Lifestyle

New Zealand was a country where the practical gumboot, Swanndri (a heavy woollen pullover) and the meat pie and chips dominated. Today, with an increasing global culture and influence, New Zealand is diversifying and is now home to some of the world's most respected fashion designers and food and wine producers.

Fashion

New Zealand's style is a creative one that is ever evolving, and while international fashion fads may be followed, each is given a unique homespun twist. A strong fashion industry has developed and young, dynamic designers are found throughout the country, many congregating in fashion hotbeds such as Nelson, Dunedin and Auckland where their skills are in high demand.

A variety of styles are paraded throughout the country from the urban hearts of Auckland and Wellington where a mix of glamour and grunge prevail, to the contrasting hippie-style apparel that is still popular in Nelson and Golden Bay. Up in the Far North shorts and singlets are the modern day garb, while in the deep south you'll spot many a broad-shoulder sporting the classic NZ Swanndri. Track pants and polar fleeces are worn countrywide and will be seen on hiking trails, farms and even in the suburbs.

Fame and Fortune

For a country with a population of only four million, New Zealand has had more than its fair share of famous people. Everyone knows the All Blacks are from New Zealand but how about Courtney Love? And where do you think Xena learned all her nifty little high kicks?

Famous Kiwis include the aforementioned warrior princess, Lucy Lawless, who will always be an Aucklander at heart, as will Rachael Hunter, our fabulous model of Rod Stewart and Robbie Williams fame. Courtney Love may be a Hollywood starlet now, but she originally hailed from Nelson. Russell Crowe has adopted Australia as his new home but beneath that swarthy Gladiator tunic, he's a true Kiwi at heart. And then there's our very own Peter Jackson, director of Lord of the Rings, who is held in extremely high regard for putting this magical little country on the map.

Kiwi Cuisine

New Zealand's cuisine has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last 20 years. New food trends combined with an abundant supply of fresh produce means that good, hearty innovative food is never hard to find, even at the cheaper end of the scale.

Colourful cafes abound in most towns and serve a fantastic range of high quality food and coffee. If you're stuck in an out of the way place don't be put off by the 70s décor of the classic Kiwi tea room for it will never let you down on good old-fashioned food. New Zealand sports a multitude of fast food outlets and every sizeable village has a take-away bar where you can order simple fare such as pies and fresh fish and chips. However, with both visitors and Kiwis demanding more from their culinary experiences, even the good old pie has gone gourmet these days. Auckland and Wellington, due to their size and ethnic diversity, have the best range of dining possibilities. But the smaller towns often have a hidden gem tucked away on a back street and offer a friendly atmosphere and good prices. Tempt your taste buds at the famous Mangonui Fish Shop in Northland, Mussell Inn between Collingwood and Takaka, funky Kai Whaka Pai in Wanaka, or at Mapua's groovy Playhouse Cafe and Theatre. If you're in Queenstown you'll have to check out Joe's Garage and Vudu.

New Zealand food icons include pavlova, a delicious meringue dessert usually topped with fresh cream and kiwifruit; hokey-pokey ice-cream, a crunchy toffee-flavoured ice-cream; kumara, a delicious sweet potato; tuatua, a shellfish found by digging in the sand; and Bluff oysters, which are on sale between March and August.

Most importantly don't miss out on tasting a traditional Maori hangi. A variety of meats and vegetables are steamed in the ground over hot rocks, to produce earthy flavours not found elsewhere. Rotorua is a popular place for a commercial hangi, however if you're lucky you may be invited to join in with locals. Take along some good kiwi beer to share such as Speights's, Monteith's, Lion Red or Steinlager.

Clean Green Wine

New Zealand has long been famed for its stunning landscape but is now also recognized as a producer of top quality world-class wines. The climate, geography and winemakers' skills have combined to produce distinctive, premium quality wines with the riches of a clean, green land! New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is rated highly throughout the world and there is a growing recognition for our Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Methode Traditionelle sparking wines, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends.

There are eight key wine-growing regions in New Zealand: Auckland, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough, Nelson, Canterbury and Central Otago, however small boutique-style vineyards are scattered throughout the country. The vast range of climate and terrain on which the vines grow produces a diverse array of styles. Flavours are intensified by the temperate maritime climate and grapes are warmed in strong sunlight by day and cooled at night by the sea breeze. The long slow ripening period also helps to retain the flavours that make New Zealand wine so distinctive.

Most vineyards offer tastings and wine tours are available in the key wine-growing regions. It's a great way to see the local surrounding scenery, and sample local food and wine.

Kiwi Sounds

"Do it yourself" has always been the key to New Zealand music; a stance partly adopted because of the isolation of Aotearoa and from this a unique and vast music culture has evolved. Kiwi music has varied yet definitive style.

Our venture onto the international scene began in ‘72 with Split Enz, and was followed through 23 years later by Enz member Neil Finn, who took Crowded House to the top of the charts worldwide in 1995. His son Liam has been creating some wildly interesting forms of pop music, playing one man shows around NZ and abroad.

Current kiwi born and bred bands and artists of note include Bic Runga, Salmonella Dub, Che Fu, Pacifier, Katchafire, The Datsuns, Goodshirt, OMC, Anika Moa and The Feelers. The country also has a strong roots and blues scene, which revolves around the live touring circuit, the mainstay being Hammond Gamble and Dave Dobbyn. At the other end of the spectrum is one of the most famous exports, opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanewa and young classical singer, Hayley Westenra.

Kiwiana Town

Otorohanga- the official Kiwiana Town - www.kiwianatown.co.nz