BEST:
Niche-scale produce: Micro-brewed beer, local wine, textiles and honey
We have the landscape, the craft and the love for making quality. Drawing upon our grass roots' culture, we as New Zealanders, love to make stuff - and we have a beautiful country full of rich sustainable resources to do so. Usually starting in a garage, or a hobby farm, or from one's bedroom, many New Zealanders have put their practical understanding of craft to use to express their unique and quirky spin on life. We have absolutely amazing boutique micro-brewed beers in an abundance. A well deserved beer after a hard day's work is a must do in New Zealand, especially given the climate somedays. Whatever the flavour, the history, the story, the type of beer you're looking for, we have it - and best of all, it is brewed out of love. Check out some of the wonderful beers on offer in the link included below. The best thing about drinking beer in New Zealand, is the view! Our wine is just as amazing and unique. The soils here are rich in minerals from our mountainous valleys and once again, the love of the craft, especially when told it can't be done, really tops off our wines on offer.
Being a farming nation with a quirky twist, we have fantastic textiles on offer. The cold winters have offered us the opportunity to appreciate the value of a warm piece of clothing, without sparing a thought for comfort and style. We have merino wool from the angora goats that roam the mountainous ranges, alpaca fibers, sheep's wool and even possum fur - which doubles as natural pest eradication for our native birds.
I couldn't mention New Zealand products without mentioning the beautiful and diverse honey in New Zealand. Our lush and unspoiled native forests provide a perfect place for foraging bees to gather their succulent nectar. We have manuka, rata, clover and wild thyme honeys to name a few.
If you ever come to New Zealand, it is a must that you enjoy a hard day traveling experiencing the rawness of our land, whilst wearing garments that keep you warm and comfortable and in tune with your tastes, followed with a nice cool beer or local wine. Buy some honey, or even better, visit a local apiary and experience the joy of a beehive (trust me, it is incredible so don't freak out, instead enjoy the sounds of bees buzzing around your head - and wear a bee suit!) and enjoy the most purest taste of nature.
- Beer
http://www.beerfestival.co.nz/drink
http://brewersguild.org.nz/
http://www.realbeer.co.nz/
- Wine
http://www.nzwine.com/
http://www.peregrinewines.co.nz/
http://twopaddocks.com/
- Textiles
http://www.nzmerino.co.nz/
http://www.textilesnz.org.nz/sitedocs/home/index.aspx
http://www.possumnz.com/
http://www.alpaca.org.nz/
- Honey
http://www.newzealandhoneyco.com/
- good video on here showing places where honey is gathered.
http://www.honeynz.co.nz/
http://www.airborne.co.nz/index.shtml
Landscape, diversity and abundance of space
The New Zealand landscape is diverse! Mountains; valleys; hills; fields; cities built in the hills or on the flats; beaches and rocky coasts; native forests; and botanic gardens -you name it and we have it. The best thing about the landscape and beauty of our natural environment is the abundance of space, or lack of people. We have 268,021 km2 to roam around in, with only a population of roughly 4.5 million people. Enjoy such a rarity while it lasts. I have lost count of how many travelers I have met (having worked in tourism in Milford Sound) that fall in love with New Zealand and want to make this place their home because of this rare blend of nature, people and abundance. It really is a place where you can make your dreams happen, regardless of what your dreams may be.
Music for every occasion
The music in New Zealand is as beautiful as the sound of the native birds that sing their chorus fresh from the forest every morning. Whatever the occasion, we have music custom-made to suit your flavour or mood. When in New Zealand, you should really listen to New Zealand music, as it will compliment the area or culture that you are experiencing. Whether it be soulful and rich vocals; uplifting drum beats; a story of the nation's heritage; the sound of the nature translated by someone who knows our nature; or something that just sits in the background as a subtle mood to enjoy - we have it all. Below I have added some links to some of my personal Kiwi favorites, I am absolutely sure I have missed at least a hundred great kiwi musicians in that lineup, but please, make that your mission here to find some more great kiwi music to enjoy whilst here. Go to a festival or a local music gig and you will have your socks blown off! May you enjoy the sweet sounds of New Zealand, the birds and the people sharing their love for this land.
- New Zealand Musicians
http://www.fatfreddysdrop.com/ : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGfsf-d1aDc
http://www.theblackseeds.com/hifi.html : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDyUcmoIkl0
http://www.shapeshifter.co.nz/ : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHnMcRUQP7U
http://trinityroots.co.nz/ : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7Hr6fl7zoI
http://www.myspace.com/fmpretties : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcbjVOyJQSs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvrK0qj_P84
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fUcHhrpgyo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9gKyRmic20
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0pWejAnLUQ
- New Zealand Festivals
http://www.rippon.co.nz/events/rippon_music_festival
http://rhythmandvines.co.nz/
http://www.ladeda.co.nz/
http://www.splore.net/
http://www.christchurchmusic.org.nz/events/luminate-festival
http://www.prana.co.nz/Festivals/festivals.htm
WORST:
Internet
One of the downsides to having a small population is the lack of competitive business (this may be a place you could help us!?). This subject will be the core of both my worst traits about New Zealand.
Our internet prices are somewhat discouraging, compared to the amount of bandwidth we receive, and comparatively to what our neighbours receive for the same price. We really need more competition in this area of business. Unfortunately, expect to be charged a relatively higher price for internet than you would in your own country. We need a stronger voice and better vision in this key area of infrastructure - maybe that is you?!
Public transport and domestic flights
Another key area lacking in New Zealand is, unfortunately, our lack of competitive public transport and options. Domestic flights can be ridiculously expensive, unless you get on www.grabaseat.co.nz and get a good one-off deal. I would recommend getting a rental while you are here -- not only will you see the country at your own pace, you will also get free accommodation if it is a rental van, and you will get to stop at all the little towns on the way. Walking, if you are staying in an urban area, is great, as most areas are in close proximity within these areas. If you are looking at traveling longer distances though, I really recommend private rentals as the way to go.
Transport options
www.grabaseat.co.nz
www.houseoftravel.co.nz
http://www.wicked-campers.co.nz/
http://www.escaperentals.co.nz/
