The Kauri Tree: God of the New Zealand Forest
New Zealand's Mighty Kauri Tree
Image Courtesy of New Zealand Tourism
Imagine a tree that is 51 meters (168 feet) high, 14 meters (45 feet) in girth and estimated to be nearly 2,500 years old. Such is the awe-inspiring kauri tree in the Waipoua forest in Northland, New Zealand. It is known to the Maori people as Tane Mahuta, god of the forest.
It is the largest known living example of New Zealand's most majestic native tree, the kauri. These mighty trees once covered much of the North Island. However, due to extensive clearing of the forests by European settlers from the early 1800s, the number of trees has been reduced to a fraction of the original.
Nevertheless, the kauri is a stunning sight to behold and a must-see on any visit to the North Island of New Zealand. For more information on the kauri, including the best places to see them, read:
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See New Zealand - by Parachute
Skydiving in New Zealand
Image Courtesy of NZOne Skydive
Kiwis have a thing about jumping from high places and flying through the air. After all, this was the country that started the craze for bungy jumping. With all the great scenery (in every part of New Zealand), it's inevitable therefore that another very popular 'sport' is parachuting or skydiving.
There are many places in both the North and South Islands where someone will willingly assist you to step out of an aeroplane at up to 20,000 feet from the ground. Of course you will have a parachute strapped to your back - and also usually an experienced jumper who will make sure you remember to pull the ripcord at the right time (or do it for you).
Humor aside, a skydive will give you some incredible views of New Zealand, as well as provide an adrenalin thrill. For many people it's a highlight of their visit to the country.
For more information on the best places to try a skydive see:
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Kiwi Houses and Sanctuaries in New Zealand
The New Zealand Kiwi Bird
Image Courtesy of New Zealand Tourism
The kiwi bird from New Zealand is not only one of the most unique birds in the world, it is also one of the most elusive. This is for a number of reasons. It is naturally shy and, being nocturnal, is only active at night. However, perhaps the greatest single factor is the huge reduction in the population, caused by predators introduced into the country such as the stoat and the opossum.
It's possible so see a kiwi in the wild in a few places around New Zealand (see: Where to See the Kiwi in the Wild in New Zealand). However the easiest and most certain way is to visit a kiwi house or sanctuary. These are places where kiwis live in captivity, in conditions designed to mimic their natural habitat.
There are a number of kiwi houses and sanctuaries in New Zealand, some of them attached to zoos. A trip to New Zealand wouldn't be complete without a glimpse of our most loved national symbol, the kiwi. For a list of kiwi houses and sanctuaries in New Zealand read:
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Wellington Jazz Festival: Hot Music for a Cool Winter
Winter in New Zealand: Cold Snow and Hot Jazz
Image Courtesy of New Zealand Tourism/Chris McLennan
The Wellington Jazz Festival is one of the highlights on the musical calendar in New Zealand. Wellington prides itself as the cultural capital of the country and this Jazz Festival attracts jazz musicians and fans from around the world.
The 2013 festival is being held from 6 - 8 June at a variety of venues around the city. Featured performers include Chucho Valdes (Cuba) and Cassandra Wilson (United States), both winners of multi Grammy awards.
The Wellington Jazz Festival is one of a number of events being held in New Zealand during the month of June. June also marks the beginning of winter and the fun of skiing, snowboarding and other outdoor winter sports.
Read more about what is going on in New Zealand during the month of June:
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Cook Strait: Separating the North and South Islands
Cook Strait from the Ferry
Image Courtesy of Malene Holm
The North and South Islands of New Zealand are separated by what is regarded as one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the world.
Named Cook Strait after James Cook, it has always presented a challenge to marine vessels. This is because of the fierce winds and strong currents that funnel through the gap, which is only 22 kilometers (14 miles) at its narrowest point. A number of ships have become wrecked on the coasts and surrounding reefs along the shores of both islands in the Cook Strait
area.
Despite this, the Cook Strait is a beautiful region and the ferry journey between the islands is one of the most scenic in New Zealand. If traveling by car or motorhome the ferry is the only option to move between the North and South Island.
