If you’re reading this, I assume you’re interested in or have ventured into online marketing in New Zealand. Congrats! You’re reading an article that’ll give you the inside scoop on how to optimise your digital marketing in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Whether you’re looking for online marketing tips or just want to expand your world knowledge, this article is for you.
New Zealand Vs Australia
Before we get started, it’s important to note that despite being part of the same country, New Zealand and Australia operate on their own merits. New Zealand is the smaller of the two, only 1.75 million people live there, compared to Australia’s 24.8 million. Despite their proximity, the two countries have very different cultures and environments. Let’s explore a bit more about the differences between the two places.
Population
The population of New Zealand is made up of mostly Polynesian people descended from Celtic, Indian, and British settlers. In the last few decades, there’s been a large influx of people from the Asia-Pacific region, with migrants from China, India, and the Philippines dominating the country’s population. Today, the country is home to 140,000 overseas-born residents, accounting for 28% of its total population.
Economy
New Zealand’s economy is classified as the 4th-largest in all of Australasia. In 2017, the country’s GDP was 364.7 billion USD, with per-capita GDP at 22,500 USD. Although the country’s economy has seen massive growth in recent years, its service industries, particularly education and health, remain weak. The future of New Zealand’s economy looks extremely promising though, with its exports projected to double by 2021.
Climate
Thanks to New Zealand’s temperate climate, you’ll mostly experience warm summers and cold winters. The climate is relatively constant, so if you’re looking for some extreme weather, you’ll have to look beyond the country. The average temperature in the warmer months is between 15-25 degrees Celsius, while in the winter, it drops to 5 degrees or below. Rainfall is frequent, with thunderstorms being rather common. The weather in New Zealand is amazing and incredibly suitable for a variety of activities, from skiing in the winter to riding a bike in the summer. You’ll encounter everything from rainforest to snow-capped mountains, in the space of a few days.
Language
New Zealand ranks among the most English-speaking countries in the world, with the second-largest number of English speakers after the UK. Only 16% of the population claims to not be able to speak or understand English, but given the chance, most of them would pick up the language in no time flat. In fact, New Zealand’s English-speaking population is so large that it has its own Australian-English slang, which makes speaking the Australian language even more enjoyable for those who live there. More than half the population of New Zealand speaks some form of English, with the top 5 spoken languages being English, Maori, Hindi, Filipino, and Greek. If you’re planning on travelling to New Zealand or visiting one of its magnificent cities then, unless you have a language-barrier, you’ll have no problems communicating with the locals.
Geography
With such amazing geography, it’s no surprise that New Zealand is recognised for being one of the most exciting countries to travel to. The country is located in the southern hemisphere and, as mentioned by the Lonely Planet, “is one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see. It’s like being kissed by the rays of the setting sun.” The combination of warm sunshine and cool ocean water has made New Zealand a popular destination for surfers from around the world. If you’ve ever seen the movie The Wolf of Wall Street, then you know where I’m talking about!
Geographically, New Zealand is the 4th-largest country in Australasia, sandwiched between Australia and Antarctica. It is the 32nd-largest country in the world, spanning 26.85 million square kilometres. Not only is it one of the most gorgeous places you can possibly imagine, but it also has a lot to offer to the eco-minded traveller. In fact, it’s a fully approved Destination Wedding Zone, which makes getting hitched officially easy (and hassle free). If you’re looking for an anniversary present or just want to plan a romantic getaway for your sweetheart, then New Zealand’s magnificent scenery and hospitable natives are just what you need.
The Ultimate Auckland Bucket List
With such a beautiful place to call home, it’s only natural that you’d want to see as much as possible in your time there. Like any other city, Auckland has its staples when it comes to attractions and things to do. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your travels, these are the top things you should consider doing and seeing in Auckland:
1. Sights & Sounds
Auckland is home to the country’s best museums and art galleries, which feature some amazing works of art. You’ll find the perfect contemporary art exhibition in Auckland, which you can appreciate and learn about at the same time. One of the best places to start your art explorations in Auckland is the Auckland Art Gallery. Its collection features works by notable artists like Hockney, Warhol, and Lichtenstein. For those interested in design, there are also a number of furniture and design museums in Auckland that you might find interesting. There’s also the Auckland City Museum, which focuses on the city’s natural and man-made history. If you’re looking for a bit of a challenge, the Auckland War Memorial Museum has some interesting exhibits relating to military history. As you’d expect in a city of Polynesian origin, art deco features heavily in Auckland, and you’ll find plenty of examples at the Auckland Art Gallery, including pieces designed by notable artists of the era. This is the place to be if you’re a fan of cars and motorbikes, with many classic cars on display, as well as the Auckland Museum of Transport, which is dedicated to the history of the city’s automotive industry. There’s also the Eden Park urban farm, which is open to visitors, featuring more than 70 varieties of fruit and vegetables. You’ll have your hands full just exploring the museums in Auckland, but it’ll be worth it.
2. Nature & Wildlife
Auckland has lots to offer when it comes to exploring nature and wildlife. It’s a great place to spot kiwi, tuatara, and other native birds, as well as many different types of fish in the city’s fresh water lakes and rivers. It also abounds with giant weta, which are insects that can grow to over a foot long. The biggest and the most famous of these is named after New Zealand’s rugby league team, the Kiwis. If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, you could go sea kayaking on the Hauraki Gulf or watch the sun set over the city’s waterfront, which is one of the most photographed golden-hour scenes in the world. There are also lots of small islands offshore, where you can get some peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can do this by hiring a private boat to take you there, or you could join a tour, which will take you to iconic spots like Rangi Island (where you can see both the northern and southern hemispheres) and Stewart Island. All these places are rich in bird life and offer some great hiking trails, too.
3. Food & Drink
Auckland is home to some wonderful restaurants, offering local produce and fresh seafood, alongside some truly world-class eateries. There are lots of cafés, bars, and eateries along Queen Street, which is the city’s restaurant hood. This street is also home to some of New Zealand’s best restaurants, from haute eateries to modest food stalls that serve the city’s diverse population. One of the best places to start your food crawl in Auckland is probably Pi Park – a verdant patch of land in the middle of the city, teeming with residents, students, and visitors, especially during the warmer months. Pi Park’s focal point is the Polynesian Recreation Centre, one of New Zealand’s finest examples of modern-day architecture. From here, you have fantastic panoramic views across the city. You can also get to the recreational centre by walking through the park and passing under a magnificent large oak tree, one of the city’s most photographed and decorated trees.