New Zealand is the end of the world, a country about which the average citizen of Russia knows little. Expensive plane tickets, geographical isolation and the right policy of the authorities do not allow crowds of tourists to explore this island. Therefore, New Zealand still boasts breathtaking landscapes that are not affected by human influence. Nevertheless, this island of happy people is worth it to visit there at least once in your life (and maybe stay forever).
Some facts
New Zealand is an island power in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, near Australia. It consists of two large islands - the North and the South - as well as many archipelagos that are not always suitable for life. New Zealand has an area of 268,680 km², which is slightly larger than the area of Great Britain. At the same time, only 4.5 million people live in it.
New Zealand formally ruled by Queen Elizabeth II, since from the middle of the 18th century to the middle of the 20th century, the New Zealand islands were a colony of the British Empire. But in reality, all power is in the hands of parliament, which, judging by the fact that the country's standard of living is considered one of the highest in the world, rules quite wisely.
The official languages are English and Maori, and the capital is Wellington. In addition to diverse landscapes, nature has endowed New Zealand with a mild, pleasant climate: in winter the temperature here does not drop below 10 ° C, and in summer it rises no higher than 30 ° C. Important: winter in New Zealand happens when we have summer.
The pristine nature of New Zealand
In New Zealand, you can see almost everything: from snowy rocky mountains to velvety beaches. The calling card of this country is the fjord Milford Sound, which appeared more than 20 thousand years ago. Sheer cliffs covered with forests hang over a crystal-clear bay, over which you can often see a thin strip of rainbow.
The nature of New Zealand is especially admired in the territory of national parks, which in this country are as many as 12! On the North Island, one can observe how geysers located on the sloping slopes of the active Tongariro volcano emit colored smoke into the atmosphere. Not far from the volcanoes is the famous geyser valley of Rotaruas. Here you can take mud baths and take an unforgettable walk along the volcanic terraces. In the very center of the North Island, in the crater of an extinct volcano, lies Lake Taupo of unprecedented beauty, which attracts lovers of fishing and cruises.
In addition to formidable and mesmerizing volcanoes, New Zealand's nature features also include fabulous beaches. In one of the most beautiful national parks on the southern island of Abel Tasman, you should soak up the sand, the color of which changes from snow-white to bright yellow.
But the nature of New Zealand brings a couple more surprises in the form of glacial lakes, Waitomo caves dotted with fireflies, gently sloping forests and cliffs ...
The feathered world of New Zealand
It would seem that with such a number and variety of landscapes, the wildlife of New Zealand should be represented by all kinds of fauna representatives. But the number of animals and birds on the islands is not so large that, however, it completely pays off with the uniqueness of the inhabitants of this paradise on earth.
The first on the list will be the symbol of New Zealand - the kiwi bird. This endangered species of flightless birds covered with long brown feathers is a favorite treat of New Zealand possums. The island also has unique kea parrots, which are distinguished by their curiosity, high intelligence and unexpected strength. A couple of dozen years ago they were ruthlessly exterminated, as it was believed that they eat sheep. In fact, kea just love to ride on the lamb that came from Europe.
Small colonies of little penguins, which are pretty hard to track down, also live on the south coast of New Zealand. In addition to the above-mentioned representatives of birds, unique New Zealand thuja birds, drum-weeks, kakapo parrots, etc. live on the islands. Kiwi birds and other birds can be seen on Stuart Island. In the dense New Zealand forests you can find pigs, deer, rabbits and small kangaroos. Nature saved New Zealand from reptiles, poisonous spiders and nasty mosquitoes.
Indigenous people
About 80% of the population are descendants of emigrants from Great Britain, 15% are Maori, another 5% are immigrants from Asia and the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Of particular interest is, of course, the indigenous population, that is, the Maori tribes. Most of them were assimilated with English society and live in cities.
Māori often cultivate folk customs and traditions for tourist purposes, for example, anyone who wants it for a certain price can watch the famous martial dance “haka”. Crafts and art exhibitions are held throughout the country.
What should a tourist do in New Zealand?
The magical nature of New Zealand is the first and main point of each trip to the country of a long white cloud. But besides beautiful photos from New Zealand you can bring many more impressions. So what do you need to experience in New Zealand?
- Ride on the Swing Nevis - the largest swing in the world, located at an altitude of 160 meters above a rocky gorge.
- Fishing shrimp with bamboo sticks.
- Go skiing in the New Zealand Alps, and then plunge into the hot thermal spring.
- See on the North Island how the two oceans converge.
- See the hatteria (silt tuataru) - the oldest reptile genetically related to dinosaurs.
What you probably have not heard about!
- Previously, Māori were considered one of the most cruel and hardy peoples, since they practiced cannibalism, cut off the heads of enemies and applied tattoos to their entire faces with sharp incisors.
- The shooting of the Lord of the Rings trilogy took place in New Zealand.
- New Zealanders call themselves Kiwi.
- New Zealand is the first country in which women have the right to vote.
- The unique landscapes, bird species and other nature features of New Zealand are carefully protected. For example, it’s almost impossible to burn bonfires anywhere; importing even a stub from an apple into the country is prohibited (not to mention seeds, plants and animals).
If you are tired of the frantic rhythm of megalopolises, concrete jungle, cramped and gray, if you are looking for extreme adventures, are fond of photography and want to surprise your friends with images of unusual landscapes - New Zealand, whose nature and population are unique, will bring many positive emotions and vivid impressions for life .