So far the tone of this blog has maybe been a tad negative and sarcastic, so It’s probably time to accentuate the positives for a minute.
The landscape of New Zealand is completely unlike Australia. It is often breathtaking beautiful, and also somewhat alien to an expat-Australian used to wide open, flat scenery.And this is also possibly why NZ is a popular destination for the baby-boomer crew looking for a nice safe coach tour.
The first thing that strikes you are the hills. They’re just different from anything in Australia, due to NZ being such an unstable, earthquake-prone, and volcanic landmass. As you can see above, there are juts of land that you can just tell have been violently pushed upwards, and results are dramatic.
Also, at times, you can really see why The Lord of the Rings was filmed here. It’s just like The Shire. And yes, Kiwis can remind you of Hobbits, but more on that in a later post.
New Zealand is in some ways a country of extremes, but in a different way to Australia. In Aus, there are bushfires and drought. In a way, NZ seems more exposed. There are earthquakes, volcanoes, but yet a wonderful fertile land from which the world’s most beautiful ewes are grown.
It doesn’t look like home, but I’m pleased to have lived here.
Chris Gin said
Interesting blog! Check out my website if you’re after some photos of Auckland.
Chris Bostock said
hey mate, it never ceases to amaze me how much aussie;s winge, you shouldn;t base your thoughts on a two day visit to auckland (jaffa country) hell get down to the country and join the real kiwi;s, even we take the piss out off jaffa;s. To all jaffa;s, I didn;t really mean that /// to all real kiwi;s, Take no notice of that last comment.
regards, Botch
Cher Aussie said
Great blog!!! Everyone just needs to get over themselves I think, Auckland was not my choice! Funny how negative Kiwis can be about Australia and it’s people but they do not like anyone speaking negatively about them.
JC said
Absolutely amazing photos!
Tom, Dick and Harry said
Go Home; we do not want you!!!!!
The Hobbits made a lot of money for New Zealand.
Pete said
Hi there! Just read your site after the ridiculous article on Stuff – can I just say on behalf of (bloody hell, I hope 98% of kiwis) – keep up the good work! I loved reading your descriptions about NZ – it is great seeing it through different eyes, and with a sense of humour…!
Can I say that I was also impressed that you noticed how sexy our sheep are. Sexiest in the world. I know – I have looked all over the globe. Although the Thai sheep can do some VERY sexy things with pingpong balls….
Pete said
PS – we did lengthen our shorts, but as hobbits we are often disadvantaged by heightists….
Dave said
They’re not just the most beautiful ewes ever grown, they must be the best roots too – I visited Christchurch back in 2006 and everybody was friendly and had a smile on their dial – and not just that ‘welcome to the South Island’ kind of smile, it was more like a ‘I just got back from the paddock after giving Dolly a jolly rogering’ kind of smile. Driving around the mountains of Sumner there were plenty of sheep running about on the road too – I always knew those Southerners liked their roots loose.
PS: I’m a Kiwi living in Un Zud by the way, so if you don’t like what I say you can go get fucked.
Jaedan said
Wow a positive review and no one comments!!
I’m glad you’re liking NZ and I hope you remain optimistic about it even with all the negative feedback, trust me most NZers are nice people and some are a bit PC but i enjoy your blogs and hope their here to stay