To find out more about the ferry journey through Cook Strait between the North and the South Islands of New Zealand read:
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North Island's Desert
Mt Ngauruhoe and The Rangipo Desert, Central North Island
Image Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
When Peter Jackson filmed The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy in 2000, he found the ideal location for the Black Gate of Mordor in the North Island's only desert. Situated in the remote and dramatic central North Island, the Rangipo Desert is a barren stretch of countryside, south of Lake Taupo and near the Tongariro National Park.
Although the area is actually very high in rainfall it is called a desert due to the sparse vegetation. This is in part due to the altitude (much of it is over 1000 meters/3300 feet above sea level). However, it also has extremely poor soil, the result of many volcanic eruptions which have been a feature of the area for millions of years.
When driving south between Taupo and Wellington you will pass through the Rangipo Desert on a section of State Highway One known as the Desert Road. This is often closed during the winter months due to snow, but it gives you a good appreciation of this special part of the North Island.
Read more about the Central North Island:
- Guide to the Central North Island
- Driving Tour: Taupo to Wellington via the Desert Road (Inland Route)
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Make Travel Around New Zealand Easier with the Campermate App
Make Touring NZ Easier with a Travel App
Image Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand/Destination Rotorua
If you're traveling around New Zealand in a motorhome or campervan and you have internet access through a mobile phone or tablet, make sure you download a copy of Campermate. This free app is an amazing resource. It lists more than 10,000 destinations useful for campers, including dump stations, toilets, water sites, free wifi locations and even accommodation and things to see and do.
It's actually a great resource for all travellers. It also allows users to submit updates, which is an excellent way to ensure the database is continually updated.
It's one of several travel apps available for New Zealand. For more information (and download details for Campermate) read:
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Understanding New Zealand's Military History: National Army Museum, Waiouru
National Army Museum, Waiouru
Image Courtesy of Malene Holm
As a young nation, military conflicts and wars have played a large part in shaping New Zealand's culture and society. Even before the Europeans arrived in the late 1700s, Maori tribes battled with each other for resources and honor.
As a member of the British Commonwealth, New Zealand was called upon for service in the Boer War, both World Wars and numerous conflicts since. Many New Zealanders have died or been wounded in battles outside the country and there are few people in the country who have not been affected in some way by the legacy of war.
New Zealand commemorates its military history each year on Anzac Day. However, one of the best ways to understand the true significance of New Zealand's military past (and present) is to visit the National Army Museum. This is located at Waiouru in the center of the North Island to the south of Lake Taupo and near the Tongariro National Park. As the largest military museum and research center in the country, it presents a complete and fascinating picture of the role war has played in shaping New Zealand society today.
Read More: Visiting the New Zealand National Army Museum
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How Did the Kiwi Get It's Name?
Kiwi, New Zealand's National Bird
Image Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
The kiwi bird is the universally recognized symbol of New Zealand. This small, flightless, nocturnal creature is in fact one of the most unusual birds in the world, with many strange characteristics.
One thing that is not commonly known is how the kiwi actually got its name. Most people would assume that it is because of its call. In fact, the name comes the Polynesian name for a similar (and also rare) flightless bird that is found in other Pacific islands and Alaska, the Bristle-thighed Curlew - known in Polynesian as the 'kivi'.
The New Zealand kiwi bird has fascinated people ever since man first arrived in the country. Read more about the kiwi's unique features and habits:
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Adventures in the New Zealand Outdoors
Rafting the Tongariro River
Image Courtesy of Malene Holm
With such a huge diversity of scenery in New Zealand and a mild climate throughout the year, it is no wonder that the country is a mecca for outdoor sports and activities. Some extreme sports - such as jet boating, bungy jumping and ziplining - have been pioneered or developed here. In other sports - such as sailing and mountain climbing - kiwis have gained recognition for some of the best people in the world.
The great variety of outdoor adventures means that there is something for virtually everyone. Read my list of the best outdoor activities in New Zealand and see how many you can check off on your next holiday here.
Read More: Outdoor Adventure Activities in New Zealand
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