New Zealand’s Lifestyle – Part 2

If the range of activities described in New Zealand Lifestyle Part 1 have left you feeling exhausting, here are other New Zealand lifestyle gems which are more relaxing.

New Zealand’s Vineyards and its Wine
New Zealand has been producing wine for over 200 years but it’s only since the 1970s that wine became a commercial option. Brancott Estate was the first winery to plant vines (1973) and it launched its first vintage of Marlborough sauvignon blanc in 1979. Cloudy Bay was the second winemaker to product Marlborough sauvignon blanc in 1985. Today the Marlborough area of New Zealand is considered one of the best winemaking locations on the planet.

New Zealand has around 12 wine regions, with Marlborough, Central Otago and Hawke’s Bay producing the most award-winning wines. However, every region has its winners and meandering from one vineyard to another is an exceptionally relaxing way to spend a day, weekend or holiday. Many of the vineyards have excellent restaurants to complement their superior wines.

New Zealand – Foodie Heaven
Kiwis love food. Whether its street food or fine dining, you’ll find an array of fresh, interesting food for all nationalities to enjoy. Wine and food festivals abound. With over 100 to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

When it comes to fine dining, New Zealand not only has some world-renowned restaurants, it has also produced some talented international chefs. Peter Gordon is probably New Zealand’s best-known chef, with restaurants around the globe. He’s known as the father of fusion cuisine; a melding of eastern and western food styles, which he pioneered in the 1980s.

Josh Emett is another product of New Zealand. He’s worked in some of the best restaurants in the world and has his own in Queenstown, Auckland, Hamilton and Dunedin. One of his restaurant chains is called Madam Woo, which he describes as serving Malaysian hawker food. Al Brown, Simon Gault and Annabel Langbein are also among the many who have had a strong influence in developing New Zealand’s restaurant and food culture.

New Zealand’s coastline ensures that there’s always fresh seafood on the menu. And, of course, there’s succulent lamb, beef and pork for the meat lovers. The wave of Asian migration over the last 20 years has resulted in some incredible authentic Asian eateries which are being noticed worldwide. Whatever your taste in food, you’ll find it in New Zealand.

Other Less Strenuous Pastimes
New Zealand has a very active arts scene, with performances ranging from classical to Indie, opera to pantomime, Shakespeare to farce, ballet to tap and everything in between. It also has good museums, exhibitions and art galleries, where you can while away a few hours.

Horse racing and motor racing are both very popular in New Zealand, but let’s not forget other sports. Kiwis enjoying watching and participating in a variety of sports, but rugby appears to be the national passion. Watching the All Blacks perform the haka before a big rugby match is a sight to behold.