About New Zealand

Population: 4,475,000
Capital City: Wellington
National Language(s): English
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Calling Code: +64

New Zealand is a country comprised of two adjacent islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of mainland Australia. The country’s territory also encompasses some smaller nearby islands including Stewart Island, sometimes known by its original name Rakiura. The wider ‘Realm of New Zealand’ includes neighbouring South Pacific islands such as the Cook Islands and Tokelau, though some of the constituents are self governing. They are united through an arrangement in which the reigning monarch of New Zealand is head of state of all constituent countries. Formerly part of the British Empire, the monarch of New Zealand is in turn shared with the Commonwealth of Nations – an organization uniting many countries of the old Empire. New Zealand’s incumbent Queen is Elizabeth II.

Although the Queen is the recognised Head of State, in practice this is a largely ceremonial role. In effect the Queen appoints a Governor General to dissolve parliament prior to elections. The Governor also chairs a committee of elected ministers. All legislative powers are placed in the hands of a democratically elected parliament. Therefore New Zealand’s political system is essentially identical to that of the UK.

It is believed that New Zealand was first reached by Dutch ships in 1642. The Maori inhabitants of the island attacked the crew however, killing four members, and Maori New Zealanders retain their reputation for ferocity to this day. It wasn’t until James Cook’s voyage in 1769 that New Zealand was further explored. In 1840, British sovereignty was declared and in 1841 the land was recognised as a colony independent of New South Wales in Australia (with which it was previously grouped).

Through the 20th century New Zealand became increasingly independent and its population grew dramatically with the influx of European settlers. Around 80% of the country’s population today are of European descent (primarily British and Irish).

New Zealand fairs exceptionally well in international rankings, coming first in both the Global Peace Index and Corruption Perceptions Index. It is a prosperous country with high quality education and living standards.

The Maori population of New Zealand developed their distinctive culture over centuries before European settlement. The widely accepted viewpoint is that the Polynesian settlers arrived by canoe at some point in the 13th century.

Culture

One defining characteristic of New Zealand’s culture is its dramatic, sheer and diverse landscape. This untouched natural beauty made it the perfect backdrop for filming of the Lord of the Rings movies, and also the upcoming Hobbit movie. Mount Cook on the South Island is over 12,000 feet tall and is surrounded by a wilderness of forest and national park land.

New Zealand’s earliest known inhabitants are some of the most recent of any country in the world. This in part facilitated the evolution of highly unique and undisturbed flora and fauna. Whilst many species are now extinct (including the world’s largest bird of prey, the Haast’s eagle and the moa), New Zealand is home to dozens of endemic species.

New Zealanders are colloquially known as ‘Kiwis’ – a nickname derived from the flightless bird that inhabits the island.

New Zealand’s culture is heavily influenced by its colonial past and the British background of much of the population. Today the country has a distinctive yet western identity with music, art and food similar to that of Australia and the UK. The European influence has been merged with aspects of the Maori culture to weave a rich and unique national identity. Maori perform karakia (a type of prayer) and kapa haka (involving both song and dance).

Sport plays a big role in New Zealand and the country fields various competitive teams on the international stage. The rugby union team (the All Blacks) are arguably the strongest side in the world and are well known for their rendition of the haka before the start of matches. Cricket is also very popular in New Zealand with a successful national team dating back to 1832. New Zealand’s national soccer team (the All Whites) competed in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Safety and Special Considerations

Violent crime is rare but pickpocketing and thefts may target tourists. Keep your valuables in a safe place and remain weary leaving belongings in an unattended vehicle or hotel room.

If you plan to partake in extreme sports on your trip make sure you have comprehensive medical insurance that covers against sports accidents. Keep check of weather conditions and only use reputable companies.

It is illegal to carry many foods into New Zealand (including meat and dairy). Importing drugs is punishable by lengthy prison sentences.

New Zealand is in the most part highly tolerant of same sex relationships.

Entry Requirements

British citizens can enter New Zealand for up to 6 months without a visa assuming they do not intend to work during their stay. If you plan to enter employment you must acquire a visa for permission. US citizens are eligible to stay for 3 months but must also acquire a visa in order to work.

Respective embassies are located in London and Washington DC. Ensure your passport has a minimum of one month validity beyond the date of your departure.

Must See

Check out our recent New Zealand case study under ‘Tips and Features’ for an introduction to some of the country’s most breathtaking, must-visit locations!

Aerial view of the stunning New Zealand landscape

Credit: Steve Taylor

About Australia

Population: 22,900,000
Capital City: Canberra
National Language(s): English
Currency: Australian Dollar
Calling Code: +61

Australia is a sprawling country covering nearly 3,000,000 sq miles. Situated in the Southern Hemisphere Australia is classified in the region of Oceania which encompasses dozens of small islands distributed across the tropical Pacific Ocean. Depending on the definition, Oceania is sometimes considered to extend north and west to include the Southeast Asian nations of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

To the southeast lies New Zealand – a country whose culture and history is inextricably entwined with that of Australia itself, whilst due east is a series of individual territories including the Solomon Islands, Fiji and New Caledonia surrounded by the vast, blue Pacific!

