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 Sport has always played a vital role in defining New Zealand as a nation, and most Kiwis highly value an active sporting lifestyle, whether competitive or recreational.
The climate and geography make the country a natural arena for adventurous sporting pursuits - fishing, hunting, kayaking, horse riding, skiing, snowboarding and much more. Every year multisport endurance races lure competitors from all over the world - the Coast to Coast, which traverses the South Island, is the most well known. Kiwis are also very big on team sports - rugby, netball, rugby league, cricket and sailing. |
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 Maori are the tangata whenua (indigenous people of the land) of New Zealand and their culture is an integral part of New Zealand life. About 15% of the country’s population of 3.8 million is of Maori descent. Maori are a tribal people and their tribes are known as iwi. Visitors to New Zealand are presented with many opportunities to experience Maori culture first-hand. Best known of these is the geo-thermal region of Rotorua in the North Island, where tourists can enjoy Maori kai (food) cooked on hot stones underground as part of a traditional hangi. They can also enjoy a Maori powhiri (welcome), visit local marae (meeting houses), listen to kapa haka (traditional performances of song and dance) and relax in the popular thermal pools. Maori culture forms the basis of New Zealand culture and is the essence of its society. |
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New Zealand's culinary culture
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 A flavourful mix of culinary innovation and cultural diversity has helped earn New Zealand's reputation as an exciting gourmet destination for discerning foodies. Fresh and vibrant, New Zealand's wine and food is amongst the best in the world. Talented and innovative chefs combine ingredients freshly harvested from garden, land and sea. Pacific influences, organics and indigenous foods make it unique.
New Zealand's cuisine is often described as Pacific Rim, and draws inspiration from Europe, Asia and Polynesia. But its distinctiveness is also in the way New Zealanders eat - generally preferring an environment that is as relaxed and unaffected as possible, in keeping with the laidback Kiwi psyche.
Summer usually means eating outdoors in cafes or at barbecues, where fare such as lamb, cervena (venison), crayfish (lobster), fresh fish and shellfish is plentiful. Choose a world-class sauvignon blanc or chardonnay from one of the country's 376 wineries, and you have the perfect complement.
New Zealand is a premier new-world wine country, producing award-winning wines that reflect the clean air and sunshine. Top quality wines are exported to cellars worldwide. Leading wine regions include West Auckland, Gisborne, Martinborough and Hawke's Bay in the North Island and Marlborough, Central Otago and Canterbury in the South Island.
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