Tourism commodifying culture and traditions?

It is imperative to notice that commodifying of cultures and traditions due to tourism is a gradual process and do not happen overnight. Tourism has resulted in commodifying cultures and traditions in New Zealand. Firstly, tourism has, in a way, commercialised and modified the various performances and displays that are offered to mass tourism. This leads to the issue of authenticity of these performances. As these performances are the “front” stage, the real authenticity is the “back” stage. This means that, the local village “performs” for the tourists, and only after the performance they resume their real cultural activities (real authenticity).

It is a fact that tourism has lead to the creation of cultural manifestations just to satisfy the tourists’ consumption. It has transformed culture and traditions into a cultural product where such product will provide “authenticity” to the tourists, and “prove” that tourists actually visited the country. As evidently as it is, New Zealand has many retail shops that sell various Maori products such as their different weapons used traditionally. This is part of commodifying the cultures and traditions.

Personally, I think that tourism has given rise to different cultural villages in New Zealand, which is part of commodifying culture and tradition too. Tourists are demanding instant culture experiences in a short period of time, which may be the main reason why staged performances are carried out in these different cultural villages. These performances may be carried out yearly and it is sacred. However due to tourism, these daily performances have been shortened or tampered to suit the tourists demand. As a result, these “authentic” performances have changed the whole connotation and meaning of such practices.

Furthermore, the Maoris that are performing such rituals are paid for their effort. In this way, the Maori are presenting their culture for the sake of presenting, and not because it represents something significant to them. As mentioned that there are different crafts and souvenirs that are on sale, these items are more often than not, trivialized, and it does not represent the culture. For example, the traditional Maori weapons are too dangerous to be reproduce, thus, suppliers may have modified it and causing it to misrepresent the culture. As many tourists are buying these souvenirs, commodification of cultures and traditions is worsening.

The emergence of retail shops and different cultural villages boil down to two contributing tourism factors – Tourists demand and the National Tourism Organisation (NTO) in New Zealand. Tourism New Zealand is the NTO and it plays a significant role in shaping what the tourists want to see. When there is tourists demand for the Maori culture, the NTO creates activities to meet such demand. For example, these cultural villages and retail shops selling souvenirs are set up under the NTO so as to meet the consumption of tourists. NTO is highly influential in determining the commodification of cultures and traditions. After all, they are the one who has the final decision in tourism development. They will package and develop various tourists products in order to meet the demand, regardless of the different opportunity costs forgone (lost of culture, commidifcation).

One example of such cases can be seen in Singapore too. Singapore Tourism Board, in order to meet the cultural tourists demand, has reconstructed shop houses along the Malay Street(right). It has, in a way, commodify the culture and traditions of the place because shop owners that use to reside there had moved away. Instead, souvenir shops now operate in the shop houses today. Another cultural place that has been commodified is the Peranankan Museum. Shops beside the museum can be seen selling souvenirs and different Peranankan crafts. From these cases, we can see that the NTO of Singapore has commodified the Malay traditions and culture, in order to meet the various cultural tourists coming to Singapore.

In a nutshell, these two factors are subsidiaries of tourism, and that tourism is the main culprit in commodifying the traditions and cultures of New Zealand.

Reference: Images from Google Image

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Changes brought by tourism growth

Growth of tourism has brought about many changes to the country. One obvious impact can be seen in the change/ loss of indigenous identity and values (the Maori tribe). It is caused by the loss of authenticity (staged) and adaptation to tourist demands. As tourism has increased rapidly in New Zealand, increasing amount of international tourists are becoming attracted and interested in the Maori culture and traditions. Thus, in order to meet the demand, many places in New Zealand started to set up guided tours relating to the Maori culture. This can be seen in an organisation that conducts such tours. Culture North carries out different cultural tours such as the waka trail. Not only that, this organisation also boast about her being the most experienced Maori cultural tourism operator, showcasing real and authentic culture of the Maori.

In the Waka Trail(right), visitors will participate in a traditional welcome in one of the oldest Marae by the local Maori. As part of the tours organised, the Night Show showcase modern day descendants of Maori culture that will approach guest with an authentic welcome and re-enact the story of their forefathers with stunning audio and visual effects. Another example is the Mitai Maori Village. In this village, visitors will be immersed in the different cultural elements such as cultural performances, war canoe and the hangi meal. In Auckland museum, visitors just have to pay a price to enjoy the cultural performance too. From these examples, we can see that such staged authenticity is in place so as to meet the different demand of the tourists.

