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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.

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By Hakuna_matata86
September 2nd 2005

Lake Mahinapuia Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » West Coast » Greymouth

Today hasn't been bad. Stopped off to see one fo the largest fur seal colonies of NZ, then carried on to a stop at the Pancake rocks. So called because they are limestone which has bizarrely eroded to so really cloase together layers. Arrived at the 'Poo Pub' for tonights stay and took a walk down to the Lake, was a bit dull, grey, and wet though :( Took another walk to the lake after a decent cooked meal from Les, (the 80 yr old owner). Was all in the dark to see glow worms. Since then we've been in the [View Full Entry]

By Napoleon
September 2nd 2005

Drive to the big city Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Taupo

Today I drove the group of us north to Auckland for the game. The van was full, Jared, Kim, Kira, Kendra, Jess, and I packed up and went on the spontaneous trip. I won 6 tickets for the All Blacks game on www.trademe.co.nz and it worked out to be about $100NZ a ticket, so about 70 $ US. I drove all the way up there with only stops for gas and food because it was getting late. We finally found Kira's aunt/uncle's house and stayed the night there. [View Full Entry]

By Jo Trouble
September 2nd 2005

South Island, New Zealand - August/September 2005 Oceania » New Zealand » South Island

Nugget Point lighthouse

I had been down to the South Island a number of times as a child to visit relations, mostly in Invercargill and Riverton - this time was both a trip down Memory Lane, and a chance to see new places. [View Full Entry]

By Desert Rose
September 2nd 2005

Coromandel Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Coromandel

Cathedral Cove - Beautiful Rocks

Wow it took 1.5 years but i have finally made it to the gorgeous Coromandel. I went with my beautiful American friends, Michael and Maritza. we were lucky enough to be able to stay in michael's bosses holiday home, which is the nicest holiday home that I have ever stayed in! The beaches are just amazing. we spent hours each day walking along the beaches. we also did a trip to cathedral Cove and the famous Hot Water Beach. [View Full Entry]

By KerryandCraig
September 1st 2005

Shotover Jet Oceania » New Zealand » South Island

Shotover Jet

Wow what a start to the first day of spring with a quick andrenaline rush on the Shotover Jet at 9am in the morning!!!! Nothing like an icy blast of river water and numerous 360 degree turns on a boat that burns 2litres of fuel a minute to waken the senses :o) Started our journey up the West Coast and were greeted with rain, rain and more rain!!! [View Full Entry]

By KerryandCraig
September 1st 2005

Haast - Whitebait Fisherman and beyond! Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » West Coast

Ended up stopping the night in Haast which was really in the back of beyond! Found out that the locals were actually Whitebait fisherman which was really odd sharing a camp site with these guys! Not a lot to do in Haast really, especially as it insisted in peeing it down for most of the day and night :o) One of the fishermen reassured us that this weather was "only scotch mist" and we should be worried when the rain falls an inch a minute! [View Full Entry]

By Bex and Rich
September 1st 2005

The Beautiful South Oceania » New Zealand » South Island

Another South Island Landscape

After picking up our new wheels it was time to set out on our 5 hour drive over to the Able Tasman National Park. After speaking to others about this area of the country, we were looking forward to some back to nature, peace and quiet. What met us on our arrival at Marahau was something beyond our imagination, a sleepy coastal village in the middle of the most beautiful 'nowhere' that we have ever seen. The handful of perminant residents were really friendly and laid back and when we asked what time the local pub opened our reply came with [View Full Entry]

By jtq_99
September 1st 2005

"Ski" trip report Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Canterbury Plains

Arrowsmith Range

So, I am back from the "ski" trip. I put that word in quotes only because it was meant to be a ski trip, but did not really turn out that way. Let's see, where to start... First off, Shelby lost her passport, so she had to leave a day early and go back up north to Auckland which is where the U.S. passport services is to get a new one. Now, why is it in Auckland when Wellington is the capital and where the Embassy/Consulate are located? We could never figure this out. We all get to Christchurch finally and [View Full Entry]

By Stacie
September 1st 2005

New Zealand - Week 1 Oceania » New Zealand » North Island

Looking from Hahei Beach

What a great trip it has been so far! I'm done with the North Island of New Zealand. I certainly haven't seen it all but what i have been able to see has been amazing. Right now i am sitting looking at this gorgeous mountain at the base of another of Mt. Ruaperio, an active volcano that last erupted in 1997. the mountain i am looking at is Mt. Ngauruhoe which was Mt. Doom in Lord of the Rings. It is truly beautiful. New Zealand is a wondrous country filled with so many different landscapes. It is very mountainous and hilly [View Full Entry]

By Hakuna_matata86
September 1st 2005

West Port Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » West Coast

Left Nelson and on the way to West Port we stopped for a short walk beside the edge of Lake Rotoriti (I think!) Moving swiftly on we stopped near to the Buller River and this afternoon have been on a jet boat that can reach speeds of 65mph and pass 400litres of water out a second! Was really nice, as views were good and there was a slight adrenaline rush created by the occassional twist and turn of the boat. Tomorrow we move on to Mahinapuia (sp?) and the 'Poo Pub' [View Full Entry]

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