The lakeside city of Rotorua continues to be one of the North Island’s most famous destinations for overseas visitors. Aside from being an important center of Maori culture, it is also the center of New Zealand’s thermal region with geysers, steaming lakes and streams, mud pools, multi-colored silica terraces and hot mineral pools known for their curative properties. It is one of best places to learn about traditional and contemporary Maori culture. The Maori have taken advantage of the hot springs for cooking and bathing for centuries.

Napier is best known for its man-made treasure consisting of its glorious Art Deco Buildings. It was built following a disastrous earthquake and fire which destroyed the whole city in 1931. It claims to have the most concentration in the world of such kind of buildings that are well preserved or beautifully restored. Napier is the port for the Hawke’s Bay region which is famous for its world-class wines.

Dunedin is a graciously distinctive city of grand 19th century buildings and beautiful gardens. It is often referred to as a city of culture and learning distinguished by the presence of libraries, museums, parks, churches and New Zealand’s first university. Dunedin was settled by Scots and was made prosperous by the Otago gold rushes of the 1860’s.

The Pompalier House is one of the earliest French colonial buildings to survive in New Zealand. It was used as an industrial building and a dwelling before it became a historic monument. It was erected by French missionaries from the Society of Mary and has served as a focal point for spreading the Catholic faith among Maori and throughout the Western Pacific. It is of national and international significance as the oldest surviving building associated with the Roman Catholic Church in New Zealand.

St. Mary’s Church is considered to be New Zealand’s oldest surviving Catholic Church still in use. The original structure was a simple Gothic-styled building. At present, the church is situated in a complex of historic structures including a presbytery and meeting houses among others.

The Bay of Islands is also one of New Zealand’s most significant historic areas having supported one of the largest Maori populations. It was the scene of early contact and conflict between the Maori people and the European settlers. One of the most important historical events to occur in the area was the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Tongariro National Park became the first property to be inscribed on the World Heritage List under the revised cultural criteria describing cultural landscapes. The mountains at the heart of the park have cultural and religious significance for the Maori people. A lot more sites are as noteworthy and it will be a truly learning and rewarding experience to see even a fraction of them.

Handshakes are widely expected in New Zealand when meeting friends and new people or leaving their company. It usually consists of a quick clasping of hands instead of the firm or tight grip as in the usual practice in America. It is best given with a smile as it indicates pleasure at meeting the other person. The safest way to address New Zealanders is by their honorific title and surname until they themselves suggest moving to a more familiar level or they call you by your first name.

It is customary to bring a small gift such as flowers, chocolates or a book about one’s home country if invited to a New Zealander’s house. Gifts should not be lavish. They are opened when received.

Table manners are continental and meals are often served family-style. Although New Zealander’s are typically casual in their manners, protocol tends to be stricter on more formal occasions. Elbows are kept-off the table and hands are placed above the table when eating. Sitting on or resting one’s backside against a table or desk is offensive to Maori people since the table where food is served is not allowed to be touched by “unclean” regions. The request to “bring a plate” to a gathering means to bring a food item.

Conducting businesses with New Zealanders are done with respect, honesty, directness and a trace of a sense of humor. Even if meetings are generally relaxed, they are considered serious events. A brief amount of small talk precedes the specific matter at hand.

New Zealanders are somewhat reserved especially with people they don’t know but are eventually friendly, outgoing and social once they develop a personal relationship. It is a must to arrive at meetings on time, if not a few minutes earlier lest the visitor’s behavior be interpreted as an indication of the person’s unreliability or lack of respect for the other person’s time. A business case is presented with facts and figures as emotions and feelings are not important in the New Zealand business climate.

There are certain national sensitivities particular to New Zealanders. The term “mainland” is not used either for the North or South Islands of New Zealand and neither is it used to refer to Australia. New Zealanders have an existing rivalry with their Australian neighbor and has a great affinity for Great Britain. Visitors should avoid comparisons to Australians or references that might be disparaging of an agricultural economy or of British ways.

New Zealanders take great pride on their proficiency with the English language and holds anyone who also does so in high esteem. They are less forgiving of the mistakes in spelling, grammar and syntax done by Americans, Canadians and Australians than those whose first language is not English such as Asians. The correct pronunciation of Maori words and place-names are very important both to Maori and non-Maori as it signifies respect for the land and its people.

Basic courtesy is expected in everyday dealing with people such as boarding of public transport and queuing. Money is always placed on the hand of the cashier except in restaurants where trays are provided. Tipping is not expected nor encouraged. Shoes are removed before entering a Maori sacred building or a house of another person. There are a lot of other practices that are expected even from visitors, thus it is always wise to research about the country of destination so that actions will be in accordance to what is deemed acceptable.

