What to know about traveling in New Zealand – Part 5

Be very aware of traveling around New Zealand, because unless you have a camera with you to prove what you have seen, people wont believe you when you tell them you’ve been to paradise. New Zealand is probably one of the worlds best kept secrets and packing around its compact landscapes can be both exhilarating and a nightmare. Awesome because of the boldness of its beauty and horrendous because although it’s a small country, it has every season known to man and compensating for the harsh realities of Mother Nature can mean a very full pack!

One thing few people realize about travel in New Zealand is that the visa required also makes it possible to travel in Australia, the two countries being no more than 3 or 4 hours apart by plane. This can be both good and bad. Good because Australia has its own set of amazing indigenous aspects, and bad because both countries require at least 4 weeks to do them justice, therefore prolonging your trip by a good month or so. But if I was to chose, I would say go New Zealand every time.

Once 2 islands originally inhabited by the native people called Maoris’ New Zealand is now a multiracial country and this is evident everywhere. It seems they have embraced their originality and compromised making the countryside rich with cultural stories and tales of the landing of white man. The difference in language is-the natives having kept their tongue as well as adopting English-is evident everywhere through signing and place names.

I believe the best way to navigate New Zealand would be by beginning at the top and moving your way down. Rent a van and do it by driving. Each island can be driven from start to finish in a day so it can easily be done in a few weeks. The reason I suggest driving is because the landscapes are too good to miss by flying over them or being stuck to the timetable of a bus- and unlike some countries I have traveled in, public transport in New Zealand runs on time and can always be depended on rain or shine.

The best way to see New Zealand is through the eyes of a native, and so I suggest getting down with the locals over a pint or two in the corner pub and asking them where they suggest you go. New Zealanders in general are very helpful and eager to be of service to any wary traveler and so usually prove to be a well of knowledge.

A must see would certainly be 9 mile beach, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington (the capital) the Wairarapa (a region known for its wines), Nelson, Queenstown (excellent for you adrenaline junkies) the Southern Alps and steward island, just to say you went to the very bottom.

Points of interest: the temperature gets colder as you venture south. There is less cultural influence further down. The islands are easily accessed by either plane or a ferry-which you can take your vehicle on. New Zealanders don’t mind if you call them kiwis. Bro means mate. Mate means friend. Sweet means fine, cool, ok. Sweet-as means don’t worry about it, it’s all good, ok. Ye, nah, ye usually means yes, but just check first. If you make it to a Maori meeting house known as a Marae be very careful of protocol as offense is easily given, however do try to go as it’s an important cultural aspect. The national gallery is called Te Papa and is in Wellington and above all else, whatever you do, make sure you register the chilled out effect New Zealand conveys.