New Zealand

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This came up on my Facebook page, thought about ciderman, now we can all know all about his country.

15 Interesting Facts You May Not Know About New Zealand
1. New Zealand was one of the last major landmasses to be settled by humans, with Polynesians arriving around 1,000 years ago.
2. The country has no snakes in the wild, making it a snake-free haven for those who fear reptiles.
3. New Zealand has some of the most diverse and unique wildlife in the world, including the kiwi bird, which is a national symbol and gives the country its nickname.
4. The Māori people, the indigenous Polynesian group of New Zealand, have their own language, culture, and traditions, which are deeply embedded in the country's identity.
5. The country is known for its dramatic landscapes, including fjords, volcanoes, and mountains, many of which served as filming locations for the "Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy.
6. New Zealand was the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote in 1893.
7. The country has one of the highest rates of sheep per person, with approximately 6 sheep for every human.
8. New Zealand's famous national pastime is rugby, and the All Blacks, its national rugby team, are known for their intimidating haka, a traditional Māori war dance.
9. The country has some of the best wine regions in the world, particularly in Marlborough, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc.
10. New Zealand is located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," making it one of the most active seismic regions in the world, with frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
11. The country boasts the world’s first-ever commercial bungee jumping operation, which began in 1988 at the famous Kawarau Bridge.
12. New Zealanders are known for their love of outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, with over 13,000 kilometers of hiking tracks.
13. The country is also home to the world's smallest dolphin, the Hector’s dolphin, which is found only in New Zealand's waters.
14. New Zealand is one of the cleanest countries in the world, with strict environmental protection laws and a high commitment to sustainability.
15. The country's national bird, the kiwi, is so iconic that the people of New Zealand are often referred to as "Kiwis."

[ciderman_nz]

It is an interesting country. I came here when I was 12 years old when my dad was on loan to the RNZ Navy but at the end of his 3 year commission period he so loved it here that we stayed for good. I have been back 3 times and always enjoyed my travels but he was right and here I am.

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My daughter went there once with her then boyfriend who was in the RAF, and when she came home she never stopped talking about it, I was so worried she was going to move there, but the romance never lasted so alls well that ends well, for me at least, but she is very happy married now.

[ciderman_nz]

The only drawback, Widget, is that we are thousands of miles from most of the world. It makes it a major undertaking to go overseas but we do 85% of the population have a passport and nearly all my kids have been away for years at a time, but all back now.

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Sounds an amazing place, so glad you have your family with you