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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 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]

By Apples and Jarvo
September 25th 2009

The South Island New Zealand Oceania » New Zealand » South Island

Ship Cove - Following in Captain Cooks footsteps!

Hi everyone, Well we've done the south island now! Can't believe how fast the time has gone! So here goes with the latest news: Day one and two - Picton - We arrived on the ferry and went to our lovely hostel called the Villa. It was very quaint and it even had hairdyers and a tv in the room (luxury for us!!) however, the best bit was the gorgeous free apple crumble and ice-cream every evening yum yum :-) Just chilled in the evening in preparation for our cruise and trek trip along the Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough [View Full Entry]

Listening to Christine is hard work at times :-)

By Nuke
September 25th 2009

Stop, Hey What's That Sound? Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Queenstown

DSCF0758

Yesterday was another great day in Q'town and environs ... rode the Skyline Gondola up a mountain directly overlooking the village, Lake Wakatipu, the aptly named Remarkables Mountains, and surrounding towns. The complex at the top included a luge track (concrete on wheeled luges, not ice on blades!), observation points, hiking trails and a bunjy jump platform. We luged, but didn't jump--it didn't look high enough (yeah, right). Today we motor down to Doubtful Sound, where we will enjoy an overnight cruise through some of the most beautiful and pristine landscape on our blue marble planet. Ho [View Full Entry]

By Larry and Rhea
September 25th 2009

Trip Gear Photos - New Zealand Trip Oceania » New Zealand

Backpacks and Gear Bags Packed

Hello Family & Friends - We are only a day out from departing Jackson to Los Angeles then to Auckland, New Zealand. Bags are packed and we believe we're ready for a new adventure. If you know someone who might be interested in viewing our travel blog, send them an e-mail with our site attached and have them "subscribe" to our blog. We'll try to make the site interesting with plenty of photos and perhaps a video from time to time. We've had several people asking us about the gear we'll be taking on this trip. So we made a few [View Full Entry]

By Laurene
September 25th 2009

Rainy Rotorua Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Rotorua

Big Kiwi!!!

Ate some breakfast at Uncle Boy's place before heading off on the bus to Rotorua. Another rainy day although we got a few moments of just cloudy skies. We stopped on the way at the big kiwi. Basically it's just a giant kiwi fruit haha. Meike and I got dropped off at our hostel and checked in. We are staying at a small hostel called Funky green backpackers. It's really nice and homey. We lucked out and got our room for a few nights at the same cost as a bigger dorm room. Yeah us! We walked into town after dropping [View Full Entry]

By broondog
September 25th 2009

Day 7 - Auckland (Day 2) - Waiheke Island - 25th September 2009 Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Auckland » Waiheke Island

StoneyRidge Vineyard

We perhaps had consumed too much wine the previous night opening the ceremonial opening of the eye lids. It turned out that Claire missing the bottom stair last night was a product of 2 ½ bottles of red wine and champagne. My immediate thoughts were of self preservation and the likely ensuing tirade of Claire for that day hung over. However - she despite still feeling flu like was a star. In true fashion, we cut the ferry fine leaving the house at 9.45 for a 10am ferry. This resulted in a minor 100m jog down the hill as we seen [View Full Entry]

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