Traditional Maori Performance

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf2I1icer8A

There has been standardization where these cultural performances (above) are similar to one another. In this case, there has been a lost in the indigenous identity as such performances are carried out every night, losing the sacredness. Not only that, there has been commodification as well to the culture. There has been rise to the sale of souvenir of Maori items (right). For example, Maori weapons, carved Waka and masks are on sale in many of the retail shops. This means that the Maori culture expressions, traditions and beliefs are simplified into simple cultural items. Visitors can simply purchase the item and deem as understanding the Maori culture.

Such heritage commodification definitely results in a loss in the indigenous identity and values because it could be “represented” in souvenirs. Also, it can be seen where there has been erosion in the local dialect and language. As the second highest tourists arrival are from Europe (Tourism Satellite Account, 2010) where English is the common language, New Zealand has since adapted such as language and assisted in breaking down the language barrier (English is one of New Zealand’s official language). As English are use in most, if not all tourist destinations and attractions, this has caused the Maori language to struggle for survival even till this day (ABC News, 2010). As such, it is evident that growth of tourism has diminished the local language and may have brought in their own language, influencing the host community.

While on the other hand, it is undeniable that growth in tourism has bring about re-evaluation of culture and traditions of the Maori too. Tourism growth in New Zealand has encouraged the interest in conservation and sustainability of the Maori culture. Being the third highest percentage in tourism-characteristics industries (Tourism Satellite Account, 2010), cultural and recreational services are highly sought by international tourists. This has caught the attention of the government and has taken action so as to preserve the Maori culture. The efforts are relatively successful because the Maori population had increased 7.4% between 2001 and 2006 (Statistics New Zealand, 2006).

The government effort of encouraging interest in conservation and sustainability in the culture is prominent throughout the whole New Zealand. Also, as mentioned in the previous paragraph, the Maori language is on the verge of extinction. Thus, because of tourism growth in the industry, the government had realised the need of retaining the language, thus recognising the Maori language as New Zealand’s official language in 1987. Programmes such as the Kura Kaupapa Māori and Kōhanga Reo movement are introduced to recover the Maori language too.

With tourism growth, there has been an emergence of museums that displays on Maori lifestyles, culture and traditions. One excellent museum is the Far North Regional Museum where there is a comprehensive display of Maori carving styles and other art forms. Another museum is the Whangarei Museum (right), where it also, displays stunning Maori artefacts. Staged cultural performances in a way or so, has actually preserved the culture and traditions. Ignoring the authenticity element, at the very least the traditions is practiced daily to meet the tourists’ demand. As New Zealand is constantly developing, these traditions may be abandoned by the Maori people long ago. However, due to tourism growth, it has created a “force” to keep the tradition going.

Another change is that tourism growth has increase the number of facilities developed for tourism. One example is the upgrade of Queenstown Airport. This renovated and upgraded airport had open recently in 2007. Upgraded with a new arrival hall, cafe lounge and extensive landscaping definitely redefined the airport. Also, this upgrade is to curb with the increase in international travellers and flights coming into the airport. Well-known for her outdoor activities, many tourism facilities have emerged and that it revolves around this element.

Queenstown famous for its bungy jumping activities has developed many such facilities to meet the tourists demand. To name a few, the Shotover Canyon Swing is the world’s highest rope swing where one can jump off a cliff platform, reaching a speed of 150km per hour. The Bungee Rocket is another facility that satisfies tourists that wish to have an adrenaline rush. Other facilities developed for tourism include the various museum mentioned earlier. Below is a video on Shotover Canyon Swing.

