For centuries, travel to countries like New Zealand seemed almost as remote as travel to the moon. In the not too distant past, travelers had to board a ship, dedicate months to the ocean experience, run a chance of catching scurvy or going down in storms and ending up in the country in much worse shape than when you left, with the only prospect of returning being a reverse repeat of your journey there. Air travel changed all that and today, from most places in North America, if you left tonight, you can be in New Zealand by morning.

There are, however, some things you need to consider before you embark. First, the flight to New Zealand takes about twelve hours from the West Coast of the United States, so you need to factor the time it takes to get to San Diego or Los Angeles as part of the overall time it takes to get to your destination. In some cases, such as if you live in the eastern United States or Eastern Canada, that can add up to a half a day to your trip.

You also should consider the time of year to visit. While summer and winter temperatures only vary about 10 degrees Celsius, the seasons are the reverse of what we experience in the Northern Hemisphere. That means that their summer months are in November through February and the coldest months in June, July and August.

Clothing in New Zealand is generally casual and informal. Dressy casual is accepted at just about all restaurants. In the winter, a light to medium jacket is recommended and in the summer, it is wise to bring a sweater or light jacket for the evenings.

To enter New Zealand, all travelers must have a valid passport and in most cases you can stay for up to 3 months without a visa. All major credit cards and banking ATM companies are accepted and international traveler’s checks are also acceptable. Banks and ATM machines are located throughout the country.

Travel in New Zealand is solely dependent on your travel goals and itinerary. The country has many manmade and natural wonders that can keep a person busy for years. One thing to check out is the plethora of local artisans that dot the countryside and often sell their wares in open markets.

New Zealand is known for its New Zealand Sheepskin products. These can include rugs, blankets and the inner fiber in coats. Seeing how these products are made is one trip that is highly recommended as it gives one the sense of the care and quality that goes into each product.

The government in New Zealand is a parliamentary democracy, so many of the same laws that apply to Europe, Canada and the United States are in effect there. Crime is very low in most areas and there are no international advisories. Most of the cities are very clean and modern and almost all have basic infrastructure, civil government and up to date accommodations, including communications abilities.

Overall, a trip to New Zealand is something that will be remembered for a lifetime. The country of New Zealand has a web site that will help you start your planning for your trip. Once there, you can get to see why some people in ages past might have risked the discomfort of a trip at sea to get to this paradise.

New Zealand is a unique blend of cultures.  In fact, travel to New Zealand will expose you to a Pacific Rim melting pot that is virtually unlike any other country on earth.  A merging of indigenous Maori culture, European and Pacific immigration has created a culture known for natural beauty, artisans, rough-and-tumble rugby players and world renowned craftsmen, like those who make New Zealand Sheepskin products.

The predominate immigration influences were created by infusing English and Irish people onto the New Zealand mainland.  After World War II, New Zealand experienced a dramatic increase in Pacific Rim immigration; the mixture of these three or four cultures has produced one of the most interesting places on earth.

The native culture (Maori) is committed to the natural beauty of the country and equally dedicated to appreciating what the natural world has to offer.  Outdoor sports are emphasized and many of these people make their livings off the land.  The laid back Maori culture would seem to clash with modern day European influences but those have created their own niche in the country’s social folklore.

Cultural Identity and Reputation

Those cultures are best known for the three “R”:  Rowdy, Rugby and beer.  This reputation was created during World War II when New Zealand soldiers made a name for themselves by socializing more than your average soldier.  Their reputation has created a culture whose identity is heavily weighted in favor of drinking, horse racing, gambling, rugby and generally, the stereotypes of “men’s men” with a healthy appreciation for the natural beauty of their fellow New Zealand females.

Outdoor sports contribute heavily to the perspective of the average New Zealander, with an equally strong preference for participating in the sports as opposed to merely being a spectator.  This has served to bolster the image of the rugged New Zealander, perhaps beyond what is fair, but it is accurate on the whole.  None of the various populations are known for shyness or for being terribly uptight.

An acceptance of ‘what is’ is a hallmark of the New Zealand Culture.  “She’ll be right mate” is a popular phrase used that is often taken as a sign of carelessness or lack of thought.  In actuality, this is firmly entrenched in the belief that everything has a purpose and will work out as it is intended in the end.

The Importance of Earth and Perspective

Many New Zealanders make their living off the land so the visitor can also expect them to be more rugged in the countryside than in the cities, but overall, its countrymen/women are all built of healthy and sturdy stock.  The combination of a rough-and-tumble attitude and an acceptance of life as simply being has led to a merging of native and immigration cultures and a collaboration among all involved to preserve the national reputation for fun.  Another factor that greatly influences each groups approach is an almost reverent appreciation for the land and its beauty.

That appreciation flavors just about every New Zealander’s approach to life.  It does make them a little more boisterous than most of us.  One should not be weary or easily offended if visiting this gem of a nation, but rather should adopt the prevalent attitude that what happens will happen.