New Zealand

by Deidre
(Napier, New Zealand)

New Zealand is full of a variety of different cultures including Hindu, German, English, French, South Americans, Australians, and our very own indigenous people-the Maori. New Zealand or Aotearoa (in Maori-meaning land of the long white cloud), is a beautiful country full of high mountains, vast lakes, thermal activity in two of our top tourist spots!, and lots, and lots of exciting fun activities! It also has a very temperate climate, and changes quite quickly, if you're not looking! I live in Napier in the Hawkes Bay which is on the east coast, in the middle of the North Island. In summer the temperatures soar sometimes to 40 degrees celsius. Napier is a small town and is decorated in the art deco theme, which was created after the terrible earthquake of 1931. Every year there is a festival to celebrate this, and everyone joins in and the people range from Mediterranean to European. Hawkes Bay is an horticultural area and some of the best wine and apples are grown here. We also have the Southern Hemisphere's only water theme park called 'Splash Planet', and it is fun for everyone!