New Zealand is an island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. There are many beautiful places in this country. To cover everything on the list would probably take more than one visit. Out of all the places, there are obviously some that are more significant than others. These are the places that you simply cannot leave off your list. The beauty of these places reflects the true beauty of the country. Here are the Top 10 Things To Know About New Zealand Before You Visit

Number 10. First country with universal suffrage

Women were granted the vote for the first time in New Zealand in 1893. In most countries, it was long before.

Number 9. There Are Several Types Of Kiwi

Probably the first thing you think of when you hear the word “kiwi” is the little green fruit. The word actually has three meanings, including fruit. The term “kiwi” refers to a New Zealander. There are many New Zealanders who call themselves Kiwis, but tourists can also call residents Kiwis.  Kiwis are also flightless birds. Their habitats are large plots of land spread throughout the country. New Zealanders are nicknamed after the bird, not the fruit. The kiwi fruit is not native to New Zealand but to China. 

Number 8. Sun safety should be practised

While New Zealand lies in the deep southern hemisphere, Auckland lies south of the equator on the 36th parallel. As you think about the sun and weather, consider cities north of the equator, such as Malaga in Spain, Tunis, the Tunisian capital, and San Luis Obispo.

Number 7. Keep the environment in mind

If people don’t recycle properly, they can even get fined, according to Martina Grossi. Additionally, she says that mussels can also be picked up by picking them. Be sure to check the New Zealand Food Safety website for current biotoxin warnings on most beaches.

Number 6. Known as the world’s longest town

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu. There hasn’t been any pounding on the keyboard yet. “The place where Tamatea, the man on the big knees who slipped, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as the land eater, played the flute to his loved one”, is the name of a town on the east coast of New Zealand. Isn’t that a funny name for a town?

Number 5. There are more sheep than people

In particular, sheep are a major industry in the country. Does each New Zealander own at least ten sheep? The sheep are not the only animals that live in New Zealand. There are many bats and birds in the country, including the kiwi mentioned earlier. New Zealand has so many animals that only five percent of its population is human

Number 4. There are sandflies

The sandflies are something nobody tells you about. Especially on the South Island’s west coast in places like Milford and Doubtful Sound, these pesky insects will swarm on you in the summer. Whenever you go camping or hiking in the backcountry, make sure you bring strong bug spray or purchase some before leaving civilization. In the evening, layer up, wear socks, and spray insect repellant everywhere else. These pests are not to be underestimated

Number 3. Humans were the last to live in this country

There are only a few hundred years of history in New Zealand. It was the Maori who first settled in this country 800 years ago. I wish you a happy new year!

Number 2.   Prepare ahead for day walks

According to Sarah Kennerley, she has seen many tourists hiking through the hills, trails, and extreme terrain with no water, no food, and no idea what they are doing. New Zealand’s day walks are unique because conditions can change quickly. The first thing you should consider on a sunny morning is sunblock. You might get stuck with no shelter within hours of the wind picking up or freezing horizontal rain. Taking casual walks on mountains in Europe might make people feel prepared, but this is a completely different environment.

Number 1. Three languages are spoken in the country

The three official languages of New Zealand are English, Maori, and Sign Language. Most Maori adults can hold everyday conversations in Maori, including nearly 150,000 New Zealanders. In recent years, the language has become increasingly popular. The songs of several Maori bands have been played nationally.  New Zealand Sign Language is known by more than 20,000 residents. It shares many signs with American Sign Language, as well as with British Sign Language. After years of activism, it became a national language in 2006.

New Zealand is a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country consists of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, and numerous smaller islands. New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The capital city is Wellington, and the largest city is Auckland.