By Tony Maniscalco

When in New Zealand walking, you’ll often stroll right past a particular tree or a stunning flower without realising its particular cultural significance. New Zealand’s national emblems all reveal a fascinating insight into the country’s culture and history. Where better to see them than out in the great outdoors?

New Zealand’s National Tree

New Zealand’s national tree is the silver fern, an endemic plant that has been known to grow up to heights of 10 metres. The silver fern is referenced many times throughout New Zealand culture: not only is it the emblem of the New Zealand Progressive Party and the All Blacks rugby team, but also appears on the national coat of arms and many of the country’s dairy products.

Maori tribes originally used the plant as a marker in the forest while hunting or taking part in food forays. The first man into the forest would turn over a leaf of the silver fern and the last man would turn it back. This helped the tribe to move through the forest as a unit, unobserved, and also gave them direction. Which is why, much later on, the All Blacks picked it as their team emblem.

New Zealand’s National Animal

On your New Zealand walking holiday you’ll find that Kiwis have two animals that they claim are their national emblem. First of all there are the sheep, which outnumber residents of the country by 12 to 1. The most common breed of sheep in New Zealand is an English breed called the Romney. The Romney is bred for two purposes: meat and wool. While lamb is an important export, wool is also extremely important to the country’s economy and New Zealand is responsible for producing 25% of the world’s total wool.

While sheep may be important for New Zealand’s economy, you’ll find that the tuatara, a little fellow you may discover when in New Zealand walking, is what many locals actually refer to as New Zealand’s national animal. The name tuatara derives from the Maori language and simply means ‘peaks on the backs’. The lizard has been endangered since 1895 and now is in an extremely vulnerable position.

New Zealand’s National Bird

A small flightless bird called the Kiwi is the national bird of New Zealand and it is also from whom the locals takes their nickname. The national bird first appeared on New Zealand regimental badges in the late 19th century and it was during the First World War that the term ‘Kiwi’, for a New Zealand solider, came into use. This term later spread into popular use to include all New Zealand nationals.

The kiwi bird is around the size of a chicken and when you’re out and about in New Zealand walking you’ll be extremely lucky if you spot one in the wild. If you do happen to come across one of these nocturnal birds foraging on the forest floor, be warned, as the birds are extremely shy when it comes to humans.

Kiwis are quite fascinating birds – not only are they the only bird species with nostrils at the end of their break, but they’re also famous for laying the largest eggs in relation to their body size. If you meet a kiwi while in New Zealand walking don’t be fooled by the plumpness of these chicken-sized birds; they can easily outrun a human and have sharp three-toed feet which enable them to attack their enemies.

About the Author: Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While in New Zealand walking with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices

Source: isnare.com

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