NEW Zealand is so much more than the sum of its varied and postcard landscapes. Not only it is it clean and green, the country is also prosperous, safe and full of creative, friendly people who are happy to share a slice of their New Zealand with visitors - from music festivals in the vineyards to terrifying thrill rides.
This proud nation has a lot more to offer than one may realise. In line with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Malaysia this month, here are 10 ways New Zealand will surprise you.
DISCOVER A WORLD OF CONTRASTS
The main city of Auckland has more than 100 surf beaches on its doorstep. No surf beach is too far from the main cities, so you have a choice of rugged black or pretty golden sands.
In July and August, explore the ski fields on both the North and South islands — at Mt Ruapheu in the north, you can ski or snowboard on an active volcano, while the stunning Southern Alps — bigger than the European Alps — can be accessed from Queenstown or Christchurch.
EXPERIENCE THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Getting out in nature is a way of life in New Zealand, which really looks after its greatest assets — the national parks. About a third of the country is made up of national parks.
Hire a bike and ride on public roads or explore some of the many diverse trails off the beaten track as part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail. You’ll find cheap Department of Conservation huts in many of the national parks and along the country’s nine Great Walks.
Parts of the country are really empty so you may have a beautiful beach all to yourself on the East Cape of the North Island or on the South Island’s West Coast.
TAKE A LEAP
Challenge yourself and you’ll be surprised what you’re capable of and how much self-confidence it will give you. Commercial bungy jumping, started by Kiwi A.J. Hackett in the 1980s, is a rite of passage for many visitors. You can throw yourself off spectacular structures throughout New Zealand, from Auckland landmarks to rail viaducts, bridges and ravines.
Once you’ve taken that leap of faith into the void and proved you can do it, there are a gazillion other options — try a rope swing, a zipline or zipride, a bridge climb, Zorb or Ogo down a hill in Rotorua with pals in a giant inflatable ball.
EXPLORE DIVERSE NEW WORLDS
Among the 4.5 million people who call New Zealand home, you’ll find almost every culture you can think of, along with the biggest Polynesian population in the world.
The indigenous Maori culture is unique to Aotearoa and you’ll have opportunities to learn some of the language, try doing the haka war dance, visit a marae and eat food traditionally cooked in a hangi (underground oven) or geothermal pool.
IMMERSE IN MUSIC
New Zealand has a vibrant creative community and you can plan an entire visit to Aotearoa around its world-class summer music festival scene, each of which is held in stunning outdoor locations.
Unlike, say, Glastonbury, you can leave the galoshes and raincoats at home and relax and enjoy the sunshine. The best way to ring in the New Year is at Rhythm & Vines on the east coast of the North Island, one of the first places in the world to welcome the New Year.
The three-day festival, which takes place in vineyards, attracts many international and local acts, with previous headliners including Major Lazer, Public Enemy and Moby.
For more of an urban vibe, Auckland hosts the Laneway Festival at the end of January at Silo Park on the waterfront, one of the country’s hippest repurposed areas.
If chilled-out world music or reggae is more your style, try Soundsplash in Raglan on the North Island’s west coast, also in January.
MAKE FRIENDS FOR LIFE
Kiwis are incredibly warm, laid-back and hospitable people who will go out of their way to make sure you’re safe, heading in the right direction, don’t miss the best part of town, and know where to find a great coffee or sandwich.
They’re keen for the world to realise what a great place New Zealand is and want you to go home raving about what a lovely time you’ve had.
EAT AND DRINK WELL
New Zealand is a young country with access to fresh, delicious produce and has its own style of innovative cuisine and cafè culture.
Think seafood right off the boats, fusion cuisine and plenty of options for vegetarian, vegans and those with other dietary needs.
Visit one of the many farmers’ or seafood markets nationwide to experience farm/ocean-to-table produce first-hand — you may try foods you’ve never had before such as feijoas (fruit) or paua (shellfish).
REBOOT IN GLORIOUS SURROUNDINGS
It’s not all about rugby (though you should watch at least a game or two), you can actively take in the majestic landscapes in a number of interesting ways.
Aotearoa has a host of health and yoga retreats and meditation centres. For example, the North Island city of Rotorua sits in a geothermal field, and many facilities here harness the natural therapeutic properties of its hot mud and natural hot springs rich with minerals.
Around the area, it’s possible to stumble across hot springs out in the bush where you can immerse yourself in picturesque, peaceful surrounds in a stretch of steaming stream for free.
IT’S EASY TO VISIT AND TO STAY
Kiwis like to keep things simple, so you’ll find things like opening a bank account, getting a tax number, renting a flat or a car and sorting out your drivers’ licence is really easy compared to the UK and Europe.
You won’t find it hard to get a job either — there’s loads of seasonal work such as picking fruit or harvesting grapes, plenty of opportunities in hospitality and trades, and, if you’re qualified, there’s a demand for workers in areas including IT and health.
FILL YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA FEEDS
You’ll find enough photo opportunities to make your Facebook and Instagram accounts the envy of your friends for years to come. Whether it’s lying on the gleaming golden sands of the Coromandel on the North Island’s east coast; climbing one of the glaciers at the bottom of the South Island; sitting atop a volcanic cone in Auckland, covered in thermal mud at the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, or swimming in one of its crystal-clear lakes, clean rivers or picture-perfect oceans, New Zealand won’t stay your delicious secret for long.