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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 Laurene
September 28th 2009

A rainy day in, a night out with the girls Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Rotorua

Not ready for the picture haha

I dropped Meike off at an internet cafe and then took the car back. It was pouring rain all day so we ended up staying in the hostel and playing uno all day with a few other people. A couple of other german girls wanted to go out that night so we joined them and we walked to the Lava Bar. Not too busy in there but we ended up meeting a bunch of guys from Australia here on a yearly fishing trip. It was one of the guys birthday so we ended up getting free shots all night thanks to [View Full Entry]

By Larry and Rhea
September 27th 2009

Day 1 to 4: Auckland Area of New Zealand Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Auckland

Photo 2

Kia Ora (Greetings) from Auckland, New Zealand - We arrived in Auckland - City of Sails, on Thursday (10-15-09) at 12:10pm. The last two times I was here it was sunny and beautiful. We arrived in overcast skis and light rain but it was a great view as we dropped below the clouds to see this city that is surrounded by water, sailboats and volcanos. Auckland is situated among 49 volcanos - all at this time dormant - hope it stays that way for awhile. It took us 1 ½ hours to get out of the airport because of customs, and [View Full Entry]

By Laurene
September 27th 2009

Wai-o-tapu Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Rotorua

Me at the geyser

We changed out clocks here last night. Since it's spring here and not fall we sprung ahead by an hour so now i'm 19 hours ahead of home, kinda weird! Anyways, we were up early to drive out to Wai-o-tapu which is 20 minutes drive from Rotorua and is a big geothermal park so lots of stinky geysers and all that kind of fun stuff. The lady knox geyser goes off at 10:15am everyday because the park puts surfactants in the geyser at that time which sets off the geyser, very smart. Bought out tickets and then drove over to the [View Full Entry]

By broondog
September 27th 2009

Day 8 - Auckland (Day 3) - Bay of Islands - 26th September 2009 Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Bay of Islands » Russell

Treaty House
Flagpole depicting the location of the signing of the treaty

Today, the banter started with the early rise. The last hour of last night was debating how early we’d leave. Uncle Donald wanted 0500 as apparently, unbeknown to me, he has a habit of waking about 0400 - even at weekends. Aunt Yvonne and Claire reckoned nearer 9, I opted for a general stance of the later the better. I surprised all being ready at 8am, and luckily the bus was rolling out north about half 8. The weather was heavy rain with no end in sight - albeit the forecast predicted clearing from the north. The drive up was in [View Full Entry]

By wordy
September 26th 2009

Goodbye Joe Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Whangarei

The final morning tea

Today was our last morning tea at Mitre 10 with Joe who is heading back Dunedin tomorrow morning at 715. We enjoyed Joe's company for the last 7 weeks and will miss him!! Also picture of our curry meal with delicious pudding at Tavinor Road - thank you Mum and Dad xxx [View Full Entry]

By LMT
September 26th 2009

Spring has sprung in New Zealand Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Auckland » Waiheke Island

Cable Bay Vineyard

September 2009 We're not quite in summer yet but temperatures are definitely up and we have had some beautiful days of sunnyshine like the day Lisa and I caught the ferry from downtown to Waiheke Island for a coastal walk then lots of wine in the sun at Cable Bay vineyard- which was a blissful day. I have also just moved to the beach - Mission Bay which will be fantastic when summer proper arrives. I am loving my new neighbours - Mike and Gary the identical twins. Great place this!! I also have a big verandah - perfect for all [View Full Entry]

By LMT
September 26th 2009

The All Blacks v's The Springboks Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Hamilton

All Blacks

Waikato Stadium Saturday 12th September 2009 The excitement and build up to this game was immense in NZ. Rugby really is the national religion here!!! I was a total tourist kiwi wannabe and went out and bought the AB tshirt and cap!!! As long as I didn't open my mouth no one could identify me as a non-kiwi!!! Atmosphere in the Waikato Stadium was amazing and they put on a really good show with fireworks etc. Hearing the national anthem for the first time in English and Maori was cool. But the Haka is what I'd come for - COOL!!! Ooooh [View Full Entry]

By Laurene
September 26th 2009

Rainbow springs and the Polynesian Spa Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Rotorua

trout pond

Well it's raining, again. Seems to be rainy season right now haha. Meike and I stopped in at a rental car place and ended up with a car for $49 for a day and a half because the lady didn't want to come in to work on sunday so she gave the car to us for an extra half a day. Score for us! It's a little blue toyota corolla. Sweet as! I drove the car and parked it at the Polynesian spa because we were going there later and had planned to meet up some girls from the hostel at [View Full Entry]

By Greg13
September 25th 2009

Auckland, Nz Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Auckland » Central

Yayyyyy, I finally made it to NZ, and all I can say is WOW! Auckland has got to be my favorite city in Nz so far, okay so it's the only city I've seen so far, but it's still pretty cool. The whole city seems to be intertwined with the natural environment throughout, making it very scenic. From the large tree covered hills, to the islands that dot the harbour Auckland is just gorgeous. If that wasn't good enough the food here is delicious. I've tried to get as much variety as possible in the short amount of time that I'm [View Full Entry]

By Jocelyn K B
September 25th 2009

Convoy! Oceania » New Zealand » North Island

Prince of Wales Feather Geyser
At Whakarewarewa thermal reserve in Rotorua

Obviously many people are coming a long way to our wedding. We'd like to see you for more than a day or two, but of course you want to see New Zealand, so I am proposing we travel together for a few days after the wedding. And anyone from New Zealand who just wants a holiday is welcome to come too! We will understand if you've already made other plans or you have other destinations you'd rather visit, just thought we'd put the idea out there. Please email me to let me know what you're keen to do and how many [View Full Entry]

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