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by
Greg Scowen
One
of the major attractions of visiting New Zealand is the possibility
of losing yourself in its rugged and wild countryside. The desire
to be alone and at one with nature frequently leads New Zealand
tourists to buy travel guides in hopes of finding advice on 'getting
off the beaten track'. To get off the beaten track, however, you
need to throw away your travel guide… and discover the real
New Zealand.
Where
is the real New Zealand?
You
certainly don't find the real New Zealand by buying a travel
guide that thousands of other tourists already own. If you do
that, you will end up on a supposed unbeaten track with hundreds
of other 'bulk produced tourist guide' readers.
The
real New Zealand is not a tangible location, it is not a hidden
village in the mountains or by the sea, and it's not a beach,
nor a farm, nor a quiet city corner. You will find the real New
Zealand in the people of the land and their rich culture.
Discover the real New Zealand by fishing with a Maori (an indigenous
New Zealander), or shearing sheep with a Pakeha (a European White
New Zealander), or singing karaoke with one of the countries broad
range of immigrants. While they come in a variety of shapes, colors,
and sizes, all New Zealanders are proud to communally call themselves
'Kiwis'. And it is through the eyes of these Kiwis that you will
discover the real New Zealand!
How
do you find the real New Zealand?
Just
ask. I am serious, all you need to do is ask.
New
Zealanders are known worldwide for their friendly and open personality.
It isn't just a rumor; the further into New Zealand you go the
friendlier the locals become.
Admittedly,
Auckland is not the friendliest part of the country, but then
big cities never are. But even in Auckland you will normally
find at least one local who is happy to give you sound advice
on what to see, where to visit, and how to get there.
Leave
Auckland behind (after a good visit to the cities wonderful
attractions) and you will quickly find yourself surrounded by
good-natured Kiwis, ready to show you what New Zealand is all
about.
(CONTINUE...)
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