Not many people realize that New Zealand is the youngest country on earth. It was the last landmass of magnitude to be discovered. The history, both the Maori and the Western, can certainly be called rich and fascinating.
The Maori history in particular is impressive. Historical and culturally important places, of which many are hundreds of years old, are interspersed with the beautiful buildings from the colonial era. Everyone who walks around in a city or village in New Zealand can see what a culturally diverse and fascinating country this is today!
The history of New Zealand in short
The Maori culture in New Zealand originates primarily from Polynesian migration that began more than 700 years ago. The European-based history started about 500 years later. The New Zealand place names, art, architecture and basically everything that lives in the country has taken form and content through the dual history. Both Maori and European. It is an example of a successful melting pot where one culture complements and respects another.
Historically important places and cultural events can be found all over New Zealand, but there are certain locations and experiences that stand out: for example, the Treaty site in Waitangi where the most important, annually commemorated, treaty between Maori and Westerners was concluded.
Or the Goldfields in Otago where many places and buildings still recall the wealth that was acquired here by thousands of gold diggers. Or take the town of Napier. Which is definitely worth a visit. In 1931 it was almost completely destroyed by a huge earthquake and the special thing is that it was decided at the time to rebuild the whole town in the then popular Art Deco style. There are few other places on earth where almost all buildings are built in one particular style. Especially because the Art Deco style is very recognizable, it is highly recommended. Do not forget to visit the local museum where the history of Napier is extensively discussed.
Ask for tips
The New Zealand population is very friendly and helpful. Don’t try to suppress your curiosity, just ask random New Zealanders what you would like to know about local attractions, nature, culture, or whatever. You will find that in the end you will find out more this way than from any travel guide. Plus it’s a fantastic experience to exchange ideas with real New Zealanders!
Traveling and Camping in New Zealand
It is also recommended to make use of the many Freedom Campsites. These are free camping spots, often in very beautiful locations. This is a good counterpart to camping on commercial campsites. Wild camping is strictly forbidden in New Zealand, because people want to keep the beautiful nature beautiful, but “Freedom” camping is a great alternative. You will need a motorhome with a Self Contained certificate though. This means that the camper is equipped with a toilet and waste water holding tank. Within our range of rental motorhomes, we clearly show if a model meets these requirements and thus is self-contained.
When visiting New Zealand, try to plan the journey in broad lines. This gives you the opportunity to take every day how it comes. Especially when you have a habit of taking side roads. By asking yourself what certain signs refer to, and this could be everything, you will arrive at the nicest places to have lunch, spend the night or just enjoy! Who doesn’t want to have lunch on a completely deserted beach with a dazzling natural beauty in the background?
By giving yourself that kind of, often unplanned, experiences you will enjoy the country even more and you will remember the journey for years to come. And who knows, you might return multiple times as many of our TotallyCampers customers do!
For more tips about New Zealand, read on here. If you have specific questions, and we can help you choose a rental motorhome, please contact us.
