New Zealand [antikvár]

IntroductionIn 1884, the European Andreas Reischek, wrote of New Zealand " and like a carpet at your feet, in endless gradarions of light and shade, the New Zealand bush spreads out in green waves downwards to the edge of the ocean."Even today, despite much of the country being heavily modified by agriculture and the vigorous growth of modern sprawling cities. New Zealand is blessed with vast areas of wild bushland, a rugged backbone of alpine peaks, volcanoes, hot springs, clean water and remote unfrequented beaches. New Zealand is home to a relic of the reptile world, the Tuatara, and strange flightless birds, notably the Kiwi and the nocturnal Kakapo, the largest parrot in the world. Seen by many as a haven of peace, New Zealand continues to thrive in a world racked by tension and overcrowding. While some merely focus attention on New Zealand's achievements in various international sporting fields, the tiny country has rocketed into prominence in the 1980s as a result of its nuclear-free policy. In general, New Zealanders care for their environment and take great pride in the maintenance of an extensive national park system. The World Heritage designation of South Westland is seen as a major wilderness of international significance. New Zealand's environmental management skills have become a highly sought-after commodity especially throughout South-East Asia.As a tourist destination New Zealand is firmly on the map as a place for a quiet relaxing holiday at a coastal village or perhaps for a "farm-stay" experience on a high country sheep station. For the more adventurous who relish clean air and outdoor activities. New Zealand is a paradise for siding, yachting, mountaineering, scuba-diving, kayaldng and fishing. Many consider New Zealand as "the walking capital of the world" - a place to leave the automobile behind.Separated from the ancient supercontinent Gondwanaland for the last 100 million years. New Zealand lies in isolation on the southern rim of the Pacific Ocean - a glittering necldace of verdant, tranquil islands inhabited by people of Maori,