The Wonders of New Zealand

By Catherine
Feb 2
4 min read

Updated: Feb 3

The flags of New Zealand

The flag of New Zealand (Māori: te haki o Aotearoa), also known as the New Zealand Ensign,^[1] is based on the British maritime Blue Ensign – a blue field with the Union Jack in the canton or upper hoist corner – augmented or defaced with four red stars centred within four white stars, representing the Southern Cross constellation.

The national Māori flag, also known as the Tino Rangatiratanga flag in reference to the concept of tino rangatiratanga, is used to represent the national identity of the indigenous people of New Zealand.

Amazing Fact

An amazing fact about New Zealand, did you know they were the first country to give women the vote? Yep, that is the truth! It happened in 1893! Follow this link to find out more. Below is the full list of when the rest of the world's countries caught up. Interestingly, and this is from Women's Hour (a UK podcast), Wyoming territory in the USA was the first place anywhere to give women the vote...

The North and the South Islands

Where do you start? The North or the South Island. I vote the North to get a feel for the history of the country...

The North Island

My personal experience was the North Island 3 weeks in Whangarei at the top by the amazing Bay of Islands where I spent time on a dairy farm and touring the far north of the island before staying 3 weeks in Auckland and seeing the southern part of this beautiful island.

Here's a quick overview.

The island nation of New Zealand is made up of a North and South Island as well as approximately 600 smaller islands, and is located around 1,500 kilometers to the east of Australia in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington is situated on the southern end of the North Island and lies along the Cook Strait (giving it a strong coastal breeze and the nickname ‘Windy Wellington’, as well as the honor of being the world’s windiest city, with an average wind speed of more than 26 km/h). Wellington is also the southernmost capital city of a sovereign state. The city is relatively small and has a population of 412,500 residents, making it the second-largest city in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s most populous city is Auckland, with a population of 1.5 million in its urban area. Auckland is also on New Zealand’s North Island, and is home to the largest Polynesian population in the world. The city regularly ranks as being among the most livable cities in the world, but it is also one of the world’s most expensive cities. On New Zealand’s South Island, the largest city is Christchurch, with a population of around 400,000 residents, making it the third-largest city in the country.

A few things not to be missed, starting at the top of the North Island:

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Bay of Islands -
1. Waitangi Treaty Grounds - is a place where much of New Zealand’s history was shaped through the signing of the Declaration of Independence, He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni, in 1835 and the Treaty of Waitangi and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 1840. Not to be missed! Click on the link to find out more - here.
2. Hiking, boat trips - all kinds of outdoor activities to be had here in the Bay of Islands, if you have time to spend. Dolphin trips, diving, hiking, cycling etc. Link!
3. Wineries - use the link to go to a few suggestions. There are some truly beautiful spots to enjoy while tasting some of the world's best wines!

Lower half of the North Island

As we move south we reach Auckland, the biggest city in New Zealand and where a lot of people fly into when beginning their travels. From Auckland and to the south are some beautiful spots.

Rotorua - I really loved Rotorua, it is home to some of New Zealand’s (and the world’s) best examples of geothermal parks and Māori culture events. Kind of like the Yellowstone Park (in geothermal terms) of New Zealand. There is also a spa and mud bath to be experienced. I have not done it but looks like fun.
More wineries (vineyards) - Definitely worth a visit to a vineyard, or wineries as they are known, on this fair island.

Three Things

So if you only do 3 things on the North Island, in my humble opinion, it would be

Waitangi Treaty Grounds (throw in a vineyard if you have time)
Auckland - as it is the largest city and a good starting point to exploring New Zealand.
Rotorua

South Island

I have always wanted to go to the South Island! Everyone says how beautiful it is and if you are there in the winter you can ski.

From the North Island to the South there is a ferry from Wellington to Picton. But you can also fly and take ferries further down the coast.

Here on the South Island you will find the highest peak (Aoraki/Mt Cook) in the country, the only castle (Larnack Castle) and, from everyone who has helped with this travel story, breathtaking scenery. Hiking Glaciers, volcanos, lakes, mountains, wow!

Besides the two places mentioned above there is amazing things to be seen in between. I feel it has to be a road trip kind of experience!

Some of the other highlights include:

Queenstown - known as the adventure capital of the South Island
Southland - which features Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound and the Catlins Coast attracting visitors from all over the world.

One final thing to say - travel well and look after this beautiful place.

The Islands await, enjoy!