Life in New Zealand (is better than Australia)

[kiwi]

;D

Well well, where do I begin. I guess I'll just post a lot of massive photos I took of where I live, and some tramps (hikes) I did with friends.

Pelorus Tramp:







Mt Arthur Tramp:













Nelson, where I live: (overlooking Tasman Bay)

[kiwi]

Ok, now I'll write a little bit about what it's like to live in NZ.

People

With the exception of Auckland, New Zealanders are known to be very easy-going, friendly people. Particularly in the smaller towns, everyone seems to know everyone. Some New Zealanders even claim that Auckland, the country's biggest city with over 1 million inhabitants, isn't a true part of NZ. I went there earlier this year, and I must admit that people there are either naturally angry, or have a constant migraine headache. The term "Kiwi" is commonly used to refer to a New Zealander; it is also a small native bird.

Tourists

Most tourists feel quite welcome when they visit NZ. People here often go out of their way to help lost, confused, or otherwise Australian tourists. In the winter, I recommend Queenstown for amazing skifields, and loads of extreme sports. In the summer I recommend Nelson and Wellington, the capital, because of their great beaches. They are both the art centres of NZ too.

School

A "college" is a high school in New Zealand. We begin school at age 3 at a kindergarten. We progress to primary school from age 5-11, then intermediate from age 11-13. College is from 13-18. University follows this, and I believe it's a similar system to other countries.

Other useful info for when you visit NZ:

1. RUGBY. It's the national sport - you won't make many friends here if you talk trash about the AllBlacks, our national team. (I prefer football/soccer)

2. After visiting NZ, you may be amazed at the deep hatred between New Zealanders and Australians. I assure you, this isn't what it seems to be; it's just friendly rivalry . I guess it's comparible to Canadians and Americans, always making jokes about the other.

3. Don't litter. Especially in the small coastal towns, a lot of residents won't like it if they see you dumping your Chicken McCheese wrappers all over the beach and/or conveniently located bush.

So that's all for now, I hope you enjoyed reading it . Also, feel free to ask any questions about NZ.

Matt

[Ranjith arun]

Man, U have made me jealous.......((


seriously,
You guys are gifted.

i have no words at all......



HAIL LOTR....!!! LOL and Peter jackson too..... for showing parts of NZ in a nice way...

I love shire, waht a cute village?!!!!!

[ViCtoria*]

Oh my gosh, Matt, the pictures are BEAUTIFUL!!! Here's a karma for them . Now I'm so eager to go to New Zealand! Haha, that should happen in a few years!

Tell me, is there something negative about the community in New Zealand?

[kiwi]

Thanks

Well, the youth here is quite bad in my opinion, but I guess a lot of countries have that. We have a very large drinking culture, probably the biggest in the world. A lot of people leave New Zealand to live in Australia, because living there is cheaper and jobs pay more.

So I guess if you have lots of money, New Zealand is great. If you're middle class, it's still cool. But if you're poor and you live in a really bad area (like South Auckland) then you'd be in a pretty bad situation.

[harisstavr]

Great life in NZ!!!! Thanks! I also like those dances..... of the tribes... don't know the exact name... your athletes dance them before a game! have a karma:D

[kiwi]

Our native population are called Maori, and the Haka is not so much a dance, but either a challenge to an opposing team before a game (it used to be a war challenge) or a celebration of victory. Personally I think our athletes use it way too much, so it kind of lost its effect.

[harisstavr]

it's actually very interesting.... and original for the rest of us!

[SoHuda]

WOW! really! New Zealand looks great!
but hey I saw today on the news that there was a hurricane! and one is dead. hopefully you're ok.

[kiwi]

Yeah, most of the country was battered by it. It was more of a tropical storm than a hurricane though, but I had to walk home from school in the midst of it. I almost got knocked over and hit by tree branches

I think a few people died in the weekend up north, when a larger storm hit the north island only.

[Zach]

Wow. They are really beautiful! Thanks ;D