Shotover Canyon Swing

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzYn_lUzzpk

It is obvious that these facilities that are developed will benefit the local residents as well. For example, the upgraded airport will provide New Zealanders a better transportation system and up-to-date facilities. This airport not only serves the international travellers, but at the same time serving domestic travellers, achieving the best of both world. While many of the outdoor activities facilities developed has provided fellow New Zealanders a place to spend over the weekends. These outdoor activities are great for family and the locals now get to enjoy it. Museums that are developed to provide knowledge to the tourists can be patronised by the locals too. As these museums showcases the Maori culture, local younger generation will learn more about New Zealand, and perhaps will trigger their interest towards their country’s culture and traditions. It also acts as an education platform for schools to carry out educational tours to enrich local youths about the Maori lifestyle, since most of the youth in New Zealand are influenced by the pop culture.

Another change is that tourism growth has brought about a force for peace. Since tourism requires travelling which brings people into contact with each other, there has been an increase in mutual sympathy and understanding between the Maori and tourists. The education elements in the museums and different cultural performances have allowed cultural exchange and understanding between people and cultures. The Maori people are often deemed as barbaric because of the various rituals they carried out.

One example is the Haka, where vigorous actions are displayed. Another example is the Hangi where this cooking method is deemed as unhygienic. It is due to these practices carried out by the Maori where people have misconception about them. Coupled with tattoo over their faces, there has been prejudice towards them. However, because of education element in tourism, tourists then understand these are ways of the Maori to express their cultural traditions. As such, there has been a reduction in prejudice towards them. We can clearly see that in the case of New Zealand, tourism has acted as a force for peace. While at the same time, tourism growth have also encouraged civic involvement and pride, where it has raised the local awareness of the financial value of natural and cultural sites. This can be seen where admission fees are collected at the different cultural museums and at various cultural performance.

One other change that resulted from tourism growth is perhaps the attitude of the host. According to the Doxey’s Irridex, New Zealand has moved from the euphoria stage to the apathy stage, where tourists are taken for granted, and that relationship between the host and guest are more formal. This also means that New Zealand is more prepared for the tourists. It can be seen where many infrastructures are developed for the tourist, and these are measures taken to prepare New Zealand for the voluminous amount of tourists. The behaviour of New Zealand has evolved to revitalisation stage where they preserve, display and boast cultural resources to tourists. In conclusion, tourism growth has brought about many changes to New Zealand, out of which some are negative and positive.

Reference: Images from Google Image, Doxey Irridex's table adapted from: http://www.iipt.org/conference/europe2008/web_resource/Final%20Presentations/Concurrent/3/B/Albert%20Postma%203B.pdf

Spotting "Disney"

Disneyization has four different dimensions – theming, hybrid consumption, merchandising and performing labour. This can be seen in New Zealand’s large shopping mall that includes the Westfield Riccarton, Sylvia Park Mall and The Palms. In these shopping malls, there are many aspects that represent Disney theme park. The shopping malls’ interior and exterior design is parallel to the environment of a theme park, where its ultimate purpose is to act as visible lures, to attract people into the mall. There is also absence of clock in the shopping malls to create an illusion of timelessness experience for shoppers, which falls under the category of theming.

Shopping malls in New Zealand, in particular, the Sylvia Park Mall, have theme music in different areas. This music is in place so as to provide ambience and enhance the overall shopping experience. Therefore, it in-lines with the view of using music within shopping mall being a type of audio merchandising, intended to make buyers feel better (Farrell, 2003, p.67). Sylvia Park Mall has provided the feeling where people will feel the “real world” is out of bounds to them as it is a different world when they are in the mall. Also, there is a Health and Home section in the mall, where climbing rock wall and abseiling activities can be found. These leisure facilities that complements with the section that sells outdoor merchandise. All these are part of associative theming, which is one of the dimensions in disneyization.

Another shopping mall is Westfield Albany Mall. This mall boasts about its Disney-like main street as their main feature. According to Westfield Development Executive Jo Duthie, “We’ve got High Street. . . we’ve got a nice big glazed, kind of open atrium looking area that is like an internal street – in a sense that it’s glazed and it’s in a controlled environment, but for all intents and purposes looks like you’re outside. We’ve then got a market place running through it as well.” As we can see in this mall, the theming concept has actually carried to shopping malls where buyers sometimes lose the mentality that they are in a manufactured simulation of a shopping district.