There are various gay tour operators in New Zealand: Wilson Group Limited – gay owned and operated and specializes in all types of gay travel throughout New Zealand and the South Pacific; Dolphin Travel – focuses on “inbound” travel arrangements; Gay Travel Net is an online reservation/information site for gays and lesbians visiting New Zealand, Australia and South Pacific Islands; Adventure Out – is a small company specializing in off-the-beaten-track adventure holidays; and Travel Dish NZ which specializes mostly in “outbound” gay travel from New Zealand although they can ably assist in local New Zealand travel as well. Important sources of information include the New Zealand Tourism Board and the New Zealand Gay and Lesbian Tourism Association.

New Zealand’s weekly gay newspaper – Express, contains maps that are very useful in locating gay businesses in all of the major cities. It is available for free at all gay venues and can be picked up upon arrival. The Gay Guide to the South Pacific – g’ day guide, is useful for locating gay beaches. The Fielding Travel Guide to Australia and New Zealand is likewise very useful as a mainstream guidebook since they are well researched and gay-friendly.

Auckland is the country’s most vibrant, bustling and gay city. Suitable accommodations can be had at Dreyden Lodge – a centrally located hotel with a 50/50 gay/straight clientele; the Stamford Plaza – ½ block from the downtown gay bars; Rydges Auckland – a modern, gay-marketed (but not exclusive) three-star property; Quest for Eden – likewise gay-marketed; the Laughing Cat – a gay and lesbian suburban B and B; and Moana Vista – which is a gay owned and renovated villa. There are other places that either caters exclusively to gays or those that are considered gay-friendly.

Much of New Zealand’s gay life centers on bath houses. The use of these bath houses does not come with the stigma often associated with it in other countries. There is a remarkable number of bath houses in New Zealand with some of the smaller cities having excellent selections.

The most popular event for gays in New Zealand is the Hero Parade and Party. It is the country’s answer to Sydney’s Mardi Gras, only on a smaller scale held over two weeks every February. The event is a fundraising festival and party featuring cultural, social and sporting events and activities, culminating in the parade and party.

A gay holiday adventure is possible in New Zealand. A suggested itinerary would consist of relaxation at the beach, participating in outdoor water sports, a vineyard tour, whale-watching and bungee jumping. The trip is a combination of active playtime and relaxing memorable moments to bring home. There is the so-called Gay Line/Lesbian Line which offers information and referrals to make the trip worthwhile.

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The range of activities that can be done while on a first vacation to New Zealand is vast and almost unlimited. In fact, vacation time always run out before every possible activity has been tried at least once. Outdoor activities in land, water and air are so varied and individually exciting that a person would find it hard to determine where to start. Since vacations are primarily meant to relax the body as well as the mind, a leisurely time at one of New Zealand’s wonderful beaches is in order. Once the body has been adequately rested from the trip, New Zealand is ready to show its various wonders, both natural and man-made. Accommodations should fit personal specifications as to location, budget and features to make the trip a lot more restful.

The country has a very active nightlife with the abundance of bars, clubs and restaurants that would fit any preference. The entertainment activities and cuisine have more than enough to satisfy even the most discerning customer. Theatre acts, concerts and cultural shows are never wanting. Casinos are open daily for the more financially adventurous and seekers of plain good time.

The children will have their own share of entertainment through galleries, museums, theme parks, national parks and historical places. They do not only provide entertainment but education as well. Many establishments cater to pure family fun as activities and facilities are planned to involve the whole family.

Immersion into New Zealand culture can be done through watching their special events and festivals or better yet, through direct participation into the activities. These events and festivals reveal how New Zealanders think, feel and hope. It is a good idea to check the calendar of events and try to time the vacation with the schedule of the events or festivals that is found to be interesting enough to see.

The shops and markets all over the country make for one exciting shopping experience. The streets fronting hotels are usually lined with wonderful boutiques and retail outlets that promise several unusual finds. The Saturday morning markets are more Polynesian and are a perfect place and time to find exotic foods, local products and Pacific treasures.

When travelers are afforded the choice to cruise, the opportunity should not be wasted. Cruising takes care of the value, romances, cuisines, variety, activities, new horizons, family, pampering and satisfaction. One price buys accommodation, entertainment, dining and more. The critical thing about taking a vacation is not to take one that would require your body to go on vacation again. In essence, a vacation is hardly one if you end up feeling more tired after the vacation.

