New Zealand

English

Land of the Long White Cloud, as the Maoris call it, is located in the Pacific Ocean two large islands - North and South, separated by the Cook Strait, and adjacent to the South Island paradise of wildlife - Stewart Island, and many smaller, sparsely populated or entirely deserted islands of which date back to the most remote regions subantarktycznych. New Zealand authority are covered by or affiliated with it as some islands of Oceania - Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau. Most of slightly more than 4 million inhabitants are European settlers, though noticeable is the presence of indigenous people - Maori, because Maori, next to the English language has official status. Christianity is the dominant religion of the islands, although Maori population has remained true to its beliefs. Capital of the state, the city of Wellington, was built on the tip of the southernmost tip of the North Island and it was done with the port - an important point of communication with the South Island. Further north, also on the North Island, is the largest city in New Zealand - Auckland international airport of having connections to many major cities in Australia, Europe, North America and Asia, as well as the islands of Oceania. The territory of this country, slightly smaller than Japan, although having the exclusive economic zone fifteen times greater than Earth's land surface, mostly covered heights. They have been rising the most in the South Island, forming a web of the Southern Alps. The peaks are covered with glaciers, the highest is Mount Cook (3764 m). In the west and south of the island slopes fall directly into the sea, creating a huge fjords dotted with impressive waterfalls. The area of ​​the North Island is more gentle, but taking under its surface phenomena led to the creation of active volcanoes, geysers and hot springs. Flora evergreen forests of New Zealand formed in large part absent species elsewhere in the world. Among the interesting exhibits of the natural world is a flightless kiwi bird, infallibly associated with New Zealand. It is interesting that the fruits known throughout the world under the same name, which is also an important part of the diet people of this country are not called kiwi, but kiwifruit. The beautiful, unspoilt and very diverse nature of the New Zealand provided the backdrop for the filming of JRR Tolkien's trilogy "The Lord of the Rings," whose gigantic success has promoted the country as a tourist destination. Since that time, thousands of visitors embarks on a journey in the footsteps of the legendary heroes of the novel to places known to the screen. The culture of European origin no different than the west. New Zealanders are sociable, good humor and appreciate the close physical contact. New Zealand adds color to a very interesting Maori culture, still present among the indigenous population. Maori today gather in marae - specially designated open meeting places and celebrating the culture of ancestors, where conditions strictly laid down rules that allow, for example, to contact noses as the only acceptable form of greeting. During the celebration of Maori rituals, such as preparing a meal in the traditional way, you need to keep a straight face, so as not to expose yourself to hostility. Maoris believe the head of a sacred part of the body, and therefore avoid the physical contact with another human being. Their faces often adorned with intricate tattoo, once executed on a permanent basis, today often only created for the ritual. The core of Maori culture are also traditional dances hook, of which the best known are the dances of war. Kitchen of New Zealand has its roots in the United Kingdom, and the wealth of dishes from around the world allows travelers feel at home. It is, however, enjoy traditional Maori cooked in earthen ovens on hot stones. New Zealand is also famous for fine wines appreciated by the incomparable aroma. Climate The unique atmosphere of New Zealand makes it one of the most diverse lands of the world where there are both tropical rainforests and golden ocean beaches and snow covered high mountains. The variety is also characterized the local aura. The weather in New Zealand is one very difficult to predict, is very frequent, often violent change. It is not uncommon occurrence of all four seasons in one day, especially in the South Island. Certainly more sunny days falls on summer and autumn months, ie from December to April, when the weather is sometimes more stable. During lasting from May to August winter temperature drop combined with high humidity in the air can bring in some parts of the country blustery chill. Spring, which usually lasts from August to November, sometimes quite windy and rainy. At the southern end of the South Island seasons are clearest in nature and resemble Polish, although accrue to other months. Regardless of the season in New Zealand may make unexpected weather events such as hail, storms or frosts. The air temperature may exceed 30 ° C or fall below zero, but the average remains at the level of a dozen to just over twenty degrees, while the North Island is warmer. Main Attractions National Parks In New Zealand, the most beautiful is its fantastic nature. The best places to meet her, are national parks, which occupy a large part of the country. One of them is inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Tongariro National Park to protect the amazing world of wildlife, dominated by three volcanic peaks. There is also the highest peak of North Island - Ruapehu (2797 m). Within the park lies Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, formed in the caldera formed following a volcanic eruption. In the beautiful scenery of Tongariro National Park filming the trilogy "The Lord of the Rings". Currency - New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Do you like this destination? For more detailed information please contact us using the contact form or telephoning +377 97 97 43 78. Our travel consultants will be pleased to provide you with our recommendations.