26 Reasons Why New Zealand Is The Best Country In The World

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1. The landscapes make you want to applaud. First and most importantly, it looks amazing. Douglas Adams probably sums up its appeal best in his book, 'Last Chance to See'. “Fjordland, a vast tract of mountainous terrain that occupies the south-west corner of South Island, is one of the most astounding pieces of land anywhere on God's earth, and one's first impulse, standing on a cliff top surveying it all, is simply to burst into spontaneous applause. It is magnificent.”

2/27 1. The landscapes make you want to applaud. First and most importantly, it looks amazing. Douglas Adams probably sums up its appeal best in his book, 'Last Chance to See'. “Fjordland, a vast tract of mountainous terrain that occupies the south-west corner of South Island, is one of the most astounding pieces of land anywhere on God's earth, and one's first impulse, standing on a cliff top surveying it all, is simply to burst into spontaneous applause. It is magnificent.”

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2. You can trek one of the world’s finest walks. About a century ago, an article appeared in the London Spectator, in which the poet Blanche Baughan described the Milford Track as “the finest walk in the world”. It’s still New Zealand’s best known walk today. It’s just over 33 miles long, and takes in the country’s highest waterfall, suspension bridges, mountains, valleys and spellbinding lakes.

3/27 2. You can trek one of the world’s finest walks. About a century ago, an article appeared in the London Spectator, in which the poet Blanche Baughan described the Milford Track as “the finest walk in the world”. It’s still New Zealand’s best known walk today. It’s just over 33 miles long, and takes in the country’s highest waterfall, suspension bridges, mountains, valleys and spellbinding lakes.

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3. We love its strong ties to Britain. There is something quite comforting about an island nation with a shared language, a reasonably temperate climate, a pride in its well kept gardens - oh, and with the Union Jack on both flags (for now, at least).

4/27 3. We love its strong ties to Britain. There is something quite comforting about an island nation with a shared language, a reasonably temperate climate, a pride in its well kept gardens - oh, and with the Union Jack on both flags (for now, at least).

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4. It’s home to the haka. The New Zealand All Blacks are one of the most extraordinarily successful sporting dynasties on the planet. And with an entrance like this, you can understand why.

5/27 4. It’s home to the haka. The New Zealand All Blacks are one of the most extraordinarily successful sporting dynasties on the planet. And with an entrance like this, you can understand why.

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5. It’s home to the extraordinary Kakapo. You probably will have seen the viral internet video of the Kakapo trying to mate with Mark Cawardine, the zoologist, as he filmed a series with Stephen Fry. It’s the world’s largest parrot, and possibly the longest living. This flightless parrot is one of the world’s rarest birds, with numbers now at a critically low level after introduced species such as cats and dogs.

6/27 5. It’s home to the extraordinary Kakapo. You probably will have seen the viral internet video of the Kakapo trying to mate with Mark Cawardine, the zoologist, as he filmed a series with Stephen Fry. It’s the world’s largest parrot, and possibly the longest living. This flightless parrot is one of the world’s rarest birds, with numbers now at a critically low level after introduced species such as cats and dogs.

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6. It doesn’t just have beaches - it has 90-mile beaches. Except the North Island’s 90-mile Beach is a slight misnomer at 55 miles. But you take the point. It’s known for its extraordinary sunsets, and left-hand surf breaks, making it a popular tourist destination.

7/27 6. It doesn’t just have beaches - it has 90-mile beaches. Except the North Island’s 90-mile Beach is a slight misnomer at 55 miles. But you take the point. It’s known for its extraordinary sunsets, and left-hand surf breaks, making it a popular tourist destination.

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7. You’re never far from the sea. Speaking of beaches, you’re never far from one in the land of the long white cloud. The furthest away you can get is about 80 miles from the sea. But a lake is likely to be nearby in case you are worried.

8/27 7. You’re never far from the sea. Speaking of beaches, you’re never far from one in the land of the long white cloud. The furthest away you can get is about 80 miles from the sea. But a lake is likely to be nearby in case you are worried.

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8. And how about this for a name? On the east coast of the North Island stands a hill. But its name will stop you - and your tongue - in its tracks. "Taumata whakatangi hangakoauau o tamatea turi pukakapiki maunga horo nuku pokai whenua kitanatahu". Apparently locals refer to it as Taumata Hill. Understandably.

9/27 8. And how about this for a name? On the east coast of the North Island stands a hill. But its name will stop you - and your tongue - in its tracks. "Taumata whakatangi hangakoauau o tamatea turi pukakapiki maunga horo nuku pokai whenua kitanatahu". Apparently locals refer to it as Taumata Hill. Understandably.

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9. The oldest tree was (probably) around before humans arrived. Mankind only landed on New Zealand’s shores a little more than a millennia ago. But some of the nations’ trees may well have been alive before them. The extraordinary Kauri tree can live to more than 1,000 years. They are also massive. Tane Mahuta is the country's largest with a huge 4.4 metres diameter.

