Friday, August 23, 2013

Should You Visit New Zealand?

By David Francis


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.

They are some of the best hosts I have ever come across and enjoy hearing the stories of our travels. The Kiwi people live an outdoors life and enjoy fishing, kayaking, tramping (hiking), and all sorts if crazy adrenaline sports, especially in the south island.

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.

Boutique bakeries and coffee shops are hidden away for tourists to seek out and explore in the city streets. Resorts have secret lodges with fine dining and private chefs. New Zealand cuisine is alive and wonderful. There are many great wineries in the Otago and Canterbury regions which are world renowned for their elegance and taste. Places like Auckland and Wellington have Michelin Star restaurants and a chic cafe vibe.

Traveling around New Zealand is very easy. The roads are great and well maintained, the busses are of the highest quality and catching a short flight from one city to the next is only one or two hours journey time. It is really fun to drive around New Zealand yourself with spectacular mountain passes for you to thunder through in your rental. It is true that exploring New Zealand is one of the best travel experiences you can ever have.

Alternatively you could jump on a bus by one of the many tourism operators, or stick out your thumb and hitch a ride! This is a very common practice throughout the country, thanks to the friendly people you should not be waiting to long for a lift. Hitchhiking is quite a popular way for people to get around especially backpackers.




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