Captain Cookers: The Wild Pigs of New Zealand
In New Zealand, wild pigs are called Captain Cookers, hunted for sport, and apparently make excellent school fundraisers. Just another Tuesday on the road.
-
-
Bulls, New Zealand: A Town Like No Udder
Bulls, New Zealand has a population of about 2,000 people and exactly one joke. They have been making that joke for decades. It never gets old.
-
Waiwera Thermal Resort: Hot Water, Lukewarm Experience (And a Remarkable Second Act)
We drove 30 minutes north of Auckland for hot pools and a lazy river. The lazy river was disappointing. The resort’s story since then, though — that’s something else entirely.
-
Pies and the Bewildered American
I was in a meeting a few weeks after moving to New Zealand, discussing some sort of issue with my co-workers around design. Someone tried to make a point and launched into an analogy about baking a pie. I jumped on the analogy and started adding toppings to the pie including sprinkles and whipped cream…
-
Taihape: Gumboot Capital of the World (and Proud of It)
A town of 1,600 people in the middle of the North Island decided to become the Gumboot Capital of the World. It worked. There’s an annual throwing competition, a corrugated iron sculpture, and you can throw gumboots any day of the year.
-
The Massage Parlours Act of 1978
In 2003 New Zealand passed one of the most progressive prostitution laws in the world — by a single vote. It all started with the Massage Parlours Act of 1978 and a street in Auckland called K Road.
-
The Gallipoli Campaign
Anzac Day marks the anniversary of a military disaster where thousands of New Zealanders died. Kiwis observe it with enormous pride. Once you understand why, it makes complete sense.
-
He Manu o te Moana — The Royal Albatross of Taiaroa Head
A nine-foot wingspan. A 50-year lifespan. One mate for life. The Royal Albatross is remarkable — and the only place in the world you can see them nesting on a mainland is a short drive from Dunedin.
-
Whakarewarewa: The Living Māori Village Where Dinner Cooks Itself
The full name is Tewhakarewarewatangaoteopetauaawahiao. Whakarewarewa for short. It’s a real village built on top of a geothermal wonderland where people have lived since 1325 — and yes, they still cook in the hot pools.
-
How to Talk Like a Kiwi (Part 3)
Kiwis refuse to use three syllables when two will do. They also have a phrase for drunk driving that sounds completely wrong, bacon that isn’t bacon, and a dismissal that’s basically a polite version of a very impolite thing. Part 3 of How to Talk Like a Kiwi.
