New Zealand – 1600 kilometers (1000 miles) long and 450 kilometers (281 miles) at its widest point. It is divided into two main Islands but other smaller islands such as Stewart and Chatham go to make up the group. The main islands are separated by Cook Strait with a ferry between Wellington and Picton joining the two communities.
Historically, the first inhabitants were to Maoris who journeyed across the Pacific in their quest for new lands. Records show that the earliest visitor came here in about 790 A.D. The Maoris remained relatively undisturbed until the European explorers sailed to the southern seas; first Abel Tasman in 1642, then Captain James Cook landed in 1769 and gave way to European colonization of New Zealand.
There is a marked different in climate between the North and South Island and equally between east and west. The country is heavily influenced by the surrounding sea and because each Island has a range of mountains running down the centre, rainfall is considerably higher in the Western areas. Seasons are the reverse of what North Americans and Europeans are used to so one-ways journeys are predominantly from north to south in October and November and northbound in March and April.
Due to its relatively isolated position, New Zealand has developed a number of unique species of flora and fauna. There are the large forested areas of beech and evergreens plus areas covered in enormous tree ferns and vines. Birdlife abounds in New Zealand as millions of sea birds make this their home including the albatross, gannets and penguins. As very few mammals developed on the islands, many of New Zealand’s birds became flightless. Their national symbol is the Kiwi but up in the mountains you will find Keas, an alpine parrot and the endangered and extremely rare Kakapo, which is the world largest parrot.
The bet known resort is Rotorua which for years has been attracting visitors to its hot pools and spas. The area was created by earth’s thick crust. Hot mud pools, geysers, boiling lakes and steam vents are everywhere. Much of the area can be visited independently but tours are available. The most famous volcanic eruption in this area was in 1886 when Mount Tarawera blew its top and changed the surrounding landscape for ever.
On the South Island, don’t miss Fjordland National Park. Nearly 3 million acres in area, this enormous park, with its forested valleys and waterfalls that fall thousands of feet, may be seen by boat, plane or escorted walks around the larger inlets such as Milford Sound and Routeburn. The first-time visitor to New Zealand will find the many contrasts too great to absorb. It is a country that should be explored at a leisurely pace and the longer you can stay the greater the chance of being able to say “Ah yes, New Zealand… I know it well.”
