Aotearoa is New Zealand’s Maori name, meaning the land of the long white cloud. It is likely that early Maori ocean explorers searching for new lands to settle gave the islands this name as cloud signified the presence of land in the distance.
Here are some things that Aotearoa is famous for, and where in the country to find them, including some interesting facts about New Zealand.
1. Sheep
New Zealand is home for 29 millions sheeps and around 4.6 millions people. That's equal to 6 sheeps per person and the reason why for many sheep jokes made about New Zealanders.
There are sheep farms all over New Zealand, but the South Island, with its drier, more rugged landscapes, high-country stations is rich sheep farming history. Mackenzie Basin, named after a rogue Scottish Shepard who herded stolen sheep in the 1850’s, Mackenzie Country is known for its merino sheep and wool industry.
Several sheep farms in the area welcome tourists to enjoy an authentic farming experience amid in this spectacular setting.
2. Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is produced by bees foraging on the flowers of the Manuka tree, a very special tree that only grows in New Zealand. Researchers and doctors a have found that Manuka honey has bioactive healing properties. It has been found to be effective at boosting the body’s immune system, healing wounds, treating skin infections, sore throats and digestive problems among other things. Some celebrities attribute their great complexions to manuka honey.
You can stock up on Manuka honey anywhere in New Zealand, it can be found in supermarkets, health stores and tourist shops.
In the North Island, three honey farms offering tours and education. These are in Tauranga, Taupo and Warkworth (1 hour or less drive from Auckland).
3. Lord of the Rings
New Zealand has become known as “Middle Earth” since the release of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” movie trilogies. The diverse and spectacular scenery that provided the backdrop for these epic films attracts visitors from across the globe to take in the sites for themselves.
Hobbiton in Matamata (pictured) is a highlight and is the only movie set that is still intact, but there is scenery from the films all over the country. See our post on a New Zealand itinerary for movie fans to discover more of the filming locations.
4. Haka
Haka is a traditional war dance or challenge that is an integral part of Maori culture. Haka was originally performed before a battle to intimidate the enemy and is also used as part of welcome ceremonies and other special events. If you’ve ever watched an All Blacks game, you’ll know what haka looks like.
The best place to experience Haka is in Rotorua, the Maori cultural centre of New Zealand. Rotorua is New Zealand’s first bilingual city, with many residents speaking both New Zealand’s official languages (English and Te Reo Maori). Here you can attend a cultural show, and even learn the basics of Maori performing arts.
5. Wine
New Zealand boasts over 10 wine regions and various sub-regions spread mostly around the eastern coastlines of both the North and South Islands. Each region has its distinct soils and climatic conditions which create a diverse range of New Zealand wines for tasters to sample.
New Zealand is most famous for it’s Sauvignon Blanc and more recently it’s Pinot Noir. New Zealand wines are world renowned, and almost 90% of wine produced in New Zealand is exported.
Marlborough, Martinborough and Hawks Bay are perhaps the most famous wine regions in the country, other prominent wine producing regions include Northland, Auckland, Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Wairarapa, Nelson, Canterbury/Waipara and Central Otago.
6. Kiwifruit
Another fact about New Zealand is that if you tell a New Zealander that you like to eat kiwi you are saying that you eat the endangered flightless bird that is the country’s icon. This will not be taken well as New Zealanders (also known as Kiwis) are protective of their national bird.
New Zealanders call the fruit “kiwi fruit”, and in fact, kiwi birds and kiwifruit are similar in appearance; roundish, brown and fuzzy.
The kiwifruit is one of New Zealand’s major horticultural exports. The kiwifruit originated from China and was developed into a commercial product by New Zealand orchardists who began exporting the fruit to the world in the 1950's.
The Bay of Plenty is Kiwi fruit country and is the best place to take a tour of a Kiwifruit farm.
7. Rugby
The All Blacks have made New Zealand famous for Rugby and Kiwi’s are passionate about the game. Rugby is a fact of New Zealand life and is played at all levels, from primary school to international.
The best way to get a taste of the New Zealand rugby spirit while you’re in Aotearoa is to go to a rugby game and experience the exciting atmosphere of the grandstand. You’ll need to visit the websites of the All Blacks, the New Zealand Rugby Union and New Zealand Rugby League to check out game dates.
If you can’t make it to a stadium to watch a game head to a pub or sports bar showing a game, there is bound to be a great atmosphere, and it’s a great way to soak up some Kiwi culture.
Another way to absorb some New Zealand rugby spirit is by walking on the turf of one of New Zealand’s iconic stadiums. Tours can be organised by contacting stadiums directly.
Also, check out the Rugby Museum in Palmerston North.
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