Aotearoa - The Land of the Long White Cloud
From snow-capped mountains to rugged coastlines, deep green forests to geothermal wonders, Aotearoa – New Zealand is a land shaped by both ancient stories and natural forces. It’s our home — and a place unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re drawn by the landscapes, the legends, or the laid-back Kiwi spirit, Aotearoa offers something that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Aotearoa-New Zealand is made up of three islands, the two main islands being — “Te Ika-a-Māui”- the North Island, “Te Waipounamu” the South Island, and the smaller but no less special “Rakuira” – Stewart Island . While we don’t list Rakiura as a separate tab, you’ll find it featured under the Southland region in the South Island section — where it belongs both geographically and in spirit. To make things easy to navigate, we’ve grouped our posts by island, with each one branching into regional guides, travel tips, and personal stories.
🗺️ Using Te Reo Māori Place Names
Throughout this website, you’ll notice that we use many of the original place names in te reo Māori, often alongside their English versions. This is intentional — a way of respecting the land, its people, and the stories that came long before us. When you travel through Aotearoa – New Zealand, you’ll see more and more signage in te reo, often followed by the English name, and we want our blog to reflect that same balance.
If you’re new to te reo Māori pronunciation, we’ve got you covered — check out our Māori Pronunciation Guide for a friendly head start. It’ll help you feel more confident saying the names of the places you’ll be visiting — and maybe even spark a deeper connection to this beautiful country.
A Personal Note from Us
As native Māori of Aotearoa–New Zealand, Toni and I have journeyed across every corner of our beautiful country. From the wild shores of Te Tai Poutini – the West Coast to the golden beaches of Te Tara-o-Te-Ika-a-Māui – Coromandel Penisula, we’ve felt the magic of this land again and again. Every trip reminds us just how lucky we are to call Aotearoa home. Through our travels, we hope to share that magic with you — to inspire you to come, explore, and experience the real Aotearoa for yourself.
Coming Soon
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Travel Packing for All Climates
Refreshing Morning Routines for travellers
Best Travel Gear and Travel Accessories
How to Save Money for your Dream Holiday