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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 PHYSIO DAVE
September 3rd 2005

Catching up Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Auckland

Huka falls close up

Okay where did we leave you? Think our last blog was to say that Elinor, Laura and Simon had arrived safetly and that they were coping with jetlag well. So 1st day in Auckland on Tuesday and the travellers managed to get down before 9amm to get breakfast, very impressive. We headed out into the town centre and straight for the sky tower, which just dominates the sky line. Spent some time viewing the whole of Auckland and beyond from the different level platforms and watch some nutters jump off on the bungy they have there. Very sunny day so the [View Full Entry]

By Hakuna_matata86
September 3rd 2005

Franz Josef Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » West Coast » Franz Josef

After last nights' party was a bit dull getting up to typical British weather aka. RAIN, RAIN AND MORE RAIN! Stopped at the Bushman Centre on the way to Franz, is a small place which gives information on different ways the people on the West Coast make a living and how it came about. So saw a video all about deer hunting, and how they were orignally introduced to enhance the wildlife but became out of control and people were employed to destroy the deer and save the trees(!) But as always things went the other way and they became endangered. [View Full Entry]

By Unibrow
September 3rd 2005

Plenty o' Fun Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Bay of Plenty

Greetings from Paihia, a town on the Bay of Plenty. We're back on the N. Island for a short respite before heading off to Bangkok. Today we took advantage of free items activities prov. by the hostel. We kayaked, individually, out into the bay. We both managed to get our bums pretty wet. After eating we then took mt. bikes out for a spin on some paved and dirt roads to a somewhat disappointing waterfall. After a tasty meal of fish sticks, canned beans, and rice (I was responsible for 2nites menu), we headed across the steet to watch rugby. The [View Full Entry]

By KerryandCraig
September 2nd 2005

Franz Josef Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Glaciers

A glacier

Today we arrived in Franz Josef and talk a little walk in the pouring rain to go and touch a glacier; unfortunately we couldn't touch it because the river bed had flooded so we had to look instead! Stopping in a gorgeous park - with spa's, bars (happy hour in an hour so won't be around long) and hopefully nice hot showers! [View Full Entry]

By Kiwi Candy
September 2nd 2005

Sunrise New Years Day 2005 Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » East Coast

The first to see the Sun.

Well the year is nearly over but I still remember the first day of this year vividly. Not only did I have a great night before, but stayed up partying till the sun came up 6am!! And what is even more special is that I was in Gisborne NewZealand, which is "officially" the first place in the world to see the sun. That is because the GMT timeline starts in there, so it is a special place to greet the New Year. Very funny moment when we were at the lookout with about 40 other people (kiwis and tourists alike), and [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 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 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]

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