Discover New Zealand from Home

Being in social isolation doesn’t stop us dreaming of all the places we’d like to visit; in fact, we have even more time to daydream. Escape on a virtual vacation to bring a little piece of New Zealand to your living room.

The Magic of New Zealand

New Zealand can feel like a fantasy for travelers. This is partly due to the lush storybook landscapes, which have famously served as Middle Earth for the film adaptations of The Lord of the Rings. The country has an air of magic you can feel in its charming, laid-back cities, among otherworldly natural wonders, unique wildlife, and as you immerse yourself in Māori culture. Here’s your guide to experiencing the Land of the Long White Cloud from home.

New Zealand Cinema

New Zealand has produced a unique blend of horror-comedy films that are both hilarious and engaging. Here are some recommended titles:

• Horror-Comedy:
  
  What We Do In The Shadows (2014) – A mockumentary about vampire roommates in Wellington.
  Bad Taste (1987) – Aliens invade a fictional NZ town.
  Turbo Kid (2015) – A comic book fan faces a tyrannical overlord.
• Comedy:
  
  Eagle vs Shark (2007) – A shy songwriter’s journey to her crush’s hometown.
  Pork Pie (2017) – A road trip comedy adapted from a classic.
  Samoan Wedding (2006) – Four young Samoan boys face hilarious challenges.
• Māori Dramas:
  
  Whale Rider (2002) – A Māori girl aspires to lead her tribe.
  Once Were Warriors (1994) – A moving portrayal of urban Māori family struggles.
  Boy (2010) – A coming-of-age story set in 1984.

Exploring Māori Literature

Māori literature showcases the rich culture of New Zealand. Here are some must-read titles:

• Modern Maori Literature:
  
  Potiki – Patricia Grace – A community’s fight to protect their land.
  The Bone People – Keri Hulme – The solitude of a part-Māori woman is explored.
  Pounamu, Pounamu – Witi Ihimaera – Short stories examining New Zealand through a Māori lens.
• Historical Reads:
  
  Plumb – Maurice Gee – A trilogy about a Kiwi clergyman.
  The Luminaries – Eleanor Catton – A miner’s journey through a web of cover-ups.
  Faces in the Water – Janet Frame – A fictional insight into mental health institutions in NZ.

Learn Māori Language

Understanding the Māori language enhances your experience of New Zealand. Familiarize yourself with common phrases:

• Aotearoa: New Zealand (Literally, ‘long white cloud’)
• Kia ora: “health”, used as a greeting
• Moana: sea
• Maunga: mountain
• Ae: yes
• Kao: no
• Te reo: The language, refers to the Māori language

Culinary Delights of New Zealand

One highlight of Kiwi cuisine is the array of delicious sweets and baked goods. A particular favorite is hokey pokey (known elsewhere as honeycomb), perfect on its own, dipped in chocolate, or sprinkled over vanilla ice cream.

New Zealand’s climate is also ideal for creating exquisite white wines, perfect for a refreshing New Zealander sangria loaded with tangerine and kiwifruit.

Virtual Tours

• Hobbiton
• Te Papa Museum of New Zealand
• Milford Sound
• Moeraki Boulders
• Blue Pools Track

New Zealand Shops for International Shipping

Do some online browsing with these New Zealand shops that ship internationally (note that there may be some delays or restrictions).

• Fix & Fogg: Artisanal flavored nut butters from Wellington.

• Bee My Honey: Premium manuka and kanuka honey.

• The Tin Shed: Woolen goods made from New Zealand merino wool.