New Zealand
New Zealand is a first world nation with a population of over 4 million. However this figure is nothing in comparison to New Zealand's sheep population which is estimated at 68 million. Sport dominates NZ culture, but particularly rugby, surfing, sailing, netball and cricket, however, these are just the so-called safe sports. Kiwis like to take everything to the extreme. When you visit this Island nation be sure to find your inner thrill seeker and skydive over the amazing views of New Zealand.
Fast facts about NZ:
Capital: Wellington
Official Languages: English, Maori
Population: 4.2 million
Currency: 1$CAD = ~1.33$NZD
Time Zone: GMT +13hours
Official Languages: English, Maori
Population: 4.2 million
Currency: 1$CAD = ~1.33$NZD
Time Zone: GMT +13hours
Choose an Island to learn more about New Zealand.
Interesting things to know about NZ:
Kiwis:
New Zealander's have been given the nickname kiwi. This flightless bird is an NZ national icon
UV Rays:
Over New Zealand there is a big hole in the ozone layer, so be sure to load up on the sun screen because you will get burnt!Extreme Sports:
New Zealander's like to make everything extreme so be sure to try one of the extreme sports which has grown out of the Kiwi thrill for adventure such as zorbing. A sport which involves you climbing into a giant ball and being rolled down a hill.
Bungee Jumping:
This sport was invented in New Zealand by A.J. Hackett, who created the stretchy cord which is your lifeline when you jump. You can bungee one of the highest commercial jumps in the world at 134m high in Queenstown, New Zealand.
NZ Traffic Jam:
New Zealand has a huge population of sheep but a rather small population of people. This means that roads tend to be one lane throughout the country and sheep crossings are common, so be patient when driving through the country as you will be sure to stop a few times.
Possums:
Possums were introduced into New Zealand by European settlers who were trying to create a fur trade, however their numbers have become so great that they are killing off much of the other NZ flora and fauna. Kiwis hate the possums and will actually encourage you to run them over with you car if you see one on the road.
Leaving NZ:
In order to enter New Zealand you MUST have a ticket our of the country, so be sure not to arrive at the airport with a one way ticket as they are very strict about this.
New Zealander's have been given the nickname kiwi. This flightless bird is an NZ national icon
UV Rays:
Over New Zealand there is a big hole in the ozone layer, so be sure to load up on the sun screen because you will get burnt!Extreme Sports:
New Zealander's like to make everything extreme so be sure to try one of the extreme sports which has grown out of the Kiwi thrill for adventure such as zorbing. A sport which involves you climbing into a giant ball and being rolled down a hill.
Bungee Jumping:
This sport was invented in New Zealand by A.J. Hackett, who created the stretchy cord which is your lifeline when you jump. You can bungee one of the highest commercial jumps in the world at 134m high in Queenstown, New Zealand.
NZ Traffic Jam:
New Zealand has a huge population of sheep but a rather small population of people. This means that roads tend to be one lane throughout the country and sheep crossings are common, so be patient when driving through the country as you will be sure to stop a few times.
Possums:
Possums were introduced into New Zealand by European settlers who were trying to create a fur trade, however their numbers have become so great that they are killing off much of the other NZ flora and fauna. Kiwis hate the possums and will actually encourage you to run them over with you car if you see one on the road.
Leaving NZ:
In order to enter New Zealand you MUST have a ticket our of the country, so be sure not to arrive at the airport with a one way ticket as they are very strict about this.
Some NZ lingo:
Kiwis are rather lazy when it comes to talking, so here are a few words that you will encounter in NZ.
Sunnies = sunglasses
Jandals = sandals
Sweet as = cool or awesome
Chips = French fries
Tomato sauce = Ketchup
Sunnies = sunglasses
Jandals = sandals
Sweet as = cool or awesome
Chips = French fries
Tomato sauce = Ketchup
Some Maori Words:
Aotearoa = Land of the long white cloud (i.e. New Zealand)
Kia Ora = hello,
Haka = dance
Waka = canoe
Kai = to eat
Kia Ora = hello,
Haka = dance
Waka = canoe
Kai = to eat
