Nelson art and craft
With the sole aim to promote tourism in Nelson area of New Zealand, a number of informal workshops have been set up to promote art and crafts. The underlying idea is to uphold the rich tradition and culture of New Zealand. This is a new concept to promote the so- called creative tourism is a unique way to explore your creative potential.
Not only Nelson, the other cities and towns of New Zealand are also trying hard to promote the art and the culture of the country.
Golf courses
Another new approach that is being gradually emphasized by the country is setting up new golf courses. Set in a beautiful backdrop of alpine forests, the golf courses gives you the pleasure of playing the games that are characteristically of international standards.
Driving tracks
Be a free bird as you drive along the new driving tracks of New Zealand. The new tracks that pass through some of the best possible tracks offers one with the best spectacular sights in addition to the thrill and the enjoyment that you are bound to experience.
Explore the Catlins a favorite self drive adventure.
The Tourism Industry Awards
The Tourism Industry Awards recognizes awards for excellence in the tourism industry. These awards are in fact a step towards realizing and encouraging excellence and continuous improvement in the tourism industry. They represent the highest form of honor for the New Zealand tour operators.
Accommodations
The major cities of New Zealand like Wanaka, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and other New Zealand places are making a conscious effort to build many accommodation options for tourists. For the benefit of the tourists arrangements have been made so that the hotels can be booked from various centers, arrangements for online booking are also there for them. The hotels are also of various types and classes to suit the pocket of all.
Transportations
Though transportation was no problem for the tourists who visited New Zealand, regular efforts have been made to increase the number of buses and taxis running down the streets of New Zealand cities and towns.
History of New Zealand
Though there are very many queries with regards to the mysteries of New Zealand's history, it is assumed that New Zealand was explored before the birth of the Christ. For better understanding the history of New Zealand has been divided into several periods. The division though artificial, has become a prime necessity because of the various ethnic groups that had a considerable influence on New Zealand.
Polynesian foundation
The history of New Zealand dates back to the time between 1000 and 1300 CE when the land was settled by the Polynesians whose successors came to be known as Maori. Historical evidences show that the Maori people who mainly settled in the northern part of the island called their new home as 'Aotearoa' which meant land of the long white cloud.
With the passage of the time the Maori people became more interested in warfare that underlined the increasing demand for land and resources. Leadership was primarily based on a hereditary system. Of all the Maori society it was the 'hapu' group which later rose to immense popularity.
Early period
The first European who visited New Zealand was the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who came to this part with his ships namely Heemshreck and Zeehaen. He first anchored on the northern part of South Island in 1642 but sailed to Tonga. He named them as Staten Landt but the name was changed to Nova Zeelandia in Latin which was derived from the Dutch word Nieuw Zeeland. Later the name was subsequently anglicized and the lands got its new name. The name New Zealand was given by the British naval captain James Cook.
After that the land had been visited by a large number of British, French and American people who mainly came to trade. From 1800s missionaries settled here with the sole aim to convert the masses to Christianity. A large section of the masses accepted Christianity because of the Musket wars that coupled with their polytheistic culture allowed the people to accept the new gods.
European settlement
History of New Zealand refers to the fact that the European settlement started in the early decades of the 19th century. Their increasing attempts to buy new lands in New Zealand caused conflicts and an alarm aiming the missionaries who seeked the help of the British.
British Rule
In 1788 the colony of New South Wales as founded in Australia though it had no real impact. In 1839 the New Zealand Company announced plans to establish colonies which prompted the British to take strong action. In 1840 William Hobson the British representative and 40 Maori chiefs signed the treaty of Waitangi by which the Maori got the rights of the British citizens. But very soon was created between the two groups
Colonial period
New Zealand became a colony on 3rd may, 1841. The country however was gifted with self government through the New Zealand constitution Act, 1852 that created central and provincial governments.
The history of the land during this particular period saw large scale immigration from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. In 1870s and 80s several thousands Chinese people came to the land.
The war period
Though the Pakeha was initially welcomed the pressure on the Maori gradually increased when the Pakeha population rose to an alarming number. The subsequent period experienced wars that created great disillusionment in the Maoris. However this was the picture in the North Island. The South Island with its lesser Maori population was calm.
The discovery of gold in 1861 at Gabriel's Gully created a great rush among the people.
The period of 1890s
The history of New Zealand faces major changes during this part. Local trade based on export of frozen meat and dairy products became the main means of income. The decade saw the establishment of the first Liberal Government. as it gradually accepted innumerable reforms for the better development of the state, it became the first country to grant rights to its women.
Dominion
New Zealand in 1901 decided not to join the commonwealth of Australia. Later in 1907 it became a separate dominion that was equivalent to Australia.
The World Wars
After New Zealand fought for the British Empire there was a Great Depression in the 1930s.
In 1935 the First Labour Government was elected that established a welfare state.
In the World War II also New Zealand contributed its troops to protect themselves s from the Japanese forces.
Post war
After the war ended a large number of population migrated to the cities that gradually led to its urbanization.
However when the British joined the European Economic Community in 1973 New Zealand had to find new markets.
Reforms
When the fourth Labour government came to power they introduced many reforms. The fifth Labour government elected in 1999 that is the current government of New Zealand has managed to maintain most of the reforms of the previous governments and has also introduced various other reforms with the sole aim of bringing development in the country.
