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NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is made up of two main islands located to the southwest of Australiaand surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. Most of the population lives on the north island where you also find the capital, Wellington. The islands are made up of a unique blend of beautiful scenery, from rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, volcanic pools and lush rainforests. The population is made up of a mix of largely New Zealand Europeans (Kiwis) and indigenous Maori people.    

Capital: Wellington

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  • Population: 4.5 million

  • Area: 270,534 sq km (104,454 sq miles)

  • Major languages: English, Maori

  • Major religion: Christianity

  • Currency: New Zealand dollar

 

New Zealand's lakes, beaches, glacier mountains and diverse unspoilt scenery has attracted many tourist. Below are a list of attractions to keep you busy in your visit. 

Attractions (things to See and Do)
FACTS

Gardens/National Parks

  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens

  • Hamilton Gardens

  • Fiordland National Park

  • Tongariro National Park

  • Abel Tasman National Park   

  • Aoraki/Mt.Cook National Park

  • Pukekura Park

  • Westland Tai Poutini National Park

 

Wildlife/Zoo

  • Orana Wildlife Park

  • Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

  • Auckland Zoo, Zealandia

 

Sites and Amusements

  • Sky Tower

  • Auckland Harbour Bridge

  • Rainbow's End Amusement Park

  • Puzzling World

  • International Antartic Centre

  • Waiotapu Geothermal Activity

Lakes/Water Attractions/Caves

  • Lake Wanaka

  • Milford Sound

  • Bay of Islands, Waiheke Island

  • Lake Taupo

  • Franz Josef Glacier

  • Lake Wakatipu

  • Hot Water Beach

  • Te Whanganui-A-Hei

  • Kelly Tariton's Sealife Aquarium

  • Huka Falls

  • Waitomo Caves

 

Museums/Gallery

  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

  • Canterbury Museum

  • Airforce Museum of New Zealand

  • Aukland War Memorial Museum

  • Aukland Art Gallery

  • Toitu Otago Settlers Museum

  • Dunedin Railway Station

 

New Zealand's tourist attractions are many and varied. For more information on things to see and do visit www.tourism.net.nz

  • Do shake hands and keep eye contact when greeting people.

  • Do open gifts upon receipt.

  • Do keep hands above the table.

  • Do bring your own beer if invited to a barbecue.

  • Do wait to be seated for meals.

  • Do arrive on time for meetings as a sign of respect and reliability

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  • ​Do not eat food until it is blessed in Maori culture.

  • Do not tip which is not customary.

  • Do not make the 'V' for Victory sign.

  • Do not make promises you can't keep or make exaggerated claims.

  • Do not touch the head/hair of others,its gross insult to men.

  • Do not wrap gifts in red.

  • Do not appear too forward or overly friendly.

  • Do not attempt high pressure sales tactics.

  • Do not expect to haggle over price, its not the culture. 

Dos and Don'ts  (culture tips)
New Zealand's beauty
NZ_wellington-harbour

NZ_wellington-harbour

Sky Tower_NZ

Sky Tower_NZ

NZ_wellington-harbour 2

NZ_wellington-harbour 2

Museum of NZ Te-Papa 2

Museum of NZ Te-Papa 2

Museum of NZ Te-Papa

Museum of NZ Te-Papa

Christchurch Botanic Gdns_NZ

Christchurch Botanic Gdns_NZ

Huka Falls_NZ

Huka Falls_NZ

International Antartic Ctr_NZ

International Antartic Ctr_NZ

NZ_taihape-gumboot-capital

NZ_taihape-gumboot-capital

NZ_iron-gates-gorge

NZ_iron-gates-gorge

Hamilton Gdns_NZ

Hamilton Gdns_NZ

When planning to travel and visit other countries that you are not familiar with, it is good to learn a few things in addition to the attractions and activities that the country has to offer to make your visit just great. Why not learn a little of their culture and the Dos and Don'ts to help you understand whats acceptable and whats not to help you fit in the community.

 

Here is a small list below which should make interesting reading. Feast your eyes as well on the slide show gallery of photos depicting interesting places to look out for on your visit to New Zealand. Enjoy!

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