Every culture has a legend. To the Māori, the creation of the two islands (North and South Island) in New Zealand sprung up through the action of the culture hero or a demigod called Maui, who is famous for his exploits and trickery.
North Island (Te Ika-a-Maui)
According to legend, Maui and his brothers where fishing from their canoe in the South Island when he caught a great fish and pulled it from the sea. While he was not looking, his brothers fought over the fish and chopped it up. This great fish became the North Island, which resulted in the Māori name for the North Island, Te Ika-a-Maui, which means "The Fish of Maui". The mountains and valleys are believed to have been formed as a result of Maui's brothers hacking at the fish.
Auckland Region
Auckland is the largest metropolitan area in New Zealand. It is called the "City of Sails"due to its marinas where you can find more sailboats per capita than anywhere else in the world.
Hamilton-Waikato Region
This is the fourth largest region in New Zealand (in both area and population). Otorohanga District is a municipality in the Waikato Region. It is the gateway to the famous Waitomo Caves (Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave). It is also home to the world famous Kiwi House and Native Bird Park. Here, you will also find Mangapohoe Natural Bridge and Reserve and Marokopa Falls.
Bay of Plenty
The name "Bay of Plenty" was originated during James Cook's exploration of New Zealand in 1769-70. The region contains numerous islands and active volcanoes. It has more than 75 square miles of lakes, known as the Lakes of Rotorua. The area is also one of New Zealand's sunniest and warmest regions. Here, you will find Hobbiton, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Huka Falls and Rotorua Museum.
Waikato Region-Taupo District
Taupo is the second-largest urban area in the Waikato Region. It is a tourist hub due to its panoramic view of Lake Taupo and the volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park. Many recreational activities are found here.
Whanganui Region
Whanganui Region takes up a large portion of the lower half of the North Island. Three rivers divide this region. The Whanganui River, the second longest river in the North Island, was once known as the Rhine of New Zealand. The Whanganui National Park is found here. The town, established in 1840 at the river mouth, is one of the oldest towns in New Zealand.
Wellington Region
The Wellington Region occupies the southern end of the North Island. Wellington is the capital city and political center of New Zealand. It is the wealthiest region in the country by a large margin. Wellington Harbor is the North Island port for the Cook Strait ferries to Picton in the South Island.
South Island (Te Waipounamu)
The South Island is the larger of the two main islands of New Zealand, but is far less populated than the North Island. It is bordered to north by the Cook Strait, to the west by the Tasman Sea, and the Pacific Ocean to the south and east. The first Europeans known to reach the South Island were the crew of the Dutchman Abel Tasman, a seafarer, explorer and merchant.
Marlborough Region
Marlborough Region is located on the northeast end of the South Island. It is known for its dry climate, the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds and world renowned wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay). Marlborough can also lay claim to two world-renowned scientists - William Pickering, a space scientist and Sir Ernest Rutherford, a physicist and Nobel Prize winner. In the village of Havelock, the "Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World" we ate the biggest mussels we have ever eaten.
Nelson Region
Nelson Region is located between Marlborough and the West Coast. It is the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park and Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa in the Nelson Lakes National Park.
West Coast Region
The West Coast is one of the most remote and sparsely populated areas of New Zealand. The scenic attractions in the area include the Haast Pass, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki and the Heaphy Track.
Queenstown - Otago Region
Queenstown is an international destination, and one of the busiest towns in New Zealand. With its natural surrounding beauty and adventures galore for outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline rush seekers, it earned the title of "Adventure Capital of the World".
Southland
Southland is New Zealand's southernmost region. It is one of the country's most sparesly populated areas. Here, you will find two national parks: Fiordland National Park and Rakiura National Park (offshore on Stewart Island).
Northern Otago Region-Waitaki District
Waitaki District was named after the braided Waitaki River, one of New Zealand's great rivers. Lindis Pass links Central Otago with the Waitaki Basin. Here, the Lindis Valley is the fruit basket of the South Island. The Lindis Conservation Area, one of the first tussock reserves in New Zealand, is also found here.
Canterbury Region-Banks Peninsula
The Canterbury Region is located in the central-eastern South Island. It encompasses a vast range of stunning landscapes. Christchurch, the seat of the region, is the South Island's largest city and the country's third largest urban area.
South Canterbury Region - Mackenzie District
The Mackenzie District is renowned for its clear skies and lack of air pollution. It is also widely known for its many large alpine lakes at the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin. It is the home of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, which has the highest mountain and the longest glaciers in the country.
Haka is a traditional Māori war cry, dance or challenge issued by these ancient New Zealand people.
Hiking/Tramping in Parks & Reserves
Link on photo:
Tramping the Tongariro Alpine Crossing - Tongariro National Park
Mangapohoe Natural Bridge & Reserve, Waikato
Tramping to Franz Josef Glacier
Tramping the Hooker Valley Track - Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Short Hikes in Queenstown - South Island
Tramping to Tasman Glacier Viewpoint - Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
