How Mr. and Mrs. Gock Saved the Kumara
A three-minute film about two Chinese refugees who came to New Zealand as children, became the country’s largest kumara growers, saved an entire crop from extinction, and refused to be paid for it. Watch it.
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New Zealand’s Only Castle (And Its Surprisingly Scandalous History)
William Larnach built New Zealand’s only castle in the 1870s. His last wife had an affair with his son. He shot himself in parliament. The castle is beautiful. The story is a lot.
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When the Hooter is Sounded: Whanganui’s Underground Elevator
Whanganui has an underground elevator built inside a hill. It has been running since 1919. There is an operator. It costs $2.50. At the top are 176 spiral steps and one of the best views in New Zealand.
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Tirau: The Corrugated Capital of the World
Tirau has a population of about 800 people and a giant corrugated iron dog, sheep, and ram on its main street. It calls itself the Corrugated Capital of the World. It’s not wrong.
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The Butter Conditioner: A Small Appliance With a Very Big Fan Club
I moved into a new apartment in New Zealand and my partner was excited about the fridge. Specifically, about a small compartment inside it. I had no idea what a butter conditioner was. I still think it’s a bit much. But I’m starting to understand.
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New Zealand Shakes: Life on the Ring of Fire
New Zealand gets around 20,000 earthquakes a year. Most you’ll never feel. Some you won’t forget.
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The Kontiki: New Zealand’s Most Relaxing Way to Fish
I’d never heard of a kontiki before I moved to New Zealand. It’s a motorized torpedo that takes your fishing line two kilometres out to sea while you sit on the beach with a cold beer. Of course it’s a Kiwi invention.
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Kiwi Treason: The Things You’re Not Allowed to Dislike in New Zealand
In New Zealand there is a list of things a loyal Kiwi must love. Pineapple Lumps are on it. Rugby is on it. Marmite is on it. I have opinions about all of these.
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New Zealand Travel | NZ: Only in New Zealand | NZ: South Island | NZ: Where to Go and What to Do | The Road Less Traveled
Milford Sound Really is All That
Rudyard Kipling called Milford Sound the eighth wonder of the world. The drive there is the most beautiful I’ve ever been on. The sandflies are mean and cruel. All of this is true.
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Southern Hemisphere Winter: All the Christmas Feelings, None of the Christmas
It’s winter in Auckland, it’s dark and cold, and I want to hum Christmas carols. It’s July. Christmas is five months away. Nobody warned me about this part of moving to New Zealand.
