New Zealand is a welcoming, diverse country with a history of Māori, European, Pacific Island, and Asian immigration. This rich blend of cultures, combined with geologically fascinating landscapes and unique flora and fauna, make New Zealand an exciting country to explore.

New Zealand can be mellow or action-packed, but it’s always epic.

New Zealanders are friendly and down-to-earth people who embrace the spirit of manaakitanga, or hospitality. The name ‘kiwi’ comes from the curious little flightless bird that is unique to New Zealand.

Māori people have always held the kiwi bird in high regard. Their feathers were used to make ‘kahu kiwi’, valuable cloaks worn by tribal chiefs. In the early 1900s, cartoonists started to use images of the kiwi bird to represent New Zealand as a country.

During the First World War, New Zealand soldiers were referred to as ‘kiwis’, and the nickname stuck. Eventually, the term Kiwi was attributed to all New Zealanders, who proudly embraced the moniker. Just like the bird, New Zealanders are unique, adaptable and a little quirky.