|  | | | | | |
|
 New Zealand (NZ) was playing with everyone else in the great splashpool of life some 100 million years ago when she got swept out of sight by a current. It wasn’t until 1000 AD that someone found her. Since then, thanks to her heavenly beauty, laid back persona, and sense of fun, she has never been alone, dating at present some 3 million people and 45 million sheep.
Her first admirer, the Maoris, left warm Tahiti for chilly NZ in 1000AD, overcoming a brief period of teething trouble to establish a thriving tribal culture. When James Cook put the first bootprint on NZ soil in 1769, however, the Maoris’ secret was out; Brits and Aussies soon arrived in their droves. The controversial Treaty of Waitanga of 1840, ‘agreed to’ by 500 Maori chiefs, added NZ to Britain’s global monopoly set. Rendered landless by a series of dodgy deals, Maori disenchantment with the new landlord soon manifested itself in violence; tensions run deep to this day. The discovery of gold (1850s) and a series of pioneering social reforms (1867) saw NZ enter the twentieth century as Britain’s Mayfair.
NZ divorced Britain (amicably) in 1947. These days NZ is thriving on one hand by agriculture (mainly lamb), and on the other by tourism. The North Island, with its rash of purulent volcanoes, hot springs, geysers and fast heart (Auckland) attracts much interest. The South Island (whilst a little bradycardic herself) has ways to get your heart racing: summits worth scrambling to, rivers worth rafting along, skies worth soaring to, bridges worth bungeeing from and if you get through all that, wine that’s worth the wait. Be it a brief affair or a long-term relationship, NZ is well worth it. For the ride of your life, take your ticket and join the queue. (Disclaimer: this particular ride is unsuitable for those of a nervous disposition). |
 | |
| |
| |
