to play the guitar pyrotechnics of Dunedin's 3Ds and Straitjacket Fits, cheered at the national and international levels.

New Zealand Map