10 Amazing Facts About New Zealand

New Zealand has been a tourist hotspot since decades now and it is indeed an impeccably beautiful land with a unique flora and fauna. Here are 10 amazing facts about New Zealand which you will find fascinating-

More Sheep than Humans

New Zealand has more sheep than humans! I kid you not, we saw hordes of sheep relaxing in the country side as we cruised along the beautiful roads. In fact, the entire population of New Zealand is 5 Million. That’s it!

Do you know what is the population of Mumbai? 20 Million!

Predator Free Country!

There are no predators in New Zealand. No tigers or leopards, not even snakes. The biggest animal in NZ which can come close to be called predator is a possum. In fact these possums are on top of the food chain in the animal kingdom of New Zealand. Due to over abundance of possum in New Zealand, coming across a dead possum while road tripping in New Zealand is not a rare sight. We ourselves saw many of them lying on the road as some car must have ran over them. There is a full fledged campaign going on in NZ in order to bring the possum population in New Zealand under control.

Apparently, the possums were introduced in New Zealand in the 1800s by early European settlers to start fur trade business. But eventually, the possums have crowded NZ way beyond then expected.

Follow me on Instagram!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Umang Trivedi – Travelmax.in (@omiey) on May 9, 2020 at 7:02am PDT

There’s a Lord of the Rings Minister in NZ Government!

Now many of you might know that the Hobbit’s village in Lord of the Rings is located in New Zealand. But did you know that the entire LOTR trilogy has been shot in the country with the exception of just one scene! So, if you’re wondering what the country looks like, forget travel videos and watch the LOTR movies instead. It is as fascinating as that! NZ took LOTR so seriously that there was a dedicated Minister in the government. He was known as Minister of Rings or Minister of Lord of the Rings!

One of the major shooting destinations in New Zealand was Glenorchy. We skydived above Glenorchy and it looked amazing!

World’s cleanest lake is in New Zealand!

New Zealand is well known for its pristine and surreal landscape. Having one of the lowest populations in the world has saved much of its nature from pollution and the best proof of that is the fact that it has the clearest lake in the world. The Blue Lake, in the Nelson Lakes National Park, has a visibility range of up to 80 metres. Its Maori name is ‘Rotomairewhenua’ which means ‘Lake of Peaceful Lands’.

Also Read: What’s up Queenstown! An Ultimate Guide to the adventure capital of the world

Sign Language is an official language!

New Zealand is a linguist’s paradise. Like many native languages that were bulldozed by the colonial tongues, the Maori language was also on the verge of extinction. However, a concerted movement was organised by Maori leaders to revive the language and prevent its death. The government supported the renaissance by making Maori one of the official languages of New Zealand.

The interesting thing is that most places in the country have two names- an English and a Maori one and both can be officially used. The name of the country in Maori is Aotearoa, translated as “Land of the long white cloud“.

Guess what the third official language in New Zealand is? It’s the New Zealand sign language!

Also Read: Coramandel Peninsula – Road Trip in New Zealand

NZ is home to a location with World’s longest name

In keeping with the tradition of having two names for most places, a 300-metre high hill in Hawke’s Bay is called:

Taumatawhakatangihangaoauauotameteaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu, which roughly translates to, “the place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as the land-eater, played his nose flute to his loved ones”.

Of course, no English speaking country has a locale with that kind of a long name! So they have a shortened version of the name, which is Taumata.

A Beach is just around the corner!

Islands are obviously going to be surrounded by the seas. However, what sets this longitudinal strip of a country apart is that no point in the country is more than 128km away from the sea. A 2-hour drive to the beach, any day any time!

Also Read: Muriwai Beach Sunset in New Zealand

NZ is home to Strange creatures

The Hector’s Dolphin, the world’s smallest marine dolphin, at about 1.5 metres, has been sighted only in the New Zealand waters.

The world’s only flightless parrot, the Kakapo, also belongs here.

Weta, the largest insect in the world that weighs 70 grams and has ears on its knees and the Powelliphanta Snail which has a carnivorous diet of earthworms, weighs 90 grams and can live for up to 20 years, inhabit this land as well.

You surely know that this country is the home to the Kiwi bird. But what’s surprising about this bird is that it lays eggs that are about 20% the size of the mother’s body. Kiwi eggs are six times as big as normal for a bird of its size.

The Kea, another local bird, is infamous for pulling windscreen wipers off cars and eating the strips of rubber from windows!

NZ is literally on a bed of lava

Did you know New Zealand is also known as ‘Shaky isles’? Well it’s because it’s full of geothermal & volcanic activities. However, most are inactive.

Being situated on the Pacific ring of Fire, New Zealand has multiple volcanoes, most of which are thankfully extinct. What do I mean by multiple? Well, Auckland alone is sitting on more than 50 of them!

One of the active ones is the iconic Mt Ruapehu otherwise known as Mt Doom from The Lord of the Rings.

