"Under the long white cloud" New Zealand by ray_d

New Zealand Travel Guide: 14,447 reviews and 36,447 photos

Life

New Zealand is a little strange for me. I have been there countless times and still have no idea why I go there.
Is it the relaxed nature of the people? Is it the landscape? Or would it be the naive nature of the country?
New Zealand is a little like Australia. Relatively unsophisticated, yet believing to be well qualified a canditate and avant-garde in its own way.
Everone is somewhat preoccupied with the encroaching complexities of modern living, when realistically, it would be my place of choice for a peaceful existence in my later years.

The Country is defensive of its uniqueness as a Western-Asiatic nation, so far from the birthplace of its inhabitants and proud in its co-existence within cultures varied and colourful.
Highly obsessive are the people in the preservation of all things historical.
Single-minded is the need in the upholding of Sporting National Identity.
And yet oblivious of the raw beauty surrounding their city existence.

Land

Russel

Old lives with modern and nowhere is the difference as acute as in New Zealand Where one need only to deviate 10 minutes off the hi-way to be lost in Victorian times. The fringes are coloured with Cafes, Restaurants, amusement parks and Golf-courses but in the heartland of New Zealand lies its treasure. The beating soul of the battler, pleased with his work as he overlooks land, lakes, trees and mountains that will never be intimidated by the Civilisation he is part of. Man can reap benefit off nature but nature goes on while our passing is but an insignificant scratch on its impassive face.

New Zealand is as different in the North and South Islands as each Island is to itself. The landscape changes with every turn in the road.
Awesome is a word misused. One can only knows the true meaning of Awesome while travelling the Haas Pass in a rain storm, or alone, surrounded by the echoes of falling rocks at Franz Joseph Glacier, or floating silently over extinct Volcanoes, or walking through breathing, hissing steam and sulphured prehistoric wastelands.

Loves

Whitangi

Whales know no borders but they know New Zealand and frolic ceaselessly in its Oceans. As do the magnificent yachts and barques and schooners that are so lovingly maintained for the pleasure of cruising the picturesque waters.
Birds cavort in the brilliantly clean and clear skies joined by machines that date back to the cradle of aviation.
Dragonfly, Corsair, Zero, Hunter, Texan, Messershmitt, Ryan, Trojan, Tomahawk, Names that bookmark History and although they mean little to most, talk volumes to the few who care and the heroes that flew them.

Damned if I know why I like the place? I mean; really...all it has to offer is dangerous extremes, pleasant peace, magnificent spectacle, unsurpassed wonder and mad, crazy and undisciplined population that are as strange as they are trustworthy.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Currency Exchange
Cons:Slow service
In a nutshell:Where you see the first daylight and the origins of Man

Last visit to New Zealand: Jan 2004
Intro Updated Aug 9, 2004
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Reviews (5)

Cultural visit Things to Do (4)

Waitangi is a spiritual place. Nothing prepares you for the beautiful setting of this historic place. Set in acres of... more travel advice

Regata Veronica Channel Paihia - New Zealand

Still relieable after all these years Restaurants (1)

Simple and unfussed. The food is quality and thoughtfully unfussed. Honest and tasty without the frills. Starters were... more travel advice

White Island Things to Do (4)

Ever been this close to a Witch's Couldren? This is the crater and the Sulpher Steam is real. The Island is 60 Km off... more travel advice

The ride: Boeing Steerman 1942 - New Zealand

Rotarua by biplane Things to Do (4)

The gentleness of flight while crusing past Volcanoes, Sulpher springs and Mountains is beyong imagining. Experience or... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Aug 10, 2004

8 photos

The world as it should be, New Zealand..Naturally

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Comments (26)

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travelgourmet Sep 13, 2010 at 11:39 PM

Ray, Waitangi sounds like solitude and peace. The lines on the bamboo in the long house seem to embrace the canoe. Looks like the canoe might be koa. Nice photo. Larry
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Maheen_619 May 27, 2010 at 9:38 PM

beautiful...and awsome pics added
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Arkeolog Apr 11, 2009 at 11:40 PM

Hi Ray, I liked ur NZ page. Nice tips here. Happy Easter.Bora
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Kakapo2 Sep 8, 2008 at 2:35 PM

Your intro is wonderfully written. I share the view of the unsophisticated society - and love it less since I have been living here. However, the country itself has lost nothing of its magic although so many people tend to destroy the nature. Sissi
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SLLiew May 31, 2007 at 2:28 PM

Very enjoyable page of NZ :)
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unaS Feb 26, 2007 at 12:27 PM

Envy you - want very much to return some day. As you said: "...in its simplicity it overwhelms..." A very special country indeed.
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craic Dec 2, 2006 at 7:44 AM

Mmmm. Almost homesick.
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Darby2 Jul 2, 2006 at 8:20 AM

Ah, yes...the land of Pam and Miss Bliss ;o)) I'm looking forward to a trip here in the near future. It's a little off the beaten path from Alberta.
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lou31 Jun 10, 2006 at 10:11 PM

I've been hearing a lot about White Island. A friend just hiked around it. Liked your pics and info....take care...
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kiwi Mar 16, 2006 at 11:53 PM

Just one pic of White Island?? hahaha Nice page, hey I saw a Merlin recently in the Akld Museum!! I even photographed it for you!!