©
Flickr cc Andrea Schaffer
New Zealand Travel Guide
©
Flickr cc Andrea Schaffer
New Zealand is a sumptuous country with an excellent quality of life. The fact that it is so safe, and the locals are so hospitable, will make your stay there even better. Whether you're traveling in search of tranquillity, solitude, or rest, New Zealand could have been created for you... but just as much for hiking enthusiasts or photography addicts who will be bowled over by the country's wide open spaces and its diverse range of different landscapes. On the other hand, if you're a high-living foodie or an adventurer seeking warm turquoise waters, New Zealand might not be the destination of your dreams.
The political climate in New Zealand is extremely calm, and you'll rapidly feel safe in a country where violence is rare. You will quickly notice that New Zealanders, or Kiwis, are very relaxed and open people, and not fearful. Nevertheless, this country (like any other) is not a utopia, and it has its own social and economic problems to deal with.
The colonization of the country by Europeans involved dispossessing the Maoris of their historic lands. Even though some of this land has been returned to them, tensions still persist today, and it remains a sensitive subject. You will note that Maoris are not as perfectly integrated into the country as you might have been led to believe, and they can be marginalized within society, with higher rates of unemployment and poverty.
New Zealand is a country that is very switched on to green tourism and its environmental protection policies are very strict, even excessively so: something that you might quickly discover for yourself at the border!
In fact, you will be required to clean your walking shoes (unless they are brand new) and the same applies to all camping equipment. If you're French, they will press home the point about whether there is any cheese in your bag: tell the truth because they aren't joking - the proof of that is the fine that is levied!
Many people ask me if New Zealand is really as beautiful as you might be led to believe from travelogues, films, and photographs that you've seen. Quite honestly, I will say yes, and in fact, even more so! Its immense variety of different landscapes, its picture-postcard colours, and the total serenity of the place are just some of the factors that will make your trip unforgettable.
The small population of the two islands gives travelers a sense of freedom and intimacy, and of having a unique and personal experience. Don't hesitate and head off to experience your own adventure in New Zealand !