Northlands Shopping Centre has also underwent disneyization. The dimension that can be seen is the hybrid consumption. Under this dimension, forms of consumption associated with different institutional spheres become interlocked with each other and increasingly difficult to distinguish. In this shopping centre, there is a large mixture of “institutional spheres”, where it consists of cinema, arcades, retail stores, restaurants, supermarkets, salons and banks. This has created “all-in-one” experience for the shoppers. For example, a shopper who may have finished her grocery may make a trip to cinema to catch a movie or to the restaurant for dinner. This is similar to Disney, who have utilise this dimension by providing accommodations, food and beverages and rides.

Another dimension that can be spotted is the theming in Northlands Shopping Centre too. In this shopping centre, nature theme is implemented. The replicas of the natural environment that associate with the Canterbury Plains can be seen at the main entrance of the shopping centre. Within the shopping centre, there are also areas themed with natural stone and tussock grass elements. As we can see in this shopping centre, the Canterbury Plains theme is actually integrated into the shopping mall. There are also coins operated children rides available with different themes. It can come in form of miniature amusement type of ride or even push cart where shoppers can push their children around. These are effects of disneyization where shoppers identify the shopping centres according to different theme.

Another dimension, performative labour can be seen in Northlands Shopping Centre too. As to welcome Christmas, seasonal theming can be found within the mall, and there would be Santa Claus entertaining the shoppers. The Santa Claus will provide different entertainment such as balloon crafting and photo taking session with the shoppers. This year, the shopping centre will be including animated elves that move during the season. This shows that the frontline service work in Northlands Shopping centre is viewed as a performance, especially one in which the deliberate display of a certain mood is seen as part of the labour involved in service work. These are fake spontaneity where orchestrated emotions can be seen.

Theme parks in New Zealand have inevitably undergone disneyization too. One example is Rainbows End’s Theme Park. This theme park has acquired land that is familiar to Disneyland’s layout, where it has created an environment that actually shuts the “real world” from this park. Inside this theme park, there is minimal disruption from the outside world so as to allow maximum enjoyment of the visitors. Different rides and roller coaster are in place which has created a coherent picture with the theme and environment. Also, these rides’ designs are based primarily on the theme, rather than the thrill. It can be seen in two of the rides, Enchanted Forest Log Flume and the Castle Land(right), where its landscape, atmosphere and architecture of these attractions are designed to suit the theme. To add on, clothing objects are also seen in this theme park so as to complement with the theme.

The theme park characters include Rai and Bow(right), Rainbow Bird, Kitty Kool, Priscilla Fitzgerald Puss and Power Pup. This leads to another dimension of disneyization – Performative labour.These characters emit a high level of staged cheerfulness and friendliness to the visitors as part of the service encounter. Such characters have been viewed as a performance by others, for example, Kitty Kool and Priscilla Fitzgerald Puss, who will interact with the visitors by telling jokes or giving hugs. Rai and Bow are positioned as the mascots of the theme park where visitors can take photo with them. It is apparent that the theme park is “imitating” Disneyland where they have mascot such as Mickey. Perhaps another dimension, hybrid consumption can be seen in this theme park too. There are cafes and eateries that can be found in this theme park.

As seen from the map, it is almost impossible to get to Castle Land without walking pass Ice Cream Cafe, which may mean that the management is encouraging visitors to dine in the cafes. Even though hotels cannot be found in this theme park, there are chalets available for booking within this park. The Chalet Village, coupled with the different facilities such as El Dorabo and the conference room has formed a complete picture. Visitors can stay in the chalet, dine in the cafes and also visit the theme park, all carried out in the same environment. These are evidence of hybrid consumption found in Rainbow End’s Theme Park.

International Antarctic Centre Promo Video

Source:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNhx0K6PVaA

Another disneyfied place is the International Antarctic Centre. Being “Antarctic” themed, there is faint dimension of performative labour too. Attractions in this centre are designed and set up in regards to Antarctic environment. One example is the Snow and Ice Experience. In this attraction, ice cave and ice slope can be found, identical to Antarctica. Another attraction, the Antarctic Storm captivates visitors’ heart by providing an unforgettable experience of Antarctic storm stimulated by machinery. There will also be authentic Antarctic blizzard audio played at the same time. These attractions are designed and formulated to complement with the theme the centre is trying to create. Performative labour can be identified as there are different characters in this centre - Ice Queen and Ice King. They are viewed as a performance by visitors. Always having a friendly smile that seems to be “implanted” on their faces; it has perhaps, displayed elements of staged friendliness. They would interact with visitors and have photo taking session with them. Another dimension, hybrid consumption is identified in this attraction too. Cafes, bars, shops and different rides all can be found within this centre.

