Stefan Loose Reiseführer Neuseeland

The land of the long white cloud, New Zealand, enjoys a reputation as a unique country blessed with magnificent nature. Under a radiant blue sky, rugged coastlines, ancient forests, snow-capped mountains, hyperactive volcanism, rushing rivers, glacier-fed lakes, and a unique wildlife unfold. Even the Kiwis—named after the lovable bird that has become a national symbol—seem continually amazed by the fantastic views their homeland has to offer. The first settlers, the Māori, called it Aotearoa—"Land of the Long White Cloud." The once-detrimental isolation proves to be a blessing for tourism: While New Zealand's green image may be more of a geographical coincidence than the result of prudent government policy, it is cleverly marketed. Despite its growing popularity, New Zealand has so far remained untouched by mass tourism. The various destinations are easily accessible, as the entire landmass is only slightly larger than Great Britain. New Zealand has approximately 4.1 million inhabitants, more than half of whom live in the three largest cities. In other areas, one can drive for miles through hilly farmland and hardly encounter a soul. Additionally, there are regions in New Zealand that are so inaccessible that it is highly likely that no human has ever set foot there.