When the Maori culture emerged cannot be precisely defined scientifically. It is believed that the ancestors of the Maori people very likely came from the Polynesian Islands, the Cook Islands, and the other Society Islands. The cannibalized humans brought their own domestic animals and changed the animal world of the country very drastically. Many animal species became extinct. Cannibalism was practiced in the Maori tribes until the middle of the 19th century. This fact was kept secret for a long time and has only been dealt with historically since 2008.
These days New Zealanders are highly educated and cultured city dwellers. New Zealanders, as members of a unique and vibrant multicultural society, embrace the technology and culture of the 21st century without reservation. However, there is also a calm but rough individualism in the New Zealanders as well as independence and a talent for inventions. These qualities can still be felt in New Zealand culture today.
European immigrants have largely shaped New Zealand’s culture since the second half of the 19th century. Most immigrants immigrated from the “mother country” of Great Britain. There are significant regional differences: The southern part of the South Island, for example, is predominantly Scottish. In the last few decades the Māori culture also experienced an upswing. The country has also seen significant immigration from the Pacific Islands and, especially in recent years, from South, East and Southeast Asia. These ethnic groups live mainly in the south of the greater Auckland area. As a result, in New Zealand a wide variety of cultures from the Pacific region meet the western way of life of Great Britain, to which the country still has a strong bond.
Rotorua
According to internetsailors, Rotorua is one of the most popular travel destinations in New Zealand. The city is located on the south coast of New Zealand’s North Island. All around, Maori villages, where the native people of New Zealand live, have been built, where visitors can learn a lot about their culture and way of life. The health resort also offers so-called “Thermal Wonderlands”, where you can experience great natural spectacles. One of them is the “Wai-O-Tapu Park”. Here you can visit the Lady-Knox geyser, which sprays the water up to 20 meters high. Next to it is the “Mud Pool”: a large lake full of mud that was once a volcano. You can visit these two attractions without paying admission. If you want to explore the park further, you have to pay. On the other hand, you can relax in “Hell’s Gate”, another thermal wonderland. Here you can bathe in hot springs and test the mud for beauty masks. The advantage: Hell’s Gate is much less crowded than Wai-O-Tapu Park.
Abel Tasman National Park
On the north coast in the south of New Zealand you will find the Abel Tasman National Park, which stretches from the village of Marahau in the south to Wainui Bay in the north. Here you will find complete tranquility along the white sandy beaches, the secluded bays and the green landscape. The light blue water is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Sailing and kayaking fans are also widespread here. In the midst of untouched nature you can go on a discovery tour on hiking trails and watch New Zealand bellbirds and Tunis. Visitors in need of relaxation in particular like to find refuge here from the otherwise stressful everyday life.
Mount Cook
At an altitude of 3754, Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki, is New Zealand’s highest mountain in the middle of the New Zealand Alps in the south. At the same time, it forms the center of the surrounding national park of the same name. This is 707 square kilometers and is home to 140 mountains, 40 percent of which are glaciated. This area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. The mountain and the park were named after the British explorer James Cook. If you don’t want to dare to climb the mountain yourself, you can also fly to the top of the mountain in a helicopter – definitely a unique experience.
Franz Josef Glacier
The eleven kilometer long Franz Josef Glacier is located in the Westland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand. 150,000 years ago the glacier was significantly higher than today’s Mount Cook. However, the Franz Josef Glacier, named after Franz Josef I of Austria, is considered a warm glacier, as it flows about half a liter per day. The specialty is: the glacier unbelievably borders directly on the rainforest. There are tours around the glacier where you can hike on the ice.
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands awaits you on the east coast of New Zealand. 144 islands are located here, which especially attract water sports fans. On the beautiful sandy beaches in the romantic bays, you can relax and let the day end and enjoy the sunset. On some days you can even watch dolphins during a boat tour. New Zealand residents also like to come to this place to go sailing or fishing. A real paradise for relaxation, where you can recharge your batteries for further adventures. Find out more about the Bay of Islands here.
Sky Tower in Auckland
The Skytower in Auckland is the tallest building in New Zealand at 328 meters. It can be found in the middle of the city center and is a symbol of the city. You can already see the huge complex from the Harbor Bridge. Two viewing platforms offer a breathtaking view here. If you have the courage, you can stand on the glass floor on one of the viewing platforms and then look straight down into the depths. The Sky Jump is offered for adrenaline junkies. The jumper is guided on two ropes and can land safely on the ground. Who does not dare should at least watch the jumpers and be amazed.
