Nau Mai Ki Aotearoa! Trivia Quiz

Answer: North Island

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and a major economic, cultural, and transportation hub. It is located on the North Island of New Zealand in the northwestern tip of the island. It is often referred to as the city of sails due to the important harbour that the city has on both of its coasts, and due to the fact that there are many sailing enthusiasts who live in the city or keep their boat in the harbour.

The Sky Tower is an iconic feature of Auckland's skyline and a popular tourist attraction. When it was built in 1997, it became the tallest free-standing structure in the southern hemisphere, standing proudly at 328 m high. While on the tower, visitors can take a skywalk on the outside of the tower or take the short way down by doing a controlled base jump to the bottom.

The city was first founded in 1840 by William Hobson, the first Governor of New Zealand. The city was named after the British nobleman George Eden, Earl of Auckland, who was the First Lord of the Admiralty and Governor-General of India. He was a big supporter of New Zealand's development and an important reason that the colony was successful.

Answer: North Island

Wellington is located at the southern tip of the North Island in New Zealand. It is the political and cultural heart of the country and also the capital city of the country. Before European settlement, the Wellington region was inhabited by Maori tribes. It was the British politician and colonizer Edward Gibbon Wakefield who established a European settlement there in 1839 and called it Port Nicholson.

Wellington serves as the political center of New Zealand, hosting the country's government institutions, including the Parliament Buildings, the Beehive (Executive Wing), and the official residence of the Prime Minister. It is on the Tasman Sea and the harbour and waterfront are important for the city's identity.

Answer: North Island

Rotorua is a city located on the North Island of New Zealand. It is situated within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, resulting in significant geothermal activity. Tourists can experience geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools for a relaxing and therapeutic experience.

The Rotorua region has been inhabited by Maori for centuries. They settled in the region due to its geothermal features, which provided a source of warmth, cooking, and bathing. The European colonizers established a trading post where the city is in 1820. The conflicts between the Europeans and the Maori directly affected the region, and Rotorua did not experience peace and growth until the late 19th century. The Maori established themselves as cultural leaders and encouraged people to come and experience the Maori way of life for themselves. Combined with the geothermal activity, this soon became a very popular destination.

Answer: North Island

In the middle of New Zealand's North Island, one can find Tongariro National Park. It's the country's oldest national park, established in 1887 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Apart from the natural beauty of the park, the Maori communities have a spiritual and cultural connection to the places in the park which makes it more special.

Most of the mountains in the park are active volcanoes. Mount Ruapehu, the highest peak in the North Island, is an active stratovolcano. It is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Mount Ngauruhoe is an iconic volcanic cone and was used as the inspiration for Mount Doom in Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy. Mount Tongariro, the namesake of the park, is another significant volcanic peak. There are many hikes that can be taken throughout the park to see the different sites.

Answer: South Island

Milford Sound is a fiord that's located within Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exceptional natural beauty, unique ecosystems, and diverse flora and fauna. In fact, the region is so beautiful that Peter Jackson used it for multiple scenes in his epic trilogy "The Lord of the Rings".

Fiordland National Park is renowned for its majestic landscapes, including lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic peaks. Mitre Peak, one of the iconic landmarks, rises nearly vertically from the water to an elevation of 1,692 m. It is a great place to watch for seals, penguins, and dolphins, while also sporting a wide variety of seabirds. The waterfalls there, including Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls, are simply majestic.

Answer: South Island

Franz Josef Glacier, located on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, is one of the most accessible and striking glaciers in the world. Nestled within Westland Tai Poutini National Park, the glacier is part of the larger Westland Tai Poutini Glacier Region and is not far from the equally impressive Fox Glacier.

Franz Josef Glacier is a temperate maritime glacier, meaning it descends from high altitudes to relatively low elevations near sea level. The glacier is a remnant of the last ice age (which ended about 11,700 years ago) and has been advancing and retreating for centuries. It is easily accessible with any regular vehicle and many tours of South Island include one, if not both of these wondrous sights.

Answer: South Island

No, this is not the Spring Training site for the Toronto Blue Jays, we're talking about Dunedin in New Zealand, a city on South Island with a rich Scottish heritage. Dunedin is known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, which adds to the city's unique charm. This is mostly due to its founding in the 19th century by Scottish immigrants who wanted to recreate a slice of home for themselves.

