New Zealand Travel Guide - Auckland, Canterbury, Hawkes Bay, Manawatu, Marlborough, Nelson, Northland, Otago, Southland, Taranaki, Waikato, Wairarapa, Wellington

New Zealand Travel Guide

New Zealand Travel Guide

Welcome to New Zealand

General Information

New Zealand travel New Zealand is a small island country located in the South Pacific Ocean (and a close neighbor to Australia). The Maori people have the longest history in the country and are of Polynesian descent. According to Maori legend, the country was discovered over 1,000 years ago by Kupe, a great Maori navigator. Kupe sailed from a place known as Hawaiki, believed to be Tahiti, to "Aotearoa" (Land of the Long White Cloud) known today as New Zealand.

Today, New Zealanders are primarily of British descent. The government of New Zealand is a parliamentary democracy, and the country is a member of the British Commonwealth. The head of state is Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, represented by the resident Governor-General.

Though New Zealand is a small country, it is full of surprises. You will be impressed by the natural, unspoiled countryside, which has a relatively small population. Some of the most spectacular scenery in the world is found there. New Zealand has sparkling lakes, deep fjords, beautiful beaches, forests, rolling pasturelands and many mountains with icy peaks as well as thermal activity.

New Zealand is an exciting place to visit, with numerous activities you can enjoy--bicycle, bungy jump, ski, dive or fish. These activities and more are perfectly suited to this land of natural beauty and adventure.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

Most New Zealanders are of British descent; the largest minority is Maori. The Maoris, originally from Polynesia, were the first immigrants to this land. In the past, the British descendants and the Maoris fought bitterly for possession of land. Today the former British and the Maori live in relative harmony although there are still some disputes over land rights.

New Zealanders refer to themselves as "kiwi," the nickname used to decribe New Zealanders. A kiwi is a flightless bird, and it is the national symbol of the country.

Visiting New Zealand will give you an opportunity to learn about the nation's history and view Maori culture firsthand. Displays at various historical sites and locations reflect the Maori people's proud and interesting heritage.

Ethnic Groups: 88% European, 8.9% Maori, 2.9% Pacific Islander and 0.2% other.

Languages: English is the main language; Maori is also spoken.

Religion: 24% Anglican,18% Presbyterian, 15% Roman Catholic, 5% Methodist, 2% Baptist and 12% other.

LOCAL CUSTOMS

General:
New Zealanders are friendly people, so don't be surprised if the locals display a great interest in you.

When meeting people, shake hands.

When invited to someone's home for dinner, take a bottle of wine and perhaps flowers.

The traditional Maori greeting is nose to nose.

Business:

Business cards are exchanged without any great ceremony.

Men should wear a jacket, tie and suit at top-level business meetings.

Women in business wear suits and tailored dresses in dark colors.

Arrive on time for appointments.

Business lunches are more common than breakfast meetings.

New Zealanders are quick to use first names.

INDUSTRY AND TRADE

Major Industries: Wool, meat dairy products, crops, food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, machinery, transportation equipment, banking/finance, tourism and mining.

Exports: Wool, meat, fruit, fish, dairy products, forestry products and chemicals.

Imports: Consumer goods, motor vehicles, industrial equipment and petroleum.

A-Line Queenstown

Aaron Court Motor Inn Hamilton

Abel Tasman Motor Lodge Christchurch

Alpine Lodge Nelson Lakes

Alpine Lodge Motel Hanmer Springs

Alpine Motel Oamaru

Anlaby Manor Hamilton

Armada's All-Suites, Hotels & Suites Christchurch

Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill

Ashley Hotel Greymouth

Ashley Motor Inn Greymouth

Atlantic Hotel Jakarta Pusat