10/27 9. The oldest tree was (probably) around before humans arrived. Mankind only landed on New Zealand’s shores a little more than a millennia ago. But some of the nations’ trees may well have been alive before them. The extraordinary Kauri tree can live to more than 1,000 years. They are also massive. Tane Mahuta is the country's largest with a huge 4.4 metres diameter.

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10. Magnificent Maori culture. The indigenous people of New Zealand arrived more than 1,000 years ago from Polynesia, and make up around 15 per cent of the country’s population. Auckland Museum and Wellington’s Te Papa Tongarewa offer insights into the great migrations and settlement in Aotearoa. Carving, weaving and tattooing are common Maori art forms, as are powerful physical performances combining waita (singing) and kapa haka (dance).

11/27 10. Magnificent Maori culture. The indigenous people of New Zealand arrived more than 1,000 years ago from Polynesia, and make up around 15 per cent of the country’s population. Auckland Museum and Wellington’s Te Papa Tongarewa offer insights into the great migrations and settlement in Aotearoa. Carving, weaving and tattooing are common Maori art forms, as are powerful physical performances combining waita (singing) and kapa haka (dance).

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11. It has a geyser you can set your watch by. Well, almost. Rotorua in particular is known for its spellbinding volcanic activity. Wai-o-tapu is the arguably the best of its sites, dotted by striking lakes with a mineral hue, as well as a geyser that erupts every morning, spurting out mud.

12/27 11. It has a geyser you can set your watch by. Well, almost. Rotorua in particular is known for its spellbinding volcanic activity. Wai-o-tapu is the arguably the best of its sites, dotted by striking lakes with a mineral hue, as well as a geyser that erupts every morning, spurting out mud.

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12. It doesn’t just have volcanoes. It has marine volcanoes. Actually just the one, but White Island is one of the ultimate stops on the country’s volcanic trail, where visitors have the opportunity to get up close to the inner crater of the country’s only marine volcano. Be warned. The boat journey over is not for the faint hearted (but you can go by helicopter).

13/27 12. It doesn’t just have volcanoes. It has marine volcanoes. Actually just the one, but White Island is one of the ultimate stops on the country’s volcanic trail, where visitors have the opportunity to get up close to the inner crater of the country’s only marine volcano. Be warned. The boat journey over is not for the faint hearted (but you can go by helicopter).

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13. You can sip cabernet sauvignons (and merlots) with a view. There are few finer feelings than sitting at a restaurant terrace enjoying fine food, watching the sun set behind the vineyard, with the light gleaming through a glass of cabernet sauvignon. Try dinner overlooking the vines in Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough, Central Otago and a variety of other wine regions.

14/27 13. You can sip cabernet sauvignons (and merlots) with a view. There are few finer feelings than sitting at a restaurant terrace enjoying fine food, watching the sun set behind the vineyard, with the light gleaming through a glass of cabernet sauvignon. Try dinner overlooking the vines in Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough, Central Otago and a variety of other wine regions.

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14. The Art Deco in Napier is among the world's best. Earthquakes in New Zealand have caused much damage and heartache. But one good thing has come out of the seismic activity: the extraordinary Art Deco architecture of Napier, which has the highest concentration of the genre in the southern hemisphere. The town was largely rebuilt after a massive 7.8 Richter earthquake in 1931.

15/27 14. The Art Deco in Napier is among the world's best. Earthquakes in New Zealand have caused much damage and heartache. But one good thing has come out of the seismic activity: the extraordinary Art Deco architecture of Napier, which has the highest concentration of the genre in the southern hemisphere. The town was largely rebuilt after a massive 7.8 Richter earthquake in 1931.

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15. The world’s most scenic railway? Taieri Gorge. Best train journey in the world? You decide. But it is certainly one of the most scenic, heading 50-miles into mountain scenery that is difficult to access otherwise. On a similar note, The TranzAlpine Rail Journey from Christchurch to Greymouth has actually been ranked among the ‘top six train journeys in the world’.

16/27 15. The world’s most scenic railway? Taieri Gorge. Best train journey in the world? You decide. But it is certainly one of the most scenic, heading 50-miles into mountain scenery that is difficult to access otherwise. On a similar note, The TranzAlpine Rail Journey from Christchurch to Greymouth has actually been ranked among the ‘top six train journeys in the world’.

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16. It’s the home of the bungee-jump. Or how about skydiving, snowboarding, mountain-biking, bungee-jumping and jet-boating all within a day? If the country isn’t the adventure capital of the world, then it must be close...

17/27 16. It’s the home of the bungee-jump. Or how about skydiving, snowboarding, mountain-biking, bungee-jumping and jet-boating all within a day? If the country isn’t the adventure capital of the world, then it must be close...

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17. Culinary flavours of Auckland. It may be one of the world’s most far flung big cities, but Auckland more than holds its own on the culinary front. Jenni Murray, recommends The Grove in St Patrick's Square, saying “I've eaten in some of London's best restaurants, but I don't think I've ever had a better meal than the one I had there: crayfish followed by a wonderful chocolate pudding.”

