Located just off the East Coast of Australia, New Zealand (or Aotearoa to give it its original Maori name) is a popular tourist destination, famous across the globe for its luxuriant fauna and flora, rich
Located just off the East Coast of Australia, New Zealand (or Aotearoa to give it its original Maori name) is a popular tourist destination, famous across the globe for its luxuriant fauna and flora, rich colonial history, food and above all else, its welcoming and warm population. In this article, we’ll be looking at 5 of the best reasons why you should pay the backdrop of Middle Earth at least one visit.
Exotic Flora and Fauna
New Zealand is home to a number of native and endemic species like the Tuatara and the long-tailed bat, but the icon of the country is the Kiwi, from which the locals derive their global nickname. The Kiwi is a flightless bird like the Penguin or the dodo and is considered an endangered species with a population of about fifty to sixty thousand birds. Known for its evergreen flora and its luxurious forests, New Zealand is famous for its biodiversity. The unofficial plant of the island is the Silver Fern which is endemic to the island and has been used to represent the island since the early 1880s
The Landmarks
Another of the many reasons to visit New Zealand is the famous natural landmarks that are unique to the island. Some of these are the Moeraki Boulders and the Craters of the Moon. I definitely recommend visiting the Craters of the Moons, situated on the Northern islands, north to Taupo, if you want a surreal experience akin to actually walking on our celestial companion.
New Zealand is also home to the tallest man-made tower in the southern hemisphere, the Sky Tower in Auckland. This impressive structure attracts approximately four hundred thousand visitors annually with its thrilling heights and famous restaurants like the Orbit 360° dining which gives you a panoramic view of the city below while you dine.
The Cuisine
New Zealand is also known for its cuisine. During your visit, be sure to try out native delicacies like Hangi, a dish made of meat and a variety of vegetables. An interesting feature of Hangi is its cooking method; it is slowly brazed in an underground oven with charcoal. If you have a sweet tooth, why not try Jaffas, which are small round chocolate balls covered with a red-orange candy shell. You can even attend an annual Jaffa race held on New Zealand’s steepest street, which attracts about one hundred thousand visitors each year.
The History
A further reason why you should consider New Zealand for your next trip is because of its history. Before being colonized by the United Kingdom, New Zealand was home to Polynesian settlers who slowly made this previously uninhabited land their home. Due to its history of conflict, New Zealand is known for its infrastructures which shine a light on the island’s history. It should be noted that New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy (Queen Elizabeth II is also the Queen of New Zealand) with its own elected government and political system.
Sports
If you are a sports fan, New Zealand is home to one of the best-known national Rugby teams in the world. The All Blacks, as they are known worldwide, holds the record for the most wins in the Rugby International Championship, winning the trophy sixteen times out of a total twenty-three. Another interesting fact is that the New Zealand team starts all their matches with a traditional Māori war dance known as Haka. If you like snowboarding or skiing, then try going to the New Zealand Alps between June to August, when the snow is the thickest and the conditions are ideal.
I hope you’ve found this article handy, and the reasons for visiting New Zealand compelling. Feel free to share your views and previous Kiwi adventures with us in the comments below.