Also Read: All about Rotorua city in New Zealand – home to Sulfur Springs & more

Early Feminists

Don’t take it the wrong way, I don’t really want to get in the debate around the definition of feminism. I just want to highlight the fact that New Zealand has empowered the women for a long time and was an early adopter in that field. We all know that NZ has a female prime minister!

Leaving behind all progressive European nations, New Zealand was the first country to give women the right to vote in 1893. Their belief in gender parity doesn’t end there. They were also the only country to have the five topmost positions held by women simultaneously between March 2005 and August 2006 – Sovereign Queen Elizabeth II, Helen Clark (Prime Minister), Dame Silvia Cartwright (Governor General), Margaret Wilson (Speaker of House of Representatives) and Sian Elias (Chief Justice).

BONUS FACT

New Zealand has a really long day! The sunset happens around 8-8:30 PM in summers. That gives you a lot more time to enjoy this beautiful country in daylight 🙂

Well, these are some really interesting facts and we definitely found them to e fascinating. But to be honest, these facts hardly touch the tip of the iceberg as New Zealand is a land of much more, offering myriad beauty and more. Its culture, history and ethos require a much longer study but this list will hopefully edge you on to delve deeper into the Kiwi Land.

Unlocking the Wonders of New Zealand: Why Knowing Interesting Facts is Essential Before Your Visit?

Embarking on a journey to New Zealand is akin to stepping into a world of wonder, where breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and unique wildlife await at every turn. However, before setting foot on this enchanting island nation, it’s essential to delve into its fascinating history, culture, and natural wonders. By acquainting yourself with interesting facts of New Zealand, you not only enrich your travel experience but also gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s complexities and charms.

Maori Heritage

Understanding the Maori heritage is paramount to appreciating facts about New Zealand’s cultural tapestry. The indigenous Maori people arrived in New Zealand over 1,000 years ago, bringing with them a rich oral tradition, intricate art forms, and deep spiritual beliefs. Today, their influence is palpable throughout the country, from the haka performed by the national rugby team to the preservation of sacred sites and cultural practices. Learning about Maori customs and traditions before your visit allows you to engage respectfully with the local culture and gain insights into the significance of places you’ll encounter.

Stunning Landscapes

New Zealand’s landscapes are nothing short of spectacular, boasting diverse terrain ranging from snow-capped mountains to pristine beaches and lush rainforests. With its geothermal wonders, towering fjords, and rolling hills, the country’s natural beauty is unrivalled. Familiarizing yourself with New Zealand facts about geography and geological marvels beforehand enhances your appreciation for the landscapes you’ll explore. From the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park to the emerald waters of the Abel Tasman Coast, each region offers its distinct allure and surprises.

Adventure Capital

Renowned as the adventure capital of the world, New Zealand beckons thrill-seekers with an array of adrenaline-pumping activities. Whether you love bungee jumping from historic bridges, skydiving over dramatic landscapes, or white-water rafting through pristine rivers, the options for adventure are endless. Knowing the facts in New Zealand’s adventurous spirit beforehand allows you to prepare for the exhilarating experiences that await and ensures you make the most of your time in this adrenaline-fueled paradise.

Unique Wildlife

New Zealand is home to a fascinating array of unique wildlife, much of which is found nowhere else on Earth. So, the New Zealand name is fitting. This is what most visitors feel about this part of the world. From flightless birds like the iconic kiwi and the endangered kakapo parrot to marine mammals like seals and dolphins, the country’s biodiversity is remarkable. Delving into the facts about New Zealand’s fascinating world of flora and fauna before your visit heightens your awareness of the natural wonders you’ll encounter. Whether you’re exploring remote islands teeming with birdlife or snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, each encounter with the country’s wildlife is a chance to marvel at the wonders of evolution.

Environmental Conservation

As a global leader in environmental conservation, New Zealand places a strong emphasis on protecting its natural heritage for future generations. From initiatives to restore native forests and wetlands to efforts to preserve endangered species and reduce carbon emissions, the country is committed to sustainable practices. Understanding the facts in New Zealand’s conservation efforts before your visit enables you to support responsible tourism and minimize your ecological footprint while exploring its pristine landscapes.

Cultural Fusion

New Zealand’s cultural landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse threads, reflecting the influences of Maori, European, Pacific Island, and Asian cultures. From the art galleries of Wellington to the multicultural eateries of Auckland, the country’s cities are hubs of creativity and diversity. Learning the interesting facts of New Zealand’s multicultural heritage before your visit allows you to embrace the richness of its cultural mosaic and engage with the communities you’ll encounter along your journey.

Embarking on a journey to New Zealand is a voyage of discovery, where every twist and turn reveals new wonders and surprises. By familiarizing yourself with the facts in New Zealand about the country’s fascinating history, culture, and natural wonders before your visit, you enrich your travel experience and gain a deeper appreciation for its complexities and charms. So, dive into the intriguing world of New Zealand’s Maori heritage, stunning landscapes, adventurous spirit, unique wildlife, environmental conservation efforts, and multicultural fusion, and prepare to be captivated by the magic of Aotearoa.