Diversity in New Zealand's environment, culture and people
New Zealand’s rich maritime history has been a significant force in shaping the diverse history, peoples and cultures that make New Zealand the vibrant, modern and multicultural nation of today.
According to Maori legend, the great Polynesian navigator Kupe first discovered New Zealand over 1000 years ago. It was Kupe who named the land Aotearoa, Land of the Long White Cloud. Some 400 years later, the Maori travelled across the Pacific aboard seven great canoes to inhabit the North Island.
The European influence began with Dutch explorer Abel Tasman. Arriving in 1642, he charted part of the coastline and named the land ‘Nieuw Zeeland’. Englishman James Cook followed Tasman in 1769, playing a significant role in charting and exploring New Zealand’s 15,134km coastline.
New Zealand’s diversity of cultures is matched by the diversity of amazing landscapes, lush green forests, fascinating wildlife, stunning coastline and mild climate.
Cruising the spectacular coastline by boat provides an outstanding view of New Zealand that few are lucky enough to experience. As you cruise the coast and drop anchor in secluded and sheltered bays, which may only be accessible by water, it is easy to imagine the scene as it was when first charted by Captain Cook.
New Zealand’s cruising grounds are divided into four regions: the sub-tropical Bay of Islands in the north; the marine playground of the Hauraki Gulf around Auckland; the scenic splendour of Marlborough at the top of the South Island; and the internationally recognised eco-heritage region of Fiordland, in the far south.
The Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands offers something for everyone. It is steeped in history as the first capital of New Zealand and recognised as the birthplace of the nation. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed at Waitangi in the bay and is a significant tourist attraction in the area. Also recognised for its natural beauty the abundance of aquatic activities, ‘The Bay’, as it is affectionately known, is a favourite with local and international visitors alike. So whether it is swimming in clear waters you enjoy, skin diving and snorkelling, or hunting for that perhaps once-in-a-lifetime gamefish, the Bay of Island has it all.
To the north of the Bay of Islands lies the untouched splendour of Whangaroa Harbour, the last all weather harbour for superyachts on the East Coast. Famous as a base for game fishing, but also for the natural and untouched splendour that can be explored by tender, visiting Whangaroa is just like taking a step back in time.
The Hauraki Gulf
The Hauraki Gulf is located on the doorstep of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Bounded to the east by the spectacular Coromandel Peninsula, and with Great Barrier and Little Barrier Islands to the northeast forming a natural breakwater, it encompasses an amazing array of over 50 islands.
Well-known icons pepper the Hauraki Gulf, including the dormant volcano Rangitoto Island and the rugged and tranquil splendour of Great Barrier Island.
Waiheke Island offers cosmopolitan lifestyle options where wineries and cafes abound, but for those looking for something a little more adventurous and rustic, Great Barrier offers untouched land and seascapes and is a more relaxed option.
The Marlborough Sounds
Situated at the top of the South Island, the Marlborough Sounds offer over 1,760km of coastline to explore. The region is world-renowned for its wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, which perfectly matches the abundant range of seafood available in the region. Abel Tasman National Park is located in Tasman Bay and offers unsurpassed scenery and many activities, both aquatic and landbased.
Fiordland
Fiordland is New Zealand’s largest national park and the location of the famous Milford Walking Track and visually stunning 1694m Mitre Peak. With Milford, Doubtful, Dusky and Breaksea Sounds to explore, the variety of the wildlife is unrivalled. Fiordland is home to fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, crested penguins, rare native birds and unique, ancient rainforests.
Whether you are exploring our country by sea or land, there are unrivalled opportunities to enjoy a huge variety of experiences to meet all tastes.
Exploring National Parks and Marine Reserves
New Zealand contains 14 national parks, including the beaches of the Abel Tasman in Marlborough and the alpine wonderland of Arthurs Pass in the central South Island. There are also 25 marine reserves around the country, with the internationally renowned Poor Knights Islands listed as one of the top ten dive sites in the world. Whether you wish to enjoy New Zealand’s flora and fauna, key to our nation’s identity, for three days, three hours or just 30 minutes, there is a cruising option to meet your needs.
Wine and dine NZ-style
Each region of New Zealand has its own food specialities and varietal wines, such as the internationally recognised Sauvignon Blancs of Marlborough, accompanied by the regional delicacies of fresh green-lipped mussels and scallops. Throughout the country, you will find a wide range of foods available from a variety of sources, including farmers’ markets, fine dining restaurants and everything between.
Adventure activities
New Zealand has a growing reputation as the world’s adventure capital. From adrenaline-pumping bungy jumping, black and whitewater rafting and jet-boating, through to slightly more sedate activities like caving, skiing and gliding, New Zealand offers challenges for the biggest adrenaline junkie.
Shopping
New Zealand offers a huge variety of shopping, from arts and craft markets, galleries and museum shops, to exclusive designer stores. Our potters are recognised as among the world’s finest and today many fine artisans are also working in stone, wood, glass and metals.
The country’s vast wool industry makes it possible to find wonderful hand-knitted wool sweaters, beautiful wall hangings, homespun yarns and top-quality sheepskins. A favourite amongst visitors to
New Zealand is the wonderful range of merino clothing from Icebreaker and NZNature, attractively designed and offering a great breathable, yet warm, fashion item for the discerning.
Alongside top international fashion labels in boutique stores in the main cities, you will also find New Zealand’s award-winning homegrown fashion labels, including Zambesi, NomD, Karen Walker and World.
For further information about visiting New Zealand and what it has to offer please visit www.newzealand.com
