Aotearoa: New Zealand
_You're probably wondering, what does New Zealand have to
offer that a country that's maybe a little bit closer to North America
doesn't? Is it really worth those endless hours of travelling? The
answer, my friends, is YES! This little, isolated nation (its total
land area is a mere 270,530 square kilometres) is undoubtedly one of the
most beautiful ones our planet has to offer.
New Zealand is comprised of two islands separated by Cook Strait: The North and South islands. There are also some other smaller islands. The country's population is 4.3 million people. Two thirds of these people live on the North Island.
Although Auckland is New Zealand's most populated city, it is not the capital. The capital city is Wellington, which is located at the southernmost tip of the North Island.
The climate in New Zealand ranges from sub-antarctic to subtropical. The land is filled with beautiful vegetation and is home to extensive bird and fish life. The country is also known for its sheep - in fact, there are more sheep in New Zealand than humans! The landscape in Kiwi Land is diverse and gorgeous. There are snow-capped Southern Alps in the South Island, along with glacial-formed lakes and fiords, like Milford Sound. The North Island tends to be warmer, with gorgeous rugged beaches, volcanoes, and geothermal wonderlands.
New Zealand has a vibrant and unique cultural heritage derived from a combination of Maori and colonial culture. It is internationally recognized for three main things: its agriculture and dairy industries, its love for Rugby, and The Lord of the Rings. Especially in the past year as a result of the Rugby World Cup, New Zealand has become increasingly recognized for its Rugby team, the All Blacks. Many tourists come to the country to explore the gorgeous landscapes that inspired Peter Jackson's films.
*** Info on New Zealand taken from New Zealand: 100% Pure Website
New Zealand is comprised of two islands separated by Cook Strait: The North and South islands. There are also some other smaller islands. The country's population is 4.3 million people. Two thirds of these people live on the North Island.
Although Auckland is New Zealand's most populated city, it is not the capital. The capital city is Wellington, which is located at the southernmost tip of the North Island.
The climate in New Zealand ranges from sub-antarctic to subtropical. The land is filled with beautiful vegetation and is home to extensive bird and fish life. The country is also known for its sheep - in fact, there are more sheep in New Zealand than humans! The landscape in Kiwi Land is diverse and gorgeous. There are snow-capped Southern Alps in the South Island, along with glacial-formed lakes and fiords, like Milford Sound. The North Island tends to be warmer, with gorgeous rugged beaches, volcanoes, and geothermal wonderlands.
New Zealand has a vibrant and unique cultural heritage derived from a combination of Maori and colonial culture. It is internationally recognized for three main things: its agriculture and dairy industries, its love for Rugby, and The Lord of the Rings. Especially in the past year as a result of the Rugby World Cup, New Zealand has become increasingly recognized for its Rugby team, the All Blacks. Many tourists come to the country to explore the gorgeous landscapes that inspired Peter Jackson's films.
*** Info on New Zealand taken from New Zealand: 100% Pure Website
New Zealand (Kiwi) Lingo!
Kiwi Canadian
All Black New Zealand national rugby team
Aotearoa most widely known and accepted Maori name for New Zealand, translated as “Land of the Long White Cloud”
Aussie Australian
Bach small holiday home or beach house
Bench cooking counter
Bro friend, brother
Cheers thanks, goodbye
Dairy corner store
Flatmates people living together in an apartment/flat/house
Gumboots rubber boots
Haka traditional Maori dance (see the video link below!)
Heaps a lot, "There are a lot of boats in the harbor - There are heaps of boats in the harbor"
Hokey Pokey Popular ice cream flavour in New Zealand (my favourite!)
Jandal flip flop, thong
Kia Ora hello (Maori origin)
Kiwi bird flightless bird native to New Zealand, national symbol of New Zealand
Kiwifruit popular New Zealand fruit
Kiwi New Zealander
Kumara sweet potato
Maori native people to New Zealand
Mainland refers to the South Island, because it is slightly bigger than the North Island
Mate commonly used for friend, but can also be used for a stranger
Oz Australia
Silver fern native plant, one of the nation
Singlet sleeveless under shirt
Sweet as something really good
Tramping hiking
Togs swim suit
Uni University
All Black New Zealand national rugby team
Aotearoa most widely known and accepted Maori name for New Zealand, translated as “Land of the Long White Cloud”
Aussie Australian
Bach small holiday home or beach house
Bench cooking counter
Bro friend, brother
Cheers thanks, goodbye
Dairy corner store
Flatmates people living together in an apartment/flat/house
Gumboots rubber boots
Haka traditional Maori dance (see the video link below!)
Heaps a lot, "There are a lot of boats in the harbor - There are heaps of boats in the harbor"
Hokey Pokey Popular ice cream flavour in New Zealand (my favourite!)
Jandal flip flop, thong
Kia Ora hello (Maori origin)
Kiwi bird flightless bird native to New Zealand, national symbol of New Zealand
Kiwifruit popular New Zealand fruit
Kiwi New Zealander
Kumara sweet potato
Maori native people to New Zealand
Mainland refers to the South Island, because it is slightly bigger than the North Island
Mate commonly used for friend, but can also be used for a stranger
Oz Australia
Silver fern native plant, one of the nation
Singlet sleeveless under shirt
Sweet as something really good
Tramping hiking
Togs swim suit
Uni University
Maori Kapa Haka
This is a video of the Maori culture's traditional Kapa Haka routine. Haka routines are generally used to make a point or to express anger. Today, they are commonly performed or entertainment and are associated with the Maori culture in New Zealand.