"Keeweechic's New Zealand - Aotearoa" New Zealand by keeweechic

New Zealand Travel Guide: 16,477 reviews and 34,813 photos

HAERE MAI KI TE WHENUA O AOTEAROA
(Welcome to the land of Aotearoa).

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.
Maori Proverb

New Zealand (aka Aotearoa - "Land of the Long White Cloud") is where I was born and even though I moved permanently from there some 18 years ago, I will always be a proud Kiwi. It may be a small country but it more than holds its own with its amazing beauty and friendly people - biased? well maybe just a tad but its true. NZ certainly gained recognition in the great world arena of yachting these past 2 America's Cup races when it retained the cup in 5 straight races (see Travelogue America's Cup 2000). NZ has a great reputation for it's achievements in sport, yachting, fishing and also racehorse breeding. We are also up on the 'top shelf' amongst some of the worlds great white wines (you can even get them here in Texas although they are slotted into the Australian shelves!!!).

There is so much to do in New Zealand, wonderful leisurely walks through magnificent bush and national parks, skiing some amazing ski fields, trout, fly and game fishing, white water rafting, bungy jumping, golfing, hot air ballooning, glow worm caves, mud pools, walking the Milford Sound, cruising or just merely taking in the wonderful and diverse sights.

Most of my page is taken up with the North Island which I have seen over many years living there. Unfortunately I have seen all too little of the South Island and hope one day to tour top to bottom of that too.

New Zealand is a great place to visit, I truly hope you get to make the journey and take home some wonderful memories.

More in my Travelogues

Photos which are taken by myself and all headings are copyright and digitally marked. Please do not use them without permission. Thanks.
(c) keeweechic 2001-2009 (copyright)

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:A Slice of Heaven - Godzone

Last visit to New Zealand: Sep 2006
Intro Updated Sep 9, 2009
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Reviews (108)

Arataki Environmental & Heritage Centre - New Zealand

Arataki Environmental & Heritage Centre Things to Do (36)

Overlooking the park is the Arataki Environmental and Heritage Centre where there are displays of native flora and... more travel advice

Maori Challenge Local Customs (25)

The "wero" or challenge is the enactment of a fearsome warrior who approaches to determine whether you come in peace. He... more travel advice

Poi Dance Local Customs (25)

The Maori poi dance is performed by women who rhythmically twirl poi balls at the ends of long flaxen strings. The poi... more travel advice

Kauri Trees Local Customs (25)

The giant kauri, among the largest trees in the world, is now restricted to relatively small forest pockets in Northland... more travel advice

Transportation (7)
See All Auckland Motorways
Warnings Or Dangers (3)
See All Auckland City Council Alcohol Ban
Sports & Outdoors (6)
See All Skytower Sky Jump
Restaurants (4)
See All Christchurch
Hotels (6)
See All Mount Cook - South Island

Shopping (3)
See All Wellington - Lambton Quay
Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All Waimungu Valley
Favorites (15)
See All West Coast Region
Nightlife (1)
Plenty of Nightlife
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Travelogues (11)

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Comments (329)

amesian Mar 27, 2006 at 6:41 AM Report Abuse

New Zealand sounds a great place to spend a month or so. Lovely pics and great info.thnx Greetings from the Lands that once Anzacs fought to the Land of the Long white Cloud :)
hassan_abu Mar 7, 2006 at 4:54 AM Report Abuse

Enjoyed reading your tips. If I have about 5 days in New Zealand, would you recommend the North or South Island. I know its a bit too short to really appreciate NZ, but pls do advice. Cheers, Abu
gilabrand Mar 6, 2006 at 12:50 AM Report Abuse

Interesting kiwi tip. Here in Israel, the fruit is also known as kiwi.
ZiOOlek Feb 1, 2006 at 8:59 AM Report Abuse

I didn't manage to visit New Zeland when in Australia. That's not bad as I had only four days free. And as I can see NZ need more time! Waimungu Valley looks really interesting.^o^
DaDrifter Jul 3, 2005 at 5:10 AM Report Abuse

What a Rush ! ... just reading about the Screamer, Bungy and Sky jumping had my adrenalin pumping. Interesting to read about some unusual local customs like BYO restaurants and Hongi.
Toyin Jan 30, 2005 at 5:17 AM Report Abuse

I guess those 3 million sheeps were treated with human face. Lovely page Kiwi, I love the embeded humour. Excellent tips. Regards.
Michael_D Jan 18, 2005 at 1:04 PM Report Abuse

I have 3x the NZ population in me little sunshine state of Florida;-)..crossin me fingers about that job me luv...MSD
shrimp56 Nov 17, 2004 at 5:57 AM Report Abuse

Terrific pictures and information -- maybe someday ....
jckim Nov 3, 2004 at 1:28 AM Report Abuse

Beautiful country! Great page! Have a nice world travel...
K.Knight Sep 18, 2004 at 4:02 PM Report Abuse

I do love your country, so close for those last minute cheap flight, weekend deals!!!