There are also functions room which can be differently themed such as husky greeting the guest. It is apparent that these different institutional spheres becoming interlocked where it is hard to differentiate them. Moreover, there are merchandising in this centre. Retail shops are selling souvenirs that are exclusive in the Antarctic Centre, and that these souvenirs bear the logo of this centre. For example, the school set of stationary have stickers that carry the Antarctic Centre logo, and different DVDs/ books can also be found with the logo on it. These products are made under license where visitors buy the product; they are seen by others that they have actually visited the centre.

Disneyization is also evident in the Puzzling World, found in Stuart Landsborough. Themed as modern style of puzzle, the various architecture of the attractions harmonize together with it. The obvious attraction is the Tumbling Tower, where the prominent Leaning Tower of Wanaka can be found. The Great Maze is the world’s first modern style maze that goes hand in hand with the theme, coupled with the Ames Room and Titled House, these attractions are designated to create an environment and theme that is unique. The merchandising is perhaps another dimension that can be found here. There are shops selling exclusive apparels and merchandise that can only be found in the Puzzling World. Examples are the stamp crew t-shirt that carries the logo of the place, iron-on badge and backward clock that bears the copyright logo as well.

Another disneynified attraction that can be found in New Zealand is Spookers Haunted Attraction Scream Park. This park is spooky themed, where the attractions and rides are structured to meet the theme. As mentioned before, the various rides that can be found in this park actually focus more on the theming over the thrill factor. The surrounding of this park is decorated to give the spooky feel too. Even the restaurant and pub located in the park complements with the theme(right), where food such as Beast Burger and Serpent Filets are served in order to provide a complete spooky environment. A few examples of the rides include the Haunted House, Freaky Forest and Disturbia. Various clothing objects can be found in this attraction, where at the same time perfomative labour dimension can be seen too. Actors will be dressed in “ghostly” like, where they will be scaring the visitors. In this case, their service of “scaring” is viewed as a performance, something out of the box as compared to other theme parks. Merchandise can also be seen in this park. Shirts with the Spookers logo are merchandised and promoted. These exclusive shirts are on sale where it is only manufactured under their license. When people are seen in these shirt, they will be recognised as “dare devil” who had visited the Spooky Scream Park.

The world renowned All Blacks rugby team from New Zealand has undergone disneyization as well, showing in the merchandizing dimension. As can be seen from their website, they are producing souvenirs that are manufactured originally from New Zealand. Such products are manufactured under licence. Just to name a few of the merchandise, jackets, jersey, caps, beanies and t-shirt. All of which these merchandise bears the copyright image and logo of All Blacks. Another observation of the country is the emergence of Hard Rock Cafe Restaurant, which is a themed restaurant. One of which is located in Beach Street, Queenstown. In this restaurant, diners will be immersing in audio and visual elements that harness together with the theme; the primary reason why the restaurant is famous and highly sought. In addition, themed pubs can also be seen in New Zealand. The Good Luck Bar, with an Orient themed, have different furniture and decorations to complement it. Lanterns, old wooden furniture and wine bottles that originate from the East can be seen as part of decorations. This theme is part of disneyization where it has created a faint feeling of “Shanghai” feeling.

Reference: Images from Google Image

What is the country famous for?

The Lord Of The Rings: Fellowship of the ring trailer

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pki6jbSbXIY

Besides the Maori people, New Zealand is well-known for her sumptuous landscapes too, which have provided many directors the perfect fantasy backdrop for filming. One excellent example is the movie, The Lord Of The Rings. This movie was shot at different locations in New Zealand, where many of the scenes are natural and spectacular. With regards of this movie, it has created a huge commotion about visitors’ desire to visit New Zealand. Some of the scenes used were the Tongariro National Park, the Southern Alps, Hobbiton (above) and the Otaki Totara Forest.

