Au Pair in Neuseeland - All about New Zealand
New Zealand, the youngest country
New Zealand’s awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural, and the honesty, friendliness, and openness of Kiwis will impress you. And the great advantage of New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other!
History
With a thousand years of human settlement, New Zealand has a colourful and dramatic history, dominated by the relationship between Maori and Pakeha (Europeans).
Culture
New Zealanders have a unique and dynamic culture, with European, Maori, Pacific and Asian influences. It’s a culture that celebrates the many different lifestyles we live, and the stories we have to tell.
The culture of its indigenous M?ori people affects the language, the arts, and even the accents of all New Zealanders. Their place in the South Pacific, and their love of the outdoors, sport, and the arts make New Zealanders and their culture unique in the world.
Maori Culture
New Zealand’s indigenous M?ori people have a unique and fascinating language and culture, which plays a major role in New Zealand life.
The People
Though a diverse and multicultural people, there are many qualities, including friendliness, individuality, invention and self-reliance, that you’ll find in most New Zealanders. It’s our national character!
Arts
The influence of M?ori, Pacific Island, European and Asian cultures makes the arts in New Zealand colourful, unique and vibrant - definitely something to look out for!
Kiwiana
A range of wacky and weird objects helps define what it is to be a New Zealander, or 'Kiwi'. These wonderful things are known simply as - 'Kiwiana'.
Youngest Country
New Zealand was the last landmass on earth to be discovered, making it the youngest country. Since the first people arrived a thousand years ago many cultures have made New Zealand home.
Nature
Stunning landscapes, lush vegetation, and unique wildlife make New Zealand a paradise for nature lovers.
Natural environment
With vast open spaces filled with stunning rugged landscapes, gorgeous beaches, often spectacular geothermal and volcanic activity, a temperate climate and fascinating animal and plant life, and it is no surprise that New Zealand’s pure natural environment is so attractive to visitors from other countries. And the great advantage of New Zealand is there are many different landscapes, environments, and ecosystems so close to each other.
Fauna
Unique flightless birds, the world's heaviest insect and a 'living dinosaur'. Eighty million years of isolation in a time capsule - the unique native wildlife of New Zealand.
Flora
Whether you spend time in the wilderness areas of National Parks or lovingly manicured private gardens, you'll find an abundance of fascinating native plants found nowhere else on earth but New Zealand
Climate and Weather
New Zealand has mild temperatures, high rainfall, and lots of sunshine. You can also enjoy hot summers, beautiful spring and autumn colours, and crisp winter snow.
Geography and Geology
New Zealand has a stunning variety of landforms — from spectacular alpine glaciers and massive mountain ranges to rolling green farmland and long sandy beaches.