Another welcomed question
A member asked me if there is a difference between the North and South Islands. Firstly can i say that there is certainly a friendly rivalry between the two especially on the sporting fields. This rivalry is similar, but on a lesser scale, to that which exists NZ - Australia and also USA - Canada. We North Islanders jokingly say that the South Island only stays there because of our telephone lines hanging on to them
Just a quick mention of the Islands. Everybody understandably refers to the North and South Islands forgetting all about the third one. If you look back at your maps and look down at the bottom you will see there is actually a third 'little' island. Stewart Island famous for its top of the line Oysters.
Now is there a difference North and South? Yes there is.
The south is considerably larger in land mass and as a staunch North Islander I am loathe to admit that it has a wider range of scenic beauty. The South Island has the beautiful mountain range which runs down the West Coast. These are called the Southern Alps but we Kiwis often refer to them as the Remarkables. They have been often referred to as being similar to the Swiss Alps with most higher regions being snow covered. The South Island has two cities which are very much other country orientated. Christchurch is very British influenced and Dunedin down the lower end is a very Scottish influence. Auckland in the North Island is by far the most Metropolitan and in fact houses almost 1/3 of our total population.
It is fair to say that each Island has an enormous amount to offer the visitor and for me to try and cover all that is on show as I would love to would take a book so will not attempt here.
Till next time..............
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I hope so and hope you are enjoying. I feel good imparting bits of knowledge about the country I am proud to come from
You should sign up as an ambassador for the New Zealand Tourist Authority. Start a travel site for Canadians and Americans to visit New Zealand. They could visit Australia while there Down Under:-)
You should just create an e book, sounds like some really good stuff to offer to others that find your knowledge inspiring and informational.
All content and no pics, lol....well you should have a cover with an image of some type. Sorry, this just hit me as I have been watching your blogs come in. Seemed to make sense to me. :))
Thanks, again, Neil! It's great to hear about a part of the world you don't often hear about. It's like everyone kind of forgets about NZ. On my bucket list. :)
Yes I really feel disappointment at times when it becomes more and more apparent the Canadian knows quite a bit about Australia but little about NZ
I am also a North Islander (from Wellington) but concur with the scenic rating for the South Island. I love travelling down south particularly the Central Otago region. The north Island does have it's own beauty though, particularly, in my humble opinion the Central Plateau, Coromandel & Northland. I am a snowboarder so I am a bit bias to those central regions but just can't get enough of the mountains!
Nathan Nice to hear from fellow Kiwi. I loved up around the Russell area. I used to do a lot of Scuba diving and the waters there were fabulous
Thanks for the North Island vote Catherine! Russell is a really beautiful spot. Only been there once but really loved it
Yes the North Island has much to offer Russell, Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Whakatane, Tauranga Wellington all worth a visit and all offer something different
I moved around a bit as a kid but grew up mostly in Hamilton and moved to Wellington when I was 19 and was there for 12 years before moving to Vancouver
yes I Had my three months in New Zealand for my fortieth birthday and then sailed around the East Pacific on a tramp steamer, had to work no other other way of doing it I wanted to see the islands as Cook did, and I have to say it is one of the mysteries of life how he did. Then I went back to Western Australia to see a house I had there, and then sailed around the Western Pacific and went back to New Zealand for a month
Kat thank you for those interesting words. Yes Captain Cook rated much mention in our education
Amazing man only just a few years go they took his name off the official navigation of the islands.
Interesting post, thank you. I'm in the UK, I've visited Australia on numerous occasions but I confess I have yet to get to New Zealand!
I can well believe that! I think it is because I have lots of family in Australia, but none in NZ. One day hopefully!
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just a thought Neil, I have a friend Grant Nielsen,he lives in the northern territories and he has made a permanent living from advising senior Australians and foreigners about the technology that they really need in the Bush to communicate with their loved ones. In many cases these guys have gone into a shop in Adelaide or Sidney and they speak to a technician who only just knows where the NT's are, and he sells them a load of expensive equipment that they don't need and can't use.
I know you're a Kiwi and I know you live in Canada but there is a market in Australia and possibly Canada because of its vast distances.
Kat I am not quite understanding what you are suggesting but it does sound of genuine interest. If you wish to advise further use my neco1943@hotmail.com Anything would be appreciated
Neil, have you got Skype we can have a chat
The answer is yes to that but have to say I would have to be guided on how to use it lol
see if you can search contacts and type in catherinefordlondon and I will do the rest