Also, whenever New Zealand is mentioned, the first image created in the mind is sheep. It is undeniable that New Zealand has actually more sheep than the total human population, where 12 sheep represents one New Zealander. There are more than 18 breeds of sheep in country now where Romney (right), is the main breed. In response to this, New Zealand is the world’s largest producer in stong wool, China coming behind after her. As mentioned earlier, wines produced from New Zealand are well-known throughout the world. With suitable temperate climate, professionals and high technology machineries, vineyards in New Zealand are of world-class standard. The “signature wine” of New Zealand is no doubt Sauvignon Blanc, boasting about its success as compared to any other places in the world. Also, the Oyster Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir in New Zealand had won gold at the 2007 San Francisco International Wine Competition. Some other common wines that can be found in New Zealand are Chardonnay and Shiraz.

As mentioned earlier, New Zealand is also famous for her outdoor activities because of her geographical location (Queenstown is famous for her adventure tourism destinations). Besides bungy jumping, the New Zealand national rugby union team (also known as All Blacks) is world renowned. The reason to this fame is partially because of the 17 winning streak that happenes in 1965 to 1970. All Blacks(right) have played a total of 424 tests, with a success rate of 74%, making it one of the “threats” to many other rugby teams in the world. Now, New Zealand is preparing for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and they are keen to claim back the championship title.

AllBlacks Haka

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdMCAV6Yd0Y

Kiwi is the national symbol of New Zealand, and many people around the world relate them together with New Zealand. Kiwis are flightless birds that are endemic to New Zealand. It is unique because it is the only survivor of an ancient order of birds. It tends to grow up till a size of a chicken and is characterised by its long slender bills. Kiwi is often related to the Maori people, as they believe that it is protected by the god of forest. Traditionally, the Maori people hunt Kiwi for their feathers to make ceremonial cloaks. However, they have stopped hunting for it; instead, they gather their feathers through Kiwi’s that died naturally. Politically, New Zealand is also well known for being the first country in the world to declare itself as nuclear free and the first country to give woman the rights to vote. In 1987 under the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament and Arms Control Acts, seas, lands and airspace were set up as nuclear free zone. New Zealand is a place where it is also well known for her politically stable government and uncorrupted officials.

Reference: Images from Google Image

Types of leisure programmes

Festivals

There are a wide range of festivals in New Zealand. One is the Allshorts Film Festival (right). This festival celebrates the country’s audio visual arts, where all are welcome to submit a short film of all genres. This festival is a great opportunity and platform for those who want to their work to be seen by many, and perhaps a chance to become the next successful director.

Another festival is the Auckland Arts Festival which celebrates its 4^th anniversary this year. This festival definitely provides world class entertainment such as dance, music, film, visual and theatre. Some of the famous dancers that are participating in the 2011 festival include Gregory Maqoma and Jerome Bel. The theatre also offers 10 different shows that are able to capture the heart of many. Below is an advertisement on the festival in 2011.

Auckland Arts Festival 2011

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFyVrhwFuDE

Famous for her food and wine, there are also various festivals that revolve around these two elements. Famous for her food and wine, there are many festivals dedicate to these two elements as well. Held in Martinborough Wine Village, Toast Martinborough (right) is a festival that celebrates the release of new vintage of wines. In this festival, one can hover around the different boutique vineyard and immerse themselves in the different fun entertainment that awaits them. Another food-related festival is the Tauranga Moana Seafood Festival. This festival allows family to enjoy the top-grade seafood delicacies, and at the same time taking part in the fish filleting and mussel opening competition. With various cooking demonstration designed for parents, children can also take part in treasure hunt and monster sandcastle competition as well. This festival is truly a place where family can develop better relationship.

The Hawke’s Bay Wine and Food Festival is a “must-not-miss” festival when travelling to New Zealand. The bay has produced world-class wines, and this festival is a platform to showcase these different wines. This festival brings exhibitors together for this event, and interested buyers can have a direct contact with them. Not only that, workshops about matching wine and food to seafood cooking is offered to capture the hearts of many. Top New Zealander performers will also be there to provide entertainment.

The longest running wine festival in New Zealand is the Marlborough Wine Festival. Held in Monata Brancott Estate, it has created excellent reputation in producing world-class wines. This festival will definitely engage you as it provide wine tutorials and give you a chance to enter the “fashion in the vines” too. With its beautiful setting, this event is no wonder, the longest running wine festival. Catch a glimpse of what is expected at this festival in the video below.

