| N e w Z e a l a n d |
| N o r t h I s l a n d ~ |
| In progress... |
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| Flying into Auckland, New Zealand, the country is branded with it's past...when the Earth was much more violent than it is today. (believe it or not) Dormant volcanoes dot the landscape throughout both the north and south islands, 48 of which have helped form the Auckland area alone. Mt. Eden (pictured to the right) offers a superb view of the capital city, where 1.2 of New Zealand's 4 million inhabitants live. |
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| Geothermal activity is still very much a "hot" topic of this island, as gurgling mudpools, erupting geysers and natural hot springs lure weary travelers to bath in the seemingly theraputic waters that are warmed by mother nature. (click on the picture to the left to see more pictures of this natural phenomenon.) Nature definitely dominated the list of "what to see and do" in New Zealand, as I traveled from the north tip down to the south. |
| Among the first inhabitants of the north island were Polynesians, who were known as Maori, and the proud descendants today still make up around 14% of New Zealand's population. Their heritage is very evident throughout the north island, and their traditional greeting or challenge is an amazing experience, and not one to be taken lightly, as the spear (to the right) can be used to test how sincere you "really" are while participating in the ceremony in front of the whare whakairo, or meeting house. |
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