Culture of New Zealand
The culture of New Zealand is a heterogeneous mixture of the native Maori culture, European and American influences and impacts of other cultures such as Asian and Arab influences brought in by travelers and settlers. The culture of New Zealand is vibrant and ever evolving and the natives are open to experimenting and innovations in every walk of life. Arts and Crafts in New Zealand are a huge attraction for the tourist. Be it Maori craft items such as flax textiles or wood and stone carvings or the more contemporary oil and water color paintings, the coveted souvenirs of New Zealand are collectors' items treasured worldwide. Architecture of New Zealand too has evolved from the crude Moari structures to architectural marvels of current days. A period of research and experimentation has brought in finesse into the architectural style of New Zealanders that has been lauded by the world. Music and Dance in New Zealand is a rich admixture of ancient Maori music, folk music and the current western trends such as rock and hip hop.
New Zealand Cuisine consists of dishes made from fresh indigenously available ingredients, with a high emphasis on seafood. Most of the natives of New Zealand are Christians and an astonishingly high number of citizens are atheists. Read more in the section Religion in New Zealand. Here is our guide to New Zealand Etiquette - a complete list of do s and don't s when in New Zealand.
New Zealand Popular Destinations
New Zealand is famous for its greenery and loads of natural splendor which has made the nation carve a niche for itself in the minds of the travel freaks. Lovely aquamarine ocean water with dabs of green foliage spread here and there on the shore, sparkling golden beaches, plethora of marine activities in store, admirable national parks, several secluded bays , series of towering blue mountains and last but not the least a bouquet of attractive islands where you can spend a few serene days with your near ones and try to mend the lacunae which has been created by the meta - urban life of today's era. While being at New Zealand it becomes quite difficult for the tourists to decide and select the places of attraction. To be on a safer side, its better if you sort out the places from beforehand and plan your trip accordingly it becomes easier for you to get around. Amongst the top popular destinations of New Zealand the Fiordland National Park, with its breathtaking landscape and the Sutherland Falls in South Island tops the chart. The Abel Tasman National Park, the smallest in New Zealand is second in the line for its pristine waters and soothing beaches. The sea taxis available there can take you to any lovely beach within the park. Third in the ranking is Queenstown city itself renowned across the globe for its adventure sports. You can enjoy bungee jumping, jet boating , skiing, hand gliding, ballooning and rafting here. Rotorua is another popular destination celebrated for the various geysers, hot pools, mud pools and lakes. The cluster of 144 gorgeous islets of the Bay island is also a must see. The indigo peaks of Cook Mountains and the National prk at its foot. Tongariro National Park is regarded as the oldest National Park in the world and is a popular tourist destination because of the presence of three volcanoes, viz Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. The Coromandel Peninsular and the Kaikoura region, celebrated for their white sandy beaches is sure to attract the visitors.
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Cambridge, New Zealand
- Foxton, New Zealand
- Gisborne, New Zealand
- Hamilton, New Zealand
- Hastings, New Zealand
- Kerikeri, New Zealand
- Napier, New Zealand
- Rotorua, New Zealand
- Wellington, New Zealand
- Blenheim, New Zealand
- Christchurch, New Zealand
- Dunedin, New Zealand
- Invercargill, New Zealand
- Kaikoura, New Zealand
- Motueka, New Zealand
- Murchison, New Zealand
- Nelson, New Zealand
- Queenstown, New Zealand
- Te Anau, New Zealand
- Timaru, New Zealand
- Westport, New Zealand
- Wanaka, New Zealand
- New Plymouth, New Zealand
New Zealand Tourist Attractions
The awesome place that New Zealand is often described is one of the top holiday destinations in the world. The beautiful snow capped mountains, the spectacular cascades, the lush green forests; the golden beaches are some of the few things that make the country a paradise for any nature lover. Lonely planet has rated New Zealand as the second best value destination for tourists.
Onetangi Forest and Bird Reserve
See the lovely collection of plants and the beautiful birds here. The reserve consists a mosaic of 18 recorded vegetation types.
Stony Batter, New Zealand
The Stony Batter is a privately owned firm that is famous for its extensive vineyards.
Lyttelton Timeball Station, New Zealand
The historic stone at the Lyttelton Timeball Station overlooking the beautiful Lyttelton Harbour is a major attraction for tourists. Built by John Brassington and John Kennington the Lyttelton Timeball Station is designed as a castle built on a hill.
Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand
The beautiful Lyttelton Harbour located beside the Christchurch offers an opportunity to see the fascinating world of Maoris and European.
Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand
This is a major attraction in the South Islands. The place is a drowned valley from where you can get an access to Marl borough's other main sounds.
Also you can enjoy the Doubtful Sound and the Marlborough Sounds that are a major attraction.
Seahorse World Aquarium, New Zealand
The Seahorse World Aquarium, that is a new landmark in the tourism business of New Zealand, houses some of the pot bellied seahorse.
World of Wearable Art and Collectable Car Museum, New Zealand
Located at nelson this museum has an amazing range of classical cars.
Te Urewera National Park, New Zealand
See the largest forest in the North Islands. The beauty and the tranquility of the place is sure to fascinate you. Get enthralled by the beauty of the Lake Waikaremoana.
Akaroa, New Zealand
Love dolphins? Then come to the Hectors Dolphin where you can see the world's smallest and rarest dolphins. Also enjoy the colonial architecture and the craft f the area.
You can also go for a seal safari at the seal colony located at the foot of a 100 metered cliff.
Pohatu Penguin Habitat, New Zealand
This is the site of the largest mainland penguin colony. See the fur seals as they bask in the sun or catch a glimpse of the white flippered penguins as they hide out in the crevices.
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
This is the largest park in the New Zealand that stretches to an area of 3,000,000 acres.
Glow Worm Caves, New Zealand
The Glow Worm Caves is an interesting place to see as you enjoy the sight of innumerable glow worms radiating out their light.
Hokitika Craft Gallery Co-op, New Zealand
The Gallery hosts a natural environment that has managed to foster a community of artists who exhibit their indigenous talent.
Hotels in New Zealand
