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