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.
Maori culture shines through in New Zealands history. The Maori people who came across from the Polynesian islands in giant canoes have a rich and steep culture in New Zealand. They have many sacred sights throughout the country, none more so than Cape Renga in the north island where traditional beliefs say that that is where the souls of fallen warriors go back into the ocean to the islands where they came from.
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.
Transport in New Zealand is of the highest quality and catching a short flight, bus or renting a car is easy. The roads consist of long winding corners and epic mountain passes for you to take tour along and it is true that driving around New Zealand is an experience in itself!
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.
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.
Maori culture shines through in New Zealands history. The Maori people who came across from the Polynesian islands in giant canoes have a rich and steep culture in New Zealand. They have many sacred sights throughout the country, none more so than Cape Renga in the north island where traditional beliefs say that that is where the souls of fallen warriors go back into the ocean to the islands where they came from.
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.
Transport in New Zealand is of the highest quality and catching a short flight, bus or renting a car is easy. The roads consist of long winding corners and epic mountain passes for you to take tour along and it is true that driving around New Zealand is an experience in itself!
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.
About the Author:
For more excellent off the wall articles from Jonny Blair head to his Business backpacking website for endless travel and work tips.