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The dominant cultural groups in New Zealand include the Pakeha (European), the Maori and other smaller groups such as Polynesians, Indians and Chinese. Christianity is the most common religion but there are large Anglican, Presbyterian and Catholic denominations. New Zealanders or Kiwis are friendly and welcoming who truly loves traveling and meeting people from other cultures.

New Zealand is predominantly an English speaking country but its strong Maori heritage has recently flourished. Their language which for so long has been on the decline is making a strong comeback. The flowing and poetic language is unexpectedly easy to pronounce once the techniques has been learned.

The special fondness of New Zealanders for the outdoors is encouraged by the country’s wide-open spaces and national parks. Popular outdoor activities include tramping (hiking), camping, sailing, skiing and playing rugby or cricket. The hundreds of beaches which are ideal for swimming and diving are mostly found within walking distance of student campuses.

New Zealand is a small country that has a big attitude. Kiwis are brought up believing they can do anything and would love to accept a challenge to prove it. This “can do” attitude has facilitated their success in many areas such as sports and inventions.

A group of icons or a range of objects known as the Kiwiana has helped to define what it is to be a Kiwi. This includes things such as rugby, bungee jumping and number 8 wire and people like Sir Edmund Hillary and Ernest Rutherford. These are the icons that define New Zealand culture.

New Zealand’s rugby team – All Blacks, is a legend in the game and the country is considered the greatest rugby nation. It also created the ultimate adrenaline sport in bungee jumping. The Sky Jump has recently been introduced which makes use of a cable attached to a full body harness and allows the jumper to reach a speed of 60 km/per hour and decelerate to a safe landing speed in a total of 20 seconds.

The sheep has come to be a symbol for New Zealanders as they still continue to outnumber the Kiwis. The Pohutukawa is known as New Zealand’s Christmas tree and flowers in early summer around Christmas time. The no. 8 wire has come to represent Kiwi ingenuity as the ordinary wire was put to more use to compensate for isolation and lack of infrastructure during the early times.

Other things included in the list are Lemon and Paeora, Buzzy Bee, Paua Shell, Pavlova and many others. Some notable personalities of New Zealand include Frances Hodgkins (painting), Katherine Mansfield (literature), and Karen Walden (fashion). Probably the most widely known part of New Zealand in the film industry is being the location of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. There are surely no limits and possibilities in New Zealand.

The Maori people are mostly coastal dwellers thus they are expert fishermen as well as hunters. Even before the arrival of the Europeans, the Maori have proved to be excellent warriors. It became a British Colony in 1840 and Britain manifested its enormous influence over New Zealand throughout the 19th and much of the 20th century. Government administration, education and culture were largely built on British models.

Notwithstanding its colonization, New Zealand maintained a unique and dynamic culture. The culture of its indigenous Maori people affected the language, the arts and even the accents of New Zealanders. New Zealander’s national character can be described in four words – friendliness, individuality, invention and self-reliance.

The vast majority of names of places are of Maori origin. Tourists may find it seemingly impossible to pronounce some of them but once learned, the Maori language comes out as one that has a logical structure and very consistent rules of pronunciation. The unique protocol of the Maori can be observed on a Marae (Maori meeting grounds). Many tourist operators include visits to a Marae in their itinerary.

The New Zealanders of today are highly sophisticated and educated urban dwellers. They are generally outdoors people with a great passion for exploring their landscape and water. A strong egalitarian streak and a sense of fair play and teamwork temper their rugged individualism. A totally new national identity emerged with the arrival of Pacific Island immigrants, Asians, Europeans and many others.

Over the years, New Zealanders have become known as “Kiwis”. A kiwi is the national bird of New Zealand and this is the same name they gave the fruit that became to be associated with the country – the kiwi fruit. The word “Kiwiana” was also coined as to mean a range of wacky and weird objects that helps define what it is to be a New Zealander.

The North of New Zealand is subtropical while the South has a temperate climate. The warmest months are December, January and February while the coldest are June, July and August. New Zealand’s weather can be very unpredictable at times with quick unexpected changes occurring almost without warning. There is even an allusion to a phenomenon of experiencing the four seasons in one day. It is very important then to be prepared especially if one intends to engage in any outdoor activity particularly hiking.

The usual manner of dressing is informal and relaxed. A jacket, sweater or a light rainproof coat should be included in the luggage. New Zealand is considered one of the safest travel destinations in the world with a relatively low crime rate, few endemic diseases, and first class healthcare and accident compensation system. However, the usual standard precautions as to personal safety and possessions have to be observed.

