For most travelers, the journey to New Zealand seems too long and expensive, and therefore this tourist destination is not even considered as a vacation destination. However, the culture of New Zealand, its magnificent natural parks and reserves are excellent reasons for buying air tickets to these islands remote from the center of world civilization.
Maori and their heritage
Maori heritage and traditions have played a huge role in shaping New Zealand culture. The indigenous population of the islands for many centuries did not even have a written language, but thanks to this fact, the art of bone or wood carving received an extraordinary development. With the help of these crafts, the Maori passed on information to descendants and preserved their skills and traditions. Reading from carvings is still an integral part of the culture of New Zealand and its indigenous peoples today.
An ancient Maori cultural tradition - tattooing, which was a symbol of a certain position in society and social status. The ritual dances of the khaka were equally important. Modern interpretations of dance moves have been adopted as symbols in the New Zealand military and naval forces.
Museums at the End of the World
The history and development of New Zealand culture are reflected in the expositions of the country's main museums:
- The exposition of the Te-Papa Museum, known as the Museum of New Zealand, includes several hundred thousand exhibits. More than one and a half million guests visiting it annually are invited to get acquainted with the history and culture of the country, its geographical and climatic features.
- The Auckland Military History Museum was founded in the mid-19th century and has since become one of the most respected and loved by New Zealanders.
Famous citizens of the country
A significant contribution to the formation and development of the culture of New Zealand was made by its famous natives. The whole world knows about the achievements of the "father of nuclear physics" Ernest Rutherford and about the record of Edmund Hillary, who was the first to conquer Mount Everest. The islanders are proud of Bruce McLaren, legendary Formula 1 driver and filmmaker of the Lord of the Rings trilogy Peter Jackson, filmed in the vastness of New Zealand's national parks. Actor Russell Crowe received an Oscar for his role as a gladiator, and literary critic Brian Boyd became famous for writing the most detailed biography of Vladimir Nabokov.
