New Zealand is like a miniature Canada, with the best parts of Canadian scenery compressed into a smaller land mass. (In some cases the scenery is superior to Canada’s) Over 50 % of the land is agricultural, over 25% is forested, and 13% is alpine terrain The Marlborough region is similar to the Okanogan Valley, the Southern Alps similar to the Rockies, the coasts of the south island similar to the remote BC coast, the Cantaberry plain similar to agricultural areas in Southern Ontario and the Maritimes etc. However, due to its lower latitude, the North Island is sub tropical. Also in New Zealand, you are never far from farms or mountains or the coast, an exquisite combination.
The people are incredibly friendly and unassuming. They also are well traveled and many of earlier generations made the pilgrimage to the motherland, the United Kingdom. As a consequence they are well exposed to other cultures and tolerant. The daily newspapers have a large amount of international coverage. The Maoris are 14% of the population but their influence is extensive with over 98% of the place names non English.
The country also gets a huge exposure through international visitors. When I think about John Brittain’s motorcycle developments, he typifies the creativity that seems an inherent country trait. It likely has its’ basis from the strong farming heritage, where problems with equipment needed to be solved with minimal resources, the number 8 wire syndrome (a la McGiver)! Certainly farmers in Canada have a similar trait.
The country is sports mad, with a large % of the population very athletic. There are sports facilities in even the smallest villages. Following the All Blacks is a religion, but all sports are followed avidly. The % of over weight people is much less than in North America. People are very out door activity focused.
The tourism base in the economy is well developed and can cater to all budgets. But the unforgettable, pristine landscapes combining soaring mountains, beautiful beaches and forested valleys are its key to success. Economically the country is booming and their recent free trade agreement with China will only assist in their growth as the emerging middle class in China continues to demand more expensive food products. Their agriculture and lumber industries should all be long term sustainable as long as that wind sweeping across the Tasman Sea from Australia continues to drop precipitation on their mountain ranges and in spite of major hydro electric developments they are heavily investing in wind farms. The population definitely has bought into the green approach.
In summation, a country everyone should visit!
1. Returning Bandit to Coleman's Suzuki 2. Total Trip Mileage - 5934 kilometers
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