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New Zealand’s Maori culture emerged
from Polynesian migrations that began around 700 years ago, and its European history began about 500 years later. Today, New
Zealand's place names, art, architecture and stories reflect on who the New Zealanders are, where they came from
and how they have shaped their society. There’s no better way to really get to know New Zealand than to explore
its rich culture and heritage.
While these sites
and cultural experiences can be found throughout the country, some places have special significance. In Waitangi for example,
yo can learn about the Treaty that changed the course of New Zealand history forever, whilst Wellington houses the country’s
premier museum, Te Papa, a treasure trove of New Zealand artefacts and artworks. In Napier you will see a wealth of vintage
Art Deco architecture, a distinctive style which was only adopted after the city was almost entirely destroyed by a huge earthquake
in 1931.
There are stories to discover wherever
travellers go, even in the tiniest towns like Arrowtown, which still has remnants of the Chinese settlement that grew up around
the Gold Rush when thousands of people flocked to the region in search of riches. Pa sites, historic buildings, monuments,
statues, towns and even trees, a must-do to really get to know New Zealand.
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