Marlborough Wine Festvial

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW_ZyxmbAAs

Events

One of the events that are highly sought by international tourists is the 7in7 Challenge event. As from the name, this event last for seven days where runners will run in New Zealand’s picturesque and scenic landscape such as the Glendu Bay and Lake Wakatipu. Runners and spectators will be able to witness the different landforms of New Zealand including icy rivers and valleys.

Held during summer, the Annual Auckland Dragon Boat Regatta is another spectacular event. Holding it for the 26^th time last year, this event is opened to everyone where all including corporate teams can compete for the prestige title. This event will enhance work dynamics of the team, and also foster company pride and team spirit as well.

Also in summer, the Waitangi day is another event that is celebrated by all New Zealanders. This event commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Being a national holiday, various celebrations all over New Zealand can be seen during this day. Traditionally, the Maori will have cultural performances which include music, dance and other entertainment. The official celebration of this day is at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands. The New Zealand International Grand Prix is another sports event. It is a motor racing event that has been held since 1950. Although with the emergence of Formula One, this Grand Prix is still prestige in many people’s eye. Click on this link to find out more about the Grand Prix - http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/new-zealand-grand-prix-1961

Sports

New Zealand’s national sport is Rugby, which will be touch on later. New Zealand is renowned for her outdoor sports. Just to mention a few, mountaineering, river rafting, canoeing, kayaking, zorbing and scuba diving. First-class climbing areas can be found in New Zealand such as Mount Egmont and Mount Ruapehu. There are park field centres in each of these area equipped with relevant information such as weather forecast. Mountains such as Mount Cook are famous with experienced climbers. Climbing seasons in New Zealand are from November to April, while the current trend is more people attempting winter climbing because of the challenge it sets.

River rafting is another famous sport in New Zealand. Rivers in New Zealand offers a wide range of mixed pleasure – from peaceful drifting to strong current wasting the raft away. It is a paradise for rafters, especially River Wairoa. This river meanders down from Kaimai Range to the ocean near Tauranga. Some highlights of this river include the “Waterfall” and “Rollarcoaster” (King, 2000). The most popular rivers for rafting are Kawarau and Shotover Rivers near Queenstown. Some of the basic equipments needed are life jackets and crash hats, depending on the level of grade of the rivers where higher graded rivers requires advance rafting equipment.

Below is a video on river rafting.

River rafting

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rftaCZvz908

Blessed with crystal-clear-water lakes, New Zealand is often called an angler’s paradise. Well known for her fishing activities, New Zealand has boundless fishing spots. In the North Island, rainbow trout are as common as pigeons, while for the south island is it not uncommon to find brown trout. Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake has offers fine fishing location. For fishers who are interested, it is encouraged to bring their own fishing gear – fishing tackle and waders. With response to fishing, the big-game fishing is a popular sport that runs from Cape Runaway to North Cape. Many international fishers will participate in hope to win the trophy. Some of the main game fish includes tuna, yellowtail and kingfish.

Scuba diving in RikoRiko Cave, New Zealand

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ1VRB1-lN0

Scuba diving is an excellent sport in New Zealand too. Blessed with rich marine ecosystem, coral reefs, sponges and fishes can be found underwater. The wealth of the ecosystem is breathtaking and exhilarating. When the weather is suitable, visibility underwater is about 9 to 12 meters (King, 2000). There are more than hundred different scuba diving sides, while some famous diving spot are the Bay of Islands, Cook Strait and Milford Sound. It is recommended that diving should be carried out during between January and April where conditions are ideal. New Zealanders are water people – Sailing is the sport embarked by many of them. Auckland is also known as “The City of Sails” because many people living there owns a yacht or boat, and a trip round the coastline of this country is truly breathtaking.

Bungy jumping is another adventurous sport. One will jump off a high bridge for a freefall, with some stopping just before you hit the water, or submerged in the water momentarily. The famous Bungy jumping operators can be found in both Queenstown and Auckland. Below is a video about bungy jumping in New Zealand.

AJ Hackett Bungy Jump

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fft4j_q4DMQ&feature=player_embedded