If a rented car is the primary choice of transport in getting around New Zealand, travelers would do well to transact with reputable companies that provide vehicles in good running condition and appropriate assistance for any unforeseen problems while using the car. It would be very convenient if the company has several branches in handy locations. It is also important to find one that charge fair rates, provide personal service and is intent on pleasing a customer.

The service of the local bus company covers the whole country. Scheduled regular bus companies are not tour companies but they have fine coaches and great routes. Booking in advance may make it possible to get a cut-price ticket. Hop-on, Hop-off buses are ideal for meeting loads of other travelers and for those that find themselves short on money. There are lots of feedbacks about the buses breaking down and rude bus drivers but these buses are the most budget conscious choice. These buses are more suitable for independent travelers who find it impractical to hire a car or a campervan.

The inter-island ferry from South Island to the North Island takes about 2 hours. Facilities are generally excellent with restaurants, children’s video games and other forms of entertainment available on board. It is highly recommended to book a ferry crossing with one’s travel agent before heading to New Zealand and just change the ferry date when necessary upon arrival. This is because bookings can be quite heavy and they may not sell a ticket. However, they are more than willing to change an existing one.

The cable car in Wellington offers great views of the city at the top. It runs every 10 minutes, from 7 am to 10 pm weekdays and from 9 am until 10 pm on weekends. It can be found just off Lambton Quay.

The road rules of New Zealand follow international standards but drivers drive on the left side of the road. Buying second hand cars sometimes prove to be more economical for those who intend to stay in New Zealand for sometime. There are two ways wherein one can buy a second hand car in New Zealand. One is attending a car auction and the other is to answer the many handmade printed notices advertising cars for sale in backpacker hostels.

Selling the car is the same as buying it. However, a telephone number may be needed for prospective buyers to make contact. An alternative to having to stay home waiting for calls is to rent a cell phone for the last week of your intended stay.

Those who wish to travel by cycling should learn to like hills. He/she should always be equipped with a full rain gear, water-proof paniers, travel and sleeping bag. Hitchhiking seems to remain a safe practice in New Zealand. The downside is with regards to the time that it will take to get a ride.

Tourists should likewise avoid doing anything that would catch the negative attention of the police. The police are free from corruption and bribes should not be offered to police officers unless one wants to make the situation worse. Offering a bribe is like inviting oneself for a tour of the New Zealand prison, court room and police cell.

Importation of even small quantities of food as well as unprocessed animal or plant materials is tightly controlled. New Zealand has very serious biosecurity laws especially since the economy is based on agriculture. Declaration of questionable items is the preferred option to avoid instant fines and severe police and customs questioning.

Visitors should avoid being put off on driving in New Zealand. The road rules are mostly the same as in Australia with driving done on the left-hand side of the road. However, driving requires the full concentration of the driver since the roads are usually two-way highways without center barriers to separate opposing traffic.

Speed limit is 50 km/hour around built-up urban areas, 70 km/hour in semi-residential/country areas and 100 km/hour on the open road. Traveling distances as seen on the map may not be truly representative of the actual distance. Travelers should avoid allowing only for the exact time and instead provide the proper time allowance.

Driving on rural roads requires extra care. Most of them have gravel verges that require slower driving and extra concentration to avoid accidents. Drivers should always keep an eye for cattle crossing the road because of the abundance of sheep and cows in the country. Central North Island roads and all South Island roads are especially slippery during winter.

When visiting New Zealand, one should be ready for the travel. Insufficient preparation should be avoided to ensure the convenience and comfort of one’s stay in the country. Some things that should be checked before leaving for New Zealand includes the validity of the passport, necessary authority to enter the country, accommodation arrangements, and validity of credit cards and other bank cards.

For one’s personal safety, rowdy bars or drunken crowds in city centers are best avoided especially late at night and in the early morning. Some criminal elements have started to target tourist in violent and/or sexual crimes thus looking like a tourist should be also avoided. It would be better to blend-in with the rest of the population instead of calling attention to oneself. It should also be remembered that New Zealanders lack a sense of humor when their country or their sporting teams are mocked by loud tourists.

New Zealand’s performing arts gets a big boost from the cultural core of Auckland – The Edge. It includes the modern Aotea Centre, the impressive Town Hall and the Civic Theatre. The Aotea Centre features theater, ballet, dance, opera, major stage productions, art exhibitions and a dose of local drama. The Auckland Town Hall houses one of the finest acoustically tuned concert halls in the world. Regular performances by the Auckland Philharmonic and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra are done in this great hall.

The Sky City Theatre is the latest addition to the country’s performance venue. It seats to a capacity of 700 and features state-of-the-art technology and major local and international performers in dance, theater, rock, pop, jazz and cabaret. The Maidment Theatre at Auckland University is well known for drama and theater sports while the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna offers a little of everything.

