[Curiosities] Crazy Curiosities About New Zealand

[-TITAN]

1. The Royal New Zealand Air Force logo features the national animal, the kiwi – a flightless bird…how ironic

If you’d like to see the elusive kiwi bird, check out Zealandia in Wellington, or Rainbow Springs in Rotorua

 

2. The longest single word place name is in New Zealand – 10 points if you can pronounce it!

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu is a hill near Porangahau in Hawke’s Bay on the North Island. You can go and climb the 305 metre hill for a lovely view over the town

 

3. Of New Zealand’s entire living po[CENSORED]tion, only 5% are human.

This makes New Zealand proud supporters of the highest human to animal ratio in the world! What a great place to see some wildlife.

 

4. New Zealand has more Scottish pipe bands per capita than Scotland itself

Head to Dunedin (named for the Gaelic name for Edinburgh) to see some of Scotland’s influence on New Zealand architecture and culture. You can even check out Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle!

 

5. Dubbed the ‘city of sails’ Auckland is home to the largest number of boats per capita in the world!

For all the sailing enthusiasts out there, this is the perfect place to head out for a twilight sail after a day of exploring the city!

 

 

6. Over one third of the entire country of New Zealand is made up of protected land and marine areas

It’s no wonder New Zealand is known for its incredible scenery when so much of the country has been carefully protected and preserved. A visit to some of the national parks is an absolute must!

 

7. If you fancy a beach holiday you’re never more than 128 kilometres from the coast in New Zealand!

A secondary beachy fact – 90 Mile Beach at the top of the North Island is only 90 kilometres long (55 miles). That’s still plenty of space for a whole lot of coastal fun!

 

8. Do you get nervous around animals of a slithery nature? New Zealand is for you, there are no snakes here. None!

Not only are there no snakes, there are also no native mammals (excluding the bat). Any mammals you see in New Zealand have been introduced over the years.

 

9. Famous New Zealander, Sir Edmund Hillary, was the first person to summit Everest along with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay.

There’s plenty of mountains in New Zealand to test your skills on, explore Mt Cook National Park for some outstanding walks and mountaineering opportunities.

 

10. New Zealand is home to more different species of penguin than anywhere else in the world.

There are loads of spots to spy these shy birds – head out on a wildlife tour to see the blue penguin, Fiordland crested penguin or the rare yellow-eyed penguin.