Background: The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year, the British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both World Wars. New Zealand's full participation in a number of defense alliances lapsed by the 1980s. In recent years, the government has sought to address longstanding Maori grievances.
April 1st 2008Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Nelson Lakes National Park Something always "happens"....and I am just not good with vehicles...never have been!! But I was dead set on renting a car, you know...I needed my "independence and freedom, of course! So I return t ... [full story]
February 27th 2008Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Nelson Lakes National Park You know I write far too much...that´s why I´m here in Chile writing about New Zealand.....you´d think I´d be better at this by now but no......ok I´ve 3 months to improve. So Nelson lakes are nice b ... 6 photos[full story]
November 19th 2007Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Nelson Lakes National Park (Once again, speeding my way through the NZ trip portion)
The next morning we woke up (in Fox Glacier Village) and raced out to Lake Matheson because they have this really famous lake which, if you ... 9 photos[full story]
February 16th 2008Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Nelson Lakes National Park This is the Alps, the southern alps. In winter its a ski centre, in summer, lovely lakes. Its a tiny hamlet, but the hostel is good and comfy. Actually, for once its been wet and chilly here, so you l ... [full story]
February 1st 2008Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Nelson Lakes National Park Date visited: 26.1.07
We drove south for 3 hours to head inland a little to St Arnaud and the Nelson Lakes area - a fjordland like area of hills and lakes without the crowds (not that you get those ... 6 photos[full story]
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