3 Things you didn’t know about New Zealand

New Zealand, a land of diverse landscapes, is famous for its natural beauty. It is also one of the youngest countries in the entire world. Humans settled in NZ (New Zealand) almost 800 years ago, which is way later than most other places.

Its Māori name is Aoetaroa which means ‘land of the long white cloud’. The cinematic geeks also call it ‘Hobbitland’ as it was a filming location for Hobbit movies, among many others.

NZ is surrounded by water and is known for its beaches. Despite its remote location and small size, it is one of the most modern and progressive nations in the world. Its major city Wellington is the world’s southernmost. A lot of innovations are under its belt, such as the famous sports bungee jumping and jogging. They also happen to have a knack for online slots.

Bet you didn’t know these amazing facts:

1) If you love counting sheep, then NZ is the place for you. No kidding, sheep outnumber humans there.  It is a sparsely populated country, and there are about six sheep for every person. Most people breed sheep for meat and wool, while some have them as pets. That doesn’t mean that it is rural and agricultural land. In fact, it is a technologically developed country. Did you know that a sheep’s wool keeps growing forever? 

2) NZ is home to the clearest natural freshwater lake in the world. Located in the Nelson Lake National Park on the South Island, it is named Rotomairewhenua or the Blue Lake. It is so crystal clear that the visibility ranges from 70 to 80 metres. Rotomairewhenua is a Māori term meaning ‘the land of peaceful waters’. 

3) NZ is home to 600 islands. Stewart Island is NZ’s third-largest and home to around 400 people. The National Parks constitute about 85% of this island, which makes for great scenic routes and hiking trails. As a nature lover, it is a great place to see stunning sunsets and also a chance to witness the Northern lights. Other famous islands are Waiheke Island, Tiritiri Matangi Island, Chatham Islands and much more.

Hope this info managed to keep your wanderlust alive. Now that you know what to expect from your next trip, it’s time to book those tickets and pack your luggage finally.

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