North Island, New Zealand
Introduction:
North Island is one of two islands of New Zealand and is well known for its volcanic activity, national parks and culturally diverse cities. North Island is a must thing to do for any adrenaline junkie seeking scenic adventures. Which is my reasoning for choosing New Zealand to research since it is actually number two on my top ten countries I HAVE to explore before I hit that big three O. This gorgeous country is not only literally a breath of fresh air but also an endless adventure of fun. So sit back, relax, maybe have a drink in hand and let me take you to a trip to the beautiful North Island of New Zealand
Throwback :
Many places in Northland hold historic significance. The birthplace of New Zealand, Waitangi is home to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840. Northland is thought to be the first part of New Zealand to be discovered and walked upon by the early Maori settlers. Later European settlers began to arrive and colonize the land. A treaty between the Maori and the Europeans was signed some years later in Waitangi, and Northland became known as the ‘birthplace of a nation’.
In 1769 Captain Cook discovered New Zealand. Once news of the discovery reached Britain, traders, whalers and sealers began to arrive. The English navigator Captain James Cook sighted New Zealand on October 6th 1769, and landed at Poverty Bay two days later. He drew detailed and accurate maps of the country, and wrote about the Māori people. His first encounter with Māori was not successful. A fight broke out in which some Māori were killed. However, after this Cook and his men had friendly contact with Māori. On two later voyages, Captain Cook used New Zealand as a base to prove that a great southern continent did not exist in the Pacific.
In 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was drawn up and signed by representatives of the Crown and representatives of the Maori iwi and hapu. At the Treaty House in Waitangi, Maori and European leaders signed the Treaty of Waitangi on 6th February, 1840. It was also signed in other locations around the country in the following months, but is known as the Treaty of Waitangi because it was first signed there. The treaty was an exchange of promises and still serves as the founding document for the nation of New Zealand.
Go Explore:
Fun never ends when your in New Zealand, from traveling through the Bay of Islands to visiting the ancient volcanoes like Tongariro.
Northland has two coastlines — the west coast is rugged while the east coast is generally more sophisticated and urban. In the beautiful Bay of Islands you can take a boat cruise, swim with dolphins, dive, fish or just relax in the sun! Also make sure to visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of New Zealand’s most significant historic sites.
On the west coast you’ll encounter Tane Mahuta, the biggest kauri tree in existence. Then venture north to Hokianga Harbour and Ninety-Mile Beach, this consists of areas with huge white sand dunes with many laid back beach communities.
Now picture this, an urban environment where everyone lives just half an hour away from beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen of islands. Not only just that but also a sunny climate, Polynesian culture and a passion for incredible food, wine and shopping, and then you start to get the picture of Auckland, which is the largest and most diverse city in New Zealand. Auckland is a whole region full of things to see and do. Best of all, with so many experiences close by it’s easy to hop from one adventure to the next.
Auckland’s diverse landscapes provide endless amount of opportunities to be one with nature. In the west, the rainforest plunges down the hills to meet the sea on black sand beaches. To the north the rolling hills of wine country meet gorgeous coastlines and in the south you’ll find picturesque country gardens, forests and tranquil bays to explore. New Zealand’s Auckland region is lined with 48 volcanic cones, which provide spectacular views of the city and harbor. Many are surrounded by lush parkland, making them perfect picnic spots. Rangitoto Island, just a 25-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, is the region’s most iconic volcano and a favorite day trip destination for visitors, hikers and bird watchers.
What Should I Say?
Cook Strait separates the North and South Islands, with three quarters of the population living in the North Island. New Zealand has three official languages: Māori, English and New Zealand Sign Language. English is the most commonly spoken language.
The Māori language evolved in Aotearoa over several hundred years. There were regional variations that probably widened because local populations were pretty isolated. These variations had their origins in the fact that the ancestors of modern Māori came by canoe from different villages and islands in eastern Polynesia. Māori had no written language, but the symbolic meanings embodied in carving, knots and weaving were widely understood. As more settlers arrived, the need for written communication in Māori grew. Missionaries made the first attempts to write down the Māori language as early as 1814. Missionaries of the 1820s reported how Māori all over the country taught each other to read and write, using materials such as charcoal and leaves, carved wood or the cured skins of introduced animals when there was no paper available.
One of the things many people find difficult when they visit New Zealand is understanding the accent and pronunciation of the locals. English is the universally spoken language. However, New Zealanders have a unique accent that can be challenging to those who aren’t familiar with it. Phonologically New Zealand English has the same 20-vowel phoneme system as British Received Pronunciation , but the New Zealand phonemes are realized differently from British Received Pronunciation.
Here are some guidelines on understanding the accent and pronunciation of specific words and phrases.
- The letter ‘o’ can sometimes sound like ‘oi’. For instance, ‘hello’ can sound like ‘helloi’ and “I know’ sound like “I noi”.
- The letter ‘e’ can sound very broad. “Yes” can sound like “yeees” and “again” can sound like “ageen”.
- On the other hand, the letter “e” can often sound like an “i”.
- The letter “i” can sound like “u” (as in cup). For example, “fish and chips” can sound like “fush and chups”.
There is little difference in use of expressions in the North or the South Island. However, they seem to be in more common used the further away you get from the cities.
Here are some of the most common expressions and slang terms you will hear in New Zealand and their meanings:
“Cark it”: To die (as in “the car carked it”).
“Choice!”: Great or really good, as in “that’s choice!.
“Cracker”: Great. For example, “What a cracker of a day”.
“Crikey!” or “Crikey dick!”: Wow! Can express surprise and shock.
“Get off the grass”: Go away or calm down. Usually said somewhat playfully or affectionately.
“G’day mate” A greeting. Short for “good day, mate”.
“Good on ya!”: Well done. Often said with the word “mate” added at the end: “Good on ya, mate!”.
“Bro” is short for “brother’ and this expression is often used by Maoris or Pacific Islanders.
“I’ll have your guts for garters”: You are in trouble. I’ll go after you. Not usually said in an overly threatening way, it can have a hint of playful humor attached.
“In the wops”: Somewhere remote. Someone could be living “out in the wops”. Also called the “wop-wops”.
“Like a box of fluffy ducks”: Happy.
“On the pig’s back”: Successful or good. “We’re on the pig’s back”.
“Piker”: Someone who gives up when things get tough; a coward.
“Smoko”: Tea break (usually from work). It obviously makes reference to having a cigarette during the break.
“Takeaway”: Takeout or food-to-go.
“We’re home and hosed”: We’re successful and/or safe. Similar to “on the pig’s back”.
“What a dagg”: What a laugh. Can refer to a quirky person or situation.
Final Thoughts:
Well here we are at the end of your trip through the North Island of New Zealand. I did my best to inform you and prepare you for the real thing. So don’t hesitate to make New Zealand one of your top ten must see countries! This beautiful place will one hundred percent not let you down or ever leave you bored. I’ll even leave you with this link and go ahead and get a jump start on planning this unforgettable trip.