The live music scene in New Zealand is pulsating with activity courtesy of the jazz and rhythm and blue gigs at places such as London Bar, Deschlers, Gables Tavern and the Alto Casino and Bar. Java Jive, Temple Bar, Davenport Bar and Brasserie offers rock, blues and jazz jam nights, solo acts and bands. Danny Doolan’s is the place for Irish music while The Dogs Bollix and the Bog are for piano nights and jam sessions. The Mexican Café offers live Latin music twice a week. A long line of bars, cafes and restaurants are prepared to provide entertainment to the country’s visitors.

The casinos of New Zealand provide its own brand of entertainment as it caters to its own crowd. Auckland’s Sky City Casino is easily spotted through its Sky Tower which is one of the tallest buildings in the world. The Sky City Casino in Hamilton is in a building designed to maximize its superb riverside location on the banks of the Waikato River. Its floor to ceiling glass ensures the gaming and restaurant customers enjoy spectacular views.

The Christchurch Casino exudes charm and elegance reflective of the style of the city. It houses a fine-dining restaurant and top class bars aside from its well-known gambling games. The Dunedin Casino can be found in the Southern Cross Hotel, parts of which have been restored to create an opulent Monte-Carlo-style atmosphere. The Sky Alpine Casino in Downtown Queenstown is located above the Hard Rock Café in Beach Street.

Dressing is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at night spots. Some places however, do not allow boots, black jerseys, sweaters and even jeans.

New Zealand has this thing called pub crawl which is essentially a bus rented out for the night by a group of people. The bus drives around to different pubs within a city. Some of the buses have converted the place previously occupied by back seats to a dance floor. Almost all pub crawlers feature loud and thumping music. It is a unique idea for a birthday party or any similar event.

If a person’s idea of entertainment lean towards the quiet side, an evening walk along State Highway 6 can do wonders. Even finding a secluded spot and safely building a fire to spend a night taking in the beauty of New Zealand can be a welcome treat from the noise of the busy nightlife. The final choice is simply a matter of personal decision.

The strong inbound of the tourism industry has strengthened domestic demand for New Zealand products and has in turn provided a stronger base for exports. The country’s clean and green environment has lent credence to cosmetics and soaps that are manufactured using natural ingredients. Wooden items are being associated with excellent craftsmanship while local delicious treats are steadily catching the attention of consumers worldwide.

The colonial style, wooden, handcrafted photo albums either made of New Zealand Kauri or Rimu wood sell like hotcakes. The albums are handcrafted to the last detail and additional inserts are conveniently available to hold all those precious photos from one’s visit to New Zealand. It is extremely popular as a wedding album and some variations of the product are guest books, wine cellar books and wedding registry books.

There is nothing like bath and shower soaps from New Zealand to give oneself a healthy pampering. Commercially available items are using traditional Maori designs that make them an excellent compliment to one’s bathroom. These designs present various symbolisms unique to the Maori culture and are thus excellent gift ideas to those who await one’s return back home.

The Possum – Wool Yarn for hand knitting and weaving is a yarn of real luxury at an affordable price. It has all the properties demanded by present day garments. It is hard wearing, lightweight, allows the skin to breathe, warmer than wool in winter and feels like cashmere on the skin. It is even said to have an Angora glow or halo to it.

The most excellent wines of New Zealand are typically made in very limited quantities or even pre-sold before bottling. The most popular is Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blanc which has established a new international benchmark for the variety. Geography, climate and human skill have combined to produce highly distinctive, premium quality wines. Equally impressive are numerous other varieties such as Pinot Noir, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends.

It may be difficult to bring back consumables from one’s visit to New Zealand thus it might be more practical to buy some things and use them while in the country. New Zealand boasts of its first class dairy products, various beverages aside from wine like its national soft drink LP (Lemon and Paeroa), honey of varied distinctive flavors and avocado oil that has a high smoke point. The actual use of these products could easily show the difference from other similar products.

Kiwiana is described as all the weird and wonderful quirky things from years gone by that have contributed to New Zealand’s sense of nationhood. Some things such as the gumboots, Buzzy Bee Toys, meringue dessert, shell ashtrays and a cookbook have assumed vital importance as major icons of Kiwiana. The government of New Zealand is actively promoting its “Buy Kiwi Made” campaign. However, the Trade Liberalization Network has admonished buyers to do so only if the goods and services being presented are the best choice. New Zealanders know that their lifestyle will further improve if their products are competitive, if not the best in the world market and that exceptional products can be their entry point to the rest of the world.