18/27 17. Culinary flavours of Auckland. It may be one of the world’s most far flung big cities, but Auckland more than holds its own on the culinary front. Jenni Murray, recommends The Grove in St Patrick's Square, saying “I've eaten in some of London's best restaurants, but I don't think I've ever had a better meal than the one I had there: crayfish followed by a wonderful chocolate pudding.”

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18. Its landscapes inspired Booker Prize winning literature. And it’s not where you might think. Kudos to Eleanor Catton, who used the old gold mining community around Hokitika on South Island as the setting for her Booker-Prize winning novel, 'The Luminaries'. You can still buy your own gold pan and try your luck.

19/27 18. Its landscapes inspired Booker Prize winning literature. And it’s not where you might think. Kudos to Eleanor Catton, who used the old gold mining community around Hokitika on South Island as the setting for her Booker-Prize winning novel, 'The Luminaries'. You can still buy your own gold pan and try your luck.

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19. It’s one of the ultimate places for cycling. The trails are getting better and better. Nga Haerenga – the New Zealand Cycle Trail is a nationwide network of paths covering about 2,500km. The Otago Rail Trail runs for around 100 miles from Clyde to Dunedin, through a spectacular backdrop of mountains, gorges and former gold mining towns. It is tackled by around 10,000 walkers, cyclists and horse riders each year.

20/27 19. It’s one of the ultimate places for cycling. The trails are getting better and better. Nga Haerenga – the New Zealand Cycle Trail is a nationwide network of paths covering about 2,500km. The Otago Rail Trail runs for around 100 miles from Clyde to Dunedin, through a spectacular backdrop of mountains, gorges and former gold mining towns. It is tackled by around 10,000 walkers, cyclists and horse riders each year.

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20. It really does look like Middle Earth. After filming the entirety of 'The Lord of the Rings in New Zealand', Peter Jackson said there would be no reason to look outside the country for film locations for 'The Hobbit' Trilogy as New Zealand already was "the perfect Middle-earth". After six films, he should know. The Hobbiton Movie set in Matamata has grown to become one of New Zealand’s most loved attractions.

21/27 20. It really does look like Middle Earth. After filming the entirety of 'The Lord of the Rings in New Zealand', Peter Jackson said there would be no reason to look outside the country for film locations for 'The Hobbit' Trilogy as New Zealand already was "the perfect Middle-earth". After six films, he should know. The Hobbiton Movie set in Matamata has grown to become one of New Zealand’s most loved attractions.

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21. It has beautiful gardens. There really are some glorious ones. Here’s what Tim Jepson, Telegraph writer says: "New Zealand, like Britain, is a nation of gardeners - with the gardens to prove it - and has a natural diversity and range of climate that allow a vast variety of plants, trees and shrubs to flourish." Oh, and the Hamilton Gardens has just won International Garden of the Year award.

22/27 21. It has beautiful gardens. There really are some glorious ones. Here’s what Tim Jepson, Telegraph writer says: "New Zealand, like Britain, is a nation of gardeners - with the gardens to prove it - and has a natural diversity and range of climate that allow a vast variety of plants, trees and shrubs to flourish." Oh, and the Hamilton Gardens has just won International Garden of the Year award.

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22. And one of the coolest capital cities. Little Wellington more than punches its weight in terms of its cultural and culinary scene. It’s in a beautiful setting too. Plenty of things to do on a rainy day (which comes in handy).

23/27 22. And one of the coolest capital cities. Little Wellington more than punches its weight in terms of its cultural and culinary scene. It’s in a beautiful setting too. Plenty of things to do on a rainy day (which comes in handy).

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23. You can see the mighty sperm whale. Sperm whales are wonderful leviathan residents off the South Island's shores. Kaikoura is the best known spot to watch them from. View them on a Whale Watch boat tour. Spot or even frolic with fur seals on Kaikoura’s Seal Swi or Kayak Tour.

24/27 23. You can see the mighty sperm whale. Sperm whales are wonderful leviathan residents off the South Island's shores. Kaikoura is the best known spot to watch them from. View them on a Whale Watch boat tour. Spot or even frolic with fur seals on Kaikoura’s Seal Swi or Kayak Tour.

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25/27 24. ... and fly over glaciers. In a land of dramatic glaciers and mountains, Franz Josef stands out. A helicopter ride is recommended.

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25. You can trace the conquerors of Everest. Follow in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary, without having to climb Everest. Mount Cook was where the first man to climb the world's highest peak did his training.

26/27 25. You can trace the conquerors of Everest. Follow in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary, without having to climb Everest. Mount Cook was where the first man to climb the world's highest peak did his training.

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26. And, finally... it also looks great from space. That's according to the singing astronaut, Chris Hadfield, who pinpointed the Marlborough wine-growing region as one of the most attractive areas on the planet while he was in orbit. Praise doesn't get much higher... quite literally.

27/27 26. And, finally... it also looks great from space. That's according to the singing astronaut, Chris Hadfield, who pinpointed the Marlborough wine-growing region as one of the most attractive areas on the planet while he was in orbit. Praise doesn't get much higher... quite literally.

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