New Zealand Travel Blog

When humans first arrived in New Zealand, no more than 900 years ago, birdsong and surf would have been the first noise they heard as they approached the lush forested islands - the land was almost exclusively populated by birds that make up the bulk of New Zealand wildlife. New Zealand's 80 million years of isolation, since breaking away from the super-continent of Gondwanaland, has allowed the evolution of nearly 200 species of birds and due to the absence of mammalian predators a high proportion of them were flightless – some of them grew into Giants - but what birds they are!

Its true, New Zealander's love to celebrate - any excuse for a party and the more that turn up the merrier. Nearly every day, somewhere, someone will be staging a festival or public event celebrating what-ever it is that we Kiwis Love.  If you are thinking of a New Zealand holiday, it may well be worth planning your trip around a specific event, as there is no better way to gain an insight into the New Zealand way of life, our humour, creativity and quirky nature.

New Zealand’s southernmost region is the Southland Region and with only 2.3 % of the countries population what it lacks in numbers is made up in attitude, they know how to have a good time  and Southland Festivals are well attended by both locals and others visiting. Southland is a land of farms, rugged coast and rolling plains, and home to the world-famous Bluff oyster and the launching place for the ferry to Stewart Island. Settled by large numbers of Scottish settlers in the 1800’s, the remnants of which can be heard in the regional accent – they roll their ‘R’s

Each year the Canterbury communities host a variety of Festivals & Lifestyle Events celebrating the regions cultural diversity and traditions. Here is a comprehensive list of the Canterbury Festivals…

No more than 50 kilometres (31 Miles) wide and bordered by the majestic Southern Alps the whole stretch down the South Islands West Coast is home to only 31,000 people. ‘The Coast’ as locals know it, is wild – big rivers, rainforests, glaciers with a small population. But they do have some big local character’s. Coasters are tough like their environment but friendly, coasters are famous for their hospitality and are more than willing to show visitors a good time.