New Zealand is wrapped in interesting historical events from the time it was first inhabited, discovered and colonized up to this time when it is starting to establish its own strong sense of identity. Like in many other places that have rich cultures, New Zealand also got theirs from the intermingling of cultures that produced one that is uniquely New Zealand. Several historical spots bore witness to its unfolding story.
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.