The heart of Dunedin is marked by the Octagon, a central plaza surrounded by shops, cafes, and historic buildings. The city is home to the University of Otago, New Zealand's oldest university. Other sites that can be visited include the Dunedin Public Art Gallery which houses an impressive collection of New Zealand and international artworks. Also, the Otago Museum provides insights into the region's natural and cultural history, while the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the early European settlers.

Interestingly, the Dunedin Railway Station is often regarded as one of the most photographed buildings in the country. Its architecture is Flemish Renaissance Revival and it has intricate detailing. Worth a snap? I'd say so.

Answer: South Island

In Peter Jackson's epic trilogy "The Hobbit", the mountain that Smaug the dragon was inhabiting was dark and gloomy. In reality, that is a much nicer place. Mount Cook, known in Maori as Aoraki, is the highest point in New Zealand at 3724 m high. It is a part of the range known as the Southern Alps and can be found in central South Island, near the western shore.

The mountain is part of the greater Mount Cook National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses stunning alpine scenery, glaciers, and diverse flora and fauna. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous hiking trails. The most well-known of these is the Hooker Valley Track, providing breathtaking views of Aoraki and surrounding landscapes. Hurry to book it, as limited numbers are allowed to set out on this multi-day journey each day.

For the Maori, Aoraki (Mount Cook) has deep cultural importance to the local Ngāi Tahu. Legend has it that Aoraki was a chief who, along with his three brothers, was turned into stone by the gods. Together these formed the Southern Alps. Aoraki itself is considered the most sacred of these peaks.

Answer: South Island

Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century when it was established by English settlers. Named after Christ Church College at the University of Oxford, the city's Gothic architecture and English influences are evident in its early structures.

In both 2010 and 2011, the city of Christchurch was rocked by two powerful earthquakes that left parts of the city in ruin. However, the resilience of the people and the support of the governments has helped Christchurch rebuild slowly; all the while, the spirit of the citizens on the city was never broken.

Christchurch is known for its green spaces, with the expansive Hagley Park serving as a central recreational area. The Avon river flows through the city, a tree-lined picturesque place for people to relax, picnic, or take boat rides. The city's arts and cultural scene thrives in institutions like the Christchurch Art Gallery, showcasing both local and international artworks.

Answer: Other Places

Rakiura, commonly known as Stewart Island, is the third-largest island in New Zealand, located 30 km south of the southern tip of the South Island. Known for its rugged and untouched landscapes, Stewart Island offers a peaceful and pristine escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. The Maori name "Rakiura" translates to "Glowing Skies". This possibly refers to the southern lights - Aurora Australis - which are often visible in the night sky.

Oban is the main settlement on the island which had a population of merely 408 people in 2018. The island is notable for having very few predators which means that flightless birds thrive on this island. It is a designated Dark Sky Sanctuary which means that stargazers will enjoy the late-night views.

Answer: Other Places

Henga Scenic Reserve aa well as the Basalt Columns are two attractions that can be found on Chatham Island. The Chatham Islands can be found about 850 km east of Christchurch on the South Island and are a volcanic chain of islands that were first inhabited by seafaring people who became known as the Moriori in the 16th century. They have a unique time zone which makes them 45 minutes ahead of the rest of New Zealand.

The Henga Scenic Reserve on Chatham Island is known for its stunning landscapes, including the dramatic basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. The columns, often referred to as the "Stonehenge of the Chathams" create a unique and photogenic backdrop. The reserve also offers walking trails with views of coastal scenery and unique endemic birdlife.

Answer: Other Places

Mount Hobson, known in Maori as Hirakimatā, is the highest point on Great Barrier Island. This is the sixth-largest island in New Zealand and is known as Aotea in Maori. It is a sparsely-populated island with a natural beauty that draws you into the rugged landscape.

Visitors to Great Barrier Island can explore its extensive network of walking tracks, including the popular Aotea Track, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean. The island is home to unique birdlife, and its waters are teeming with marine species. This makes it an ideal destination for birdwatching and snorkeling. With limited light pollution, Great Barrier Island is also designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities.