Maybe you don't know it yet, but you want to go to New Zealand. No, really. We're not kidding. Especially from September to April, when it's warm there, New Zealand is one of the top-rated destinations. Probably one of the most remarkable things about New Zealand is that Down Under, everything is as it should be. The people are nice and the busses are never late. It's like the UK but with lots of crazy animals, insanely beautiful nature and amazing history. It's an oxymoron that every traveller
Fun facts about New Zealand
- New Zealand and Australia together are called Oceania.
- The total area of New Zealand is 268,021 km2.
- New Zealand has a coastline that is 15,000 km long.
- The country geographically consists of two main landmasses - the North Island and the South Island (plus numerous smaller islands).
- New Zealand has the most plant and animal species that are endemic.
- New Zealand was one of the last major landmasses to be settled by humans.
- Since the arrival of humans, nearly half of the country's vertebrate species have become extinct, including at least fifty-one birds, three frogs, three lizards, one freshwater fish, and one bat.
- The indigenous people of New Zealand are called Māori.
- Māori have more significant health problems than other nations in the area.
- The kiwi is a national symbol of New Zealand. It is the endemic bird's name and a nickname for the people who live there.
- For a long time, people thought the kiwi was a mammal and not a bird. Kiwis do not defend themselves with their beaks but use their super sharp claws.
- In New Zealand, summer lasts from December to February.
- The average temperature in New Zealand drops the further south you travel.
- There are nearly 260 movies that have been filmed or produced in New Zealand.
- New Zealand entered World Wars I and II on the side of the United Kingdom.
- The New Zealand dollar is a currency in New Zealand.
- When driving in New Zealand, you must drive on the left side of the road.
- Only half of the 1500-level crossings in New Zealand have automatic alarms.
- Products of animal origin account for more than half of the total value of New Zealand's exports.
- The country's health care system is still largely tax-funded.
It's all about nature.
What unique natural features would you like to see? Glaciers? Volcanoes? Fjords? Well, they have it all. But the point is that New Zealand has a highly diverse nature and geography.
- To see fjords, you must visit Fiordland, New Zealand's West Coast, where 14 fjords cover the 215 km coastline. It is one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand. It is perfect for sporting activities, taking photos, or relaxing and enjoying the stunning mountain scenery. Milford Sound fiord is the most famous. It was named the world's best destination in an international survey conducted by Trip Advisor in 2008 and is hailed as New Zealand's most famous destination.
- Glacier Country of New Zealand has three regions; Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, and Okarito. It is located on the West Coast of the South Island and is a 3.5-hour drive from Wanaka and a 5.5-hour drive from Christchurch. It is a beautiful, peaceful and pleasant place to spend a sunny afternoon.
- One of the most unique parts of New Zealand is the volcanoes. New Zealand has been the site of many large explosive eruptions over the last two million years. To stand on an active volcano, you must visit White Island, called Whakaari, New Zealand's only active marine volcano.
- Visiting national parks is always a good idea when travelling, especially if you are travelling with your family. They offer you relaxation, sporting activities and some quality time together. Tongariro National Park is the oldest national park in New Zealand. UNESCO has recognized it as one of the 28 mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Sites.
- A part of New Zealand you must also see with your own eyes is the Bay of Islands, where you can enjoy a view of 140 scattered islands. It is known for its undeveloped beaches, big game fishing and Māori cultural artefacts. You can book a boat tour or visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand's most important historical site. It is where the Māori chiefs first signed their treaty with the British Crown.
The amazing flora and fauna
When you're in New Zealand, everything seems a little different, partly because of the surrounding nature that is so unique. The vast majority of New Zealand plants are endemic, meaning they only grow there. As for fauna, New Zealand is not very diverse but extremely rare. The kiwi is New Zealand's most famous animal. The kiwi is classified as a bird, but it does not fly, it has hardly any wings.
An interesting fact about New Zealand is that until the arrival of humans about 900 years ago, this country was utterly devoid of mammals except for seals, sea lions, whales and bats. The land was inhabited only by 60 species of lizards, four species of frogs, and two species of lizard-like tuatara.
If you want to see native and familiar animals, we recommend visiting Orana Wildlife Park. Willowbank is the second most praised destination for families and wildlife lovers. It is a wildlife reserve where you can experience unique traditions and Māori history.
Interesting places to visit and things to do in New Zealand include
- Visit the most breathtaking view by ascending Sky City Auckland, which is 328 km high and gives you a view of 80 kilometres in every direction.
- Visit the Air Force Museum, one of New Zealand's top attractions. Here you'll find over 30 historic aircraft, hands-on exhibits and programs, guided tours and even a flight simulator.
- If you are a Tolkien fan, you must visit Hobbiton, a village where the Hobbit movie was filmed. Numerous other guided tours will show you all of Middle-Earth.
- As a visitor to New Zealand, you can experience the Māori culture by visiting various marae (tribal meeting places - where the culture is celebrated). However, you can only do this with an organized tour. There you can see carved meeting houses, meet the locals, get a Māori tattoo or enjoy a hāngi feast cooked in earth ovens.
Do you have a child? No problem!
New Zealand is a destination that will be just as great for your kids as it is for you. This country offers plenty of family-friendly activities, zoos and wildlife parks, exciting historical sites, theme and amusement parks, and hotel resorts.
Rent a car in New Zealand
New Zealand is long and narrow, with about 15,000 km of coastline. The roads are very well maintained. Perfect for a road trip, the drivers are friendly, and they offer terrific views no matter where you are. With this in mind, it is no surprise that New Zealand is one of the best countries to rent a car and explore to the fullest. The most popular rent-a-car location in New Zealand is Auckland and Christchurch.
