Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The North Island Today
New Zealand has had a bad run on the disaster front in recent years, between devast-
ating earthquakes and a mining tragedy, not to mention the usual storms, droughts,
drownings, sinkings and suchlike that make headline news. The global financial crisis
hasn't helped either, with money troubles well and truly trickling down to ground
level. Despite this, a typically plucky New Zealand public has turned to the sporting
arena - and increasingly the arts - to put a smile on its dial.
Emerging International City
New Zealand may be a long way away from
everywhere, but it is not immune to the vagar-
ies of the global economy. In September 2010,
just as the country was edging out of its worst
recession in 30 years, a magnitude 7.1 earth-
quake struck near Christchurch, the nation's
second-largest city, in the South Island. The
damage was extensive but miraculously no
lives were lost.
Then, on 22 February 2011, a magnitude 6.3
earthquake struck Christchurch. This time, 185
people lost their lives. Numerous buildings,
already weakened by the September 2010
quake were damaged beyond repair and had to
be demolished completely.
The nation's nerves were jangled yet again
in July and August 2013 as moderate earth-
quakes struck the top of the South Island.
Widely felt in NZ's capital Wellington on the
North Island, they served as a seismic and
shaky reminder to New Zealanders.
Through the admirable resilience and innov-
ation of the city's residents, Christchurch is
now re-emerging as one of the country's most
Top Films
The Hobbit trilogy
(Sir Peter Jackson;
2012-14)
Lord of the Rings trilogy
(Sir Peter Jackson;
2001-03)
The Piano
(Jane Campion; 1993)
Whale Rider
(Niki Caro; 2002)
Once Were Warriors
(Lee Tamahori; 1994)
Etiquette
Rugby
Try to feign some enthusiasm. If in
doubt, mumble 'forward pass' or 'offside'.
Possums
Don't express any affection for the
tree-munching possum.
Australanders
Be sure never to mistake a New
Zealander for an Australian.
Dinnertime
In Maori culture, sitting on a table
is bad manners.
Top Books
The Luminaries
(Eleanor Catton; 2013)
Mister Pip
(Lloyd Jones; 2007)
Live Bodies
(Maurice Gee; 1998)
The 10pm Question
(Kate De Goldi; 2009)
The Collected Stories of Katherine Mansfield
(2007)
