The first inhabitants of New Zealand were the Maori who came from the Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki. Hawaiki is not found on any map but it is believed to be an island or a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean. Although the exact place cannot be determined, similarities to other cultures in Polynesia including the Cook Islands, Hawaii and Tahiti provide some clues.
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.