New Zealand is known for its magical landscape, adrenaline-pumping activities and strong Maāori culture. You’ve probably seen its beauty in “The Lord of the Rings” films, witnessed the All Blacks rugby team performing the fearsome haka or heard about its reputation as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. All of these well-known facts are important, but beneath them lies a treasure trove of many more fascinating details that make New Zealand truly unique.
Country Flag
You’ve probably seen the signature and country-specific New Zealand flags, even though they bear a striking resemblance to a few other country flags. This nation’s example has been in place since 1902, but it was designed in 1869 by then the First Lieutenant of the Royal Navy vessel Blanche, Albert Hastings Markham and it was initially to be used only on government ships. This flag is a powerful symbol and it expresses how unique New Zealand is.
In the top left corner, there is the Union Jack. This element represents New Zealand’s history as a British Colony and while it became self-governing in the late 19th century, its continued connection to the British Crown is symbolised in this element, showcasing the shared history and the ties to the Commonwealth.
Then to the right side of the flag, you can see four red stars. These stars represent the formation of the Southern Cross star constellation which is visible in the Southern Hemisphere and has been an important navigational tool for early sailors and explorers. In the New Zealand flag, this constellation reflects the country’s location in the South Pacific, far from the rest of the world. The choice of red for the stars pays homage to the country’s Maori heritage.
And just like many others, signature New Zealand flags have a few rules on how and when to use them. You can showcase them on any day of the year, but especially on days of national commemoration. When you’re flying it, you should make sure that the flag is not in a state of despair or any signs of wear down, so make sure you replace it before you decide to fly it. If you wish to dispose of a flag that’s in poor condition, make sure that you do it out of public view, by burning it discreetly, not by throwing it in a rubbish bin.
Kiwis
When hearing the word kiwi your first thought might be the delicious fruit, or the cute, small and flightless bird that’s unique to New Zealand. But, this word has a bigger meaning. It’s also a nickname for the people of this country as well, a labeller embraced with pride. The kiwi bird has always been held in high regard, especially by the Maori people and during the First World War, the New Zealand soldiers were referred to as “kiwis” and the nickname stuck and eventually all the New Zealanders were known as kiwis.
Nature
If there’s one thing New Zealand is globally known for, it’s the sheer diversity and beauty of its natural landscapes. The country is home to stunning mountains, lush rainforests, geothermal springs and pristine beaches, so if you’re planning on visiting, there’s something for everyone. The variated climate contributes to its biodiversity. In one day you can surf the Pacific waves in the morning, hike a glacier in the afternoon and relax in a thermal pool by nightfall. And that’s not even mentioning the extraordinary fjords of Milford Sound or the golden beaches of the Bay of Islands.
Good Morning to the World
Due to its position close to the International Date Line, New Zealand is one of the first countries in the world to see the sunrise. Watching the sunset here feels like you’re getting a sneak peek into a new day before the rest of the world eventually catches up. This special status means that the country is at the forefront of New Year’s celebrations and significant global events. Imagine being among the first people to greet the sun each day, it’s no wonder there’s something magical about this country.
More Sheep Than People
One of the most frequent jokes about New Zealand is that sheep vastly outnumber people, and that’s true. While the sheep population has decreased in recent years, there are still about five sheep per person. That’s a lot of sheep. This high number of sheep has led New Zealand to be one of the largest exporters of wool and lamb meat in the world. The sheep farming tradition is deeply ingrained in the country’s past, which makes it difficult to distinguish the two.
New Zealand is so much more than what most of us know: hobbits and rugby. The natural landscapes of this country, the deep sense of heritage, the cute animals as well as the people make this country one of the most beautiful in the world. With every turn of a hill or dip in a valley, New Zealand offers something new to discover and it’s no wonder that people fall in love with this land of adventure and wonder.