Giant fjordlands, the mighty All Blacks, sauvignon blanc and this lost ring that everyone seems to be searching for… New Zealand’s charms are famous and plentiful.
But what about the stuff you didn’t know?
For a start, New Zealand is one of the best places to visit on a gap year, usually attracting millions of tourists annually.
Here are some other facts to learn.
- New Zealand are the only country allowed to put hobbit imagery on their currency. LONG LIVE FRODO BAGGINS.
- The longest place name in the world is in New Zealand, and that name is Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauo tamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronuku pokaiwhenuakitanatahu. Let’s just sound it out syllable by syllable…
- The world’s steepest street is Baldwin street in Dunedin. At 38 degrees, your legs will feel the burn!
- Forgotten World Highway is New Zealand’s oldest heritage trail, and therefore an epic route for a road trip (and somewhere you can pretend you’re going on your own adventure à la Bilbo Baggins).
- New Zealand is one of the top ten safest countries in the world according to Condé Nast (number four if you must know, behind Iceland, Denmark and Austria).
- For those who prefer animals to people, 95% of New Zealand’s population are animals.
- However, none of that 95% are land snakes, as New Zealand doesn’t have a single species of land snake. Great news.
- Shoulder season (a weird name for those months that fall between high and low season) is probably the best time to visit – the temperature is mild, there are less tourists, and you get way more discounts than you would in the high season on accommodation, campervan hire and tours.
- If you’re willing to trek for two days you will get to see the clearest lake in the world, Blue Lakes in Nelson National Park. What a beauty.
- Did you know New Zealand is made up of two separate islands? Wondering should I visit New Zealand’s north or South Island? Do both!
- Travellers love bungy jumping in New Zealand (the adrenaline junkie’s playground), but did you know that organised commercial bungee jumping first began in New Zealand? So they deffo know what they’re doing when you’re diving head first off a platform.
- New Zealand is simply spectacular and one of the best ways to get around is via camper van. Check out our tips for travelling New Zealand by camperaman.
Plan a New Zealand gap year today!