The major city of Brisbane on Australia’s east coast sits over 11,500km of sheer blue from Los Angeles on the opposite side of the ocean. Northern Australia’s latitude is shared with nations in the hemisphere including Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Brazil and Chile, all of which have land sitting on the 20th parallel south!

Australia’s modern history dates back to 1606 when Dutch ships sighted the mainland at the area now known as Cape York Peninsula in the northernmost tip of the country. The Dutch travelled the northern and western coastlines and referred to the land as ‘New Holland’ though never made settlement. The British explorer and navigator James Cook sailed the east coast much later in 1770 where ultimately the Crown Colony of New South Wales would be formed by Great Britain.

The first fleet of ships embarked in May 1787 with approximately half those on board British convicts. By 1828 Britain had also claimed Western Australia whilst the European population grew. In 1901 the Commonwealth of Australia was born and further autonomy was gained in 1942 when a range of constitutional ties with the UK were ended. Today the country is highly prosperous and ranks highly for measures including quality of life, healthcare, education and freedom.

It is also worth note that before European settlement the indigenous peoples (Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders) had inhabited the land for an estimated 45,000 years! These natives are believed to have migrated from the Southeast Asian countries.

Culture

Australia’s culture is highly westernized but at the same time retains unique and distinctive characteristics. The country’s history, environment and aboriginal roots have all played a role in shaping today’s national identity.

Most Australians are descended from European settlers and immigration through the 20th century was particularly rapid with total population increasing five fold over that timeframe. The indigenous Australian population today is believed to represent around 2.3% of the total.

Around two thirds of Australians identify themselves as Christians, whilst non-Christian religions account for just 6% of the population.

Dating back to the first European settlement, Australia’s art has been strongly entwined with the country’s beautiful and vivid landscape. Early practitioners included Albert Namatjira and Arthur Boyd.

Australia has an active tradition of music, ballet and theatre and many of its performing arts companies receive public funding supported by the government. There is a symphony orchestra in each major city, the iconic national opera house, and the company Opera Australia brought to prominence by Dame Joan Sutherland. Popular genres in the country include classical, jazz, and pop.

Australian literature has also been influenced by themes such as the landscape and the nation’s colonial past. In 1973, Patrick White won the Nobel Prize for Literature, and to this day remains the only Australian to have collected the award.

Sport is heavily enshrined in the Australian culture, and the country fields many highly successful international teams and athletes. Particular strengths include cricket, hockey, rugby (union and league), cycling and swimming. Aussie rules football and soccer are also popular.

Safety and Special Considerations

A common sense approach should be applied to safety through precautions such as keeping personal belongings in a safe place. Also, take care when withdrawing cash and walking in popular tourist spots to avoid opportunistic burglary.

Parts of Australia are exceptionally remote so if travelling the outback you should do so with an experienced local guide and be sure to inform the authorities, hostel and friends of your plans.

There are dozens of dangerous animal species in Australia including sharks, crocodiles, snakes and spiders. See the government’s Wet Tropics website for the pertinent information.

Australia operates a no tolerance policy on the possession of drugs.

Tropical cyclones do occur, typically between November and April in northern and western regions. Monitoring local weather reports is sensible.

Entry Requirements

US and EU citizens must obtain a visa before entering Australia. It is advisable to obtain an eVisitor visa direct through the Department of Immigration & Citizenship.

Alternatively, a visa can be obtained through the Electronic Travel Authority.

Must See

Australia’s natural, unspoiled beauty and warm climate make it a magnet for tourists, particularly those from other English speaking countries. The Great Barrier Reef is one compelling draw – and little wonder, this is the biggest series of reefs anywhere in the world. Covering some 130,000 sq miles, off the northeast coast of Australia, a remarkable structure of 3,000 individual reefs is composed of billions of living organisms! The description sounds almost unbelievable but the reef is arguably the world’s greatest ecological wonder.

The reef is home to dozens of diverse yet beautiful species including various kinds of whales, dolphins and turtles. A staggering 1,500 confirmed varieties of fish live on the reef, whilst over 200 species of bird visit and nest. Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef is something everyone should do in a lifetime!

The Sydney Opera House is one of the most striking, vast and beautiful pieces of design and architecture in modern history. Observing it from the outside alone is a treat but it shouldn’t be forgotten that it also stages the highest calibre of the performing arts! Drop in to enjoy an opera, theatre production or ballet and saviour one of the finest UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the planet.

Other noteworthy feats of architecture in Sydney include the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Tower and the ANZ Stadium.

If you’re looking to delve deep into Australia’s Aboriginal roots you simply must take a tour of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Central Australia. Revered by the native tribes, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a striking example of Australia’s natural beauty. Access costs 25 AUD, for which you’ll receive a 3 day pass to soak up the surrounding nature and history. Whilst in this region be sure to check out Kings Canyon too!

UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Royal Exhibition Building

Credit: Brian

About the Ashmore and Cartier Islands

The Ashmore and Cartier Islands collectively make up a territory administered by Australia. Ashmore Reef is comprised of three tiny islets, with Cartier Island lying approximately 50km southeast. Though the total area of the territory is a fraction short of 200 sq kilometres, the land is exceptionally low lying and so (along with the nearby Hibernia Reef) is only fully visible during low tide.

The islands lie in the Indian Ocean around 325km from Australia’s Kimberley Coast in the northwest of the country. The nearest neighbour is in fact Indonesia, whose Lesser Sunda Islands are situated around 140 km north. On the international stage the territory is grouped with Australia and defence responsibility lies with their English speaking neighbours! Whilst uninhabited the islands are visited at regular intervals by the Australian Navy.

Indonesia’s stance is that Ashmore reef is part of the East Nusa Tenggara province. Their name for the reef is Pulau Pasir.

Visiting

The Australian government gives permission for Indonesian fishermen to access the region and the plethora of species under the deep waters! This in itself provides one of the few opportunities for travellers to soak up the natural beauty to be found in the islands. From the southernmost islands of Indonesia it may be possible to grab a ride from a local fisherman and spend a day out at sea nearby. There is no guarantee, however, and you’ll probably have to negotiate a price!

The route to Australia via Ashmore has in recent times been popular with asylum seekers attempting to enter Australia. Whilst this practice has been curbed in recent years by legislation the Australian Navy does have a periodic presence in the area. In 2009 a vessel travelling from Indonesia to Australia exploded killing 5 and injuring a further 44.

The Australian Nature Conservation Agency can issue permits for access but you’ll need a legitimate reason for your trip.

The Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve was founded in 1983 as a means of protecting the diverse and beautiful flora present across the territory. Of particular note are untainted marine habitats, coral reef flats and deep blue lagoons. A staggering estimated 100,000 birds nest and feed on the islands. Other species include Green and Loggerhead turtles.

For further information on accessing the islands, check our guide to Australia.

About American Samoa

Population: 66,750
Capital City: Pago Pago
Official Language(s): English and Samoan
Currency: US Dollar
Calling Code: +1-684

American Samoa is a group of islands situated in the South Pacific Ocean, part of the wider Samoan Islands chain. The land is an ‘unincorporated territory’ of the United States, although it is not part of the US proper. In essence this means the islanders are given a large degree of autonomy to govern themselves. The elected governor holds a seat situated in Fagatogo though the territory is represented internationally by the United States.

Human habitation of the Samoan islands is believed to date back 3000 years though it wasn’t until the 1700s that European explorers ventured to the islands. American Samoa was formerly known as Eastern Samoa, whilst independent Samoa was classified as Western Samoa.

Today’s stereotype of the Samoan people’s ferocity and fiery nature has its roots in the 1700s, in which a bloody battle between French explorers and islanders took place. Later both German and American forces clashed over the land – a dispute eventually settled by the 1899 Tripartite Convention (an agreement to split the islands between both nations).

After the United States took possession of American Samoa, a navy post was created on the Pago Pago bay. During World War II US marines significantly outnumbered the locals! American Samoa’s total land area is just 200 sq kilometres.

Culture

American Samoans are nationals of the United States. This gives them free and unrestricted access to mainland America, and in addition, the right to vote in presidential elections.

Over 90% of the population is native Samoan and almost 99% is Christian. This gives the islanders a strong sense of pride and unity.

Samoans are particularly renowned for their capability in the fields of football and wrestling. Around 30 currently compete in the NFL whilst a further 200 compete in the top level of college football. Famous wrestlers with Samoan roots include Dwayne Johnson and Samoa Joe.

Safety and Special Considerations

Travellers should be aware that the tropical cyclone season typically lasts from November to April. In September 2009 an earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck the region claiming the lives of approximately 150 people in American Samoa and Western Samoa.

Entry Requirements

US citizens have unrestricted access to American Samoa. British passport holders are generally permitted to stay for 30 days if they have an onward flight or ferry ticket.

You should always ensure your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity from the date of your planned exit.

Must See

The islands of American Samoa are a haven of unblemished natural beauty. The fascinating native culture set against gorgeous tropical beaches makes for a perfect travel experience. Whatsmore a trip to American Samoa is a truly unique getaway and a perfect location to avoid the hoards of other Western sun worshippers!

At just 200 square kilometres, navigating the islands in one trip is fairly easy. The islands are also well connected by regular ferry routes.

The standard of accommodation and facilities on the islands is excellent. Popular choices include the Clarion Hotel Tradewinds and Ethan’s Place (phone (684) 699-6638).

Tower and Flower Pot Rock

Credit: Sarah Kelemen