New Zealand is situated in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, 1500km east of Australia. The indigenous Maori people of New Zealand believe that New Zealand was fished from the bottom of the ocean by a fearless warrior, Maui. New Zealand is also known as Aotearoa which translates to ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’. This is due to its appearance some 700 years ago when ancestors of the Maori people arrived in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s Maori culture emerged from Polynesian Migrants about 700 years ago. Abel Tasman is recorded as the first European to discover New Zealand and he sighted New Zealand in 1642. Lieutenant James Cook of the British Royal Navy, then arrived in New Zealand about 1768. European settlement then began during 1800, the majority of the first settlers being English and Scottish. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 which established an agreement between the British Crown and the Maori. This document established British law in New Zealand while at the same time, guaranteeing Maori authority over their land and culture. The Treaty is considered a founding document of New Zealand.
New Zealand has two main islands, the North Island, the South Island and a number of smaller islands. The three biggest cities are Auckland and Wellington in the North Island and Christchurch in the South Island.
Auckland is about 3 times the size of London, however with only 1 million inhabitants. Auckland is spread out over a large area of about 50km between two harbours, Waitemata and Manukau. Auckland has various restaurants and café’s with just about any type of cuisine you can think of as well as a healthy nightlife, with some bars and clubs being open 24 hours. Whilst Auckland is the biggest city, a 45 minute drive could see you at an un-crowded beach or in beautiful farmlands.
Wellington is the country’s capital and has a beautiful harbour. Wellington is known also as the culture and arts capital, being home to various museums, galleries and exhibitions. Wellington is much smaller than Auckland and is set on steep hillsides that surround the beautiful harbour. Wellington also boosts an exciting nightlife and is home to numerous cafe’s selling great coffee, tasty food and a lounging type atmosphere. The choice of food in Wellington is again varied and wide ranging.
Christchurch has been referred to as the most English of the cities with a slower pace of life. Christchurch has the Avon River flowing through it, Hagley Park in the centre of it and is referred to as the ‘Garden City.’ Christchurch is set on one of the driest and flattest areas of New Zealand, one third of the city being devoted to sports fields, parks and reserves. Christchurch again has a wide range of choice when it comes to dining out and also boasts numerous café’s with fantastic ambience.
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