New Zealand Newsletter – June-2023

ICICI Bank introduces VACATIONS – your monthly travel newsletter!

Month’s theme Introduction:

Embarking on a dream journey to the other end of the earth may seem like a distant fantasy to many but New Zealand offers an adventure that every traveller would wish to take. The breathtaking scenery of New Zealand is a perfect backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its snow-capped mountains, untouched beaches, stunning glaciers and lush forests offer a spectacular feast for the eyes. The journey to this island nation may be long and arduous but the experience is well worth the effort.

New Zealand is often referred as ‘Middle Earth’ by the fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Many other visually stunning movies like X-Men, The Chronicles of Narnia, Vertical Limit etc. were also shot here. New Zealand is the obvious choice for any movie which requires fantasy landscapes.

June to August are peak winter months in New Zealand. These months bring snow to mountain peaks around the country and clear, crisp days. In the North Island you might encounter more rain while the South Island is colder but drier. These are the months when we see New Zealand in its 100% pure white splendour.

Soul Trip:  Stuff that travel dreams are made of

Travel dreams are often what motivate people to work hard, save money, take time out and head to their next holiday destination. They involve exploring new cultures, new people and breathtaking landscapes. Every tourist has a special place they want to see whether it's a particular city, a beach, a mountain range or a cultural landmark. The desire to travel and explore is a fundamental part of the human experience. Travel offers the promise of new experiences, personal growth and unforgettable memories. It allows us to step out of our comfort zones, learn about different ways of life and capture amazing moments.

Discover Your World

New Zealand: Land of the Long White Cloud

In recent times, a lot of us know about New Zealand not only because of Peter Jackson’s movies but also because of their famous ex-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, and their cricket team too! But New Zealand has been called ‘God's own country’ and the ‘Paradise of the Pacific’ since the early 1800s.

New Zealand was the last significant land mass on earth where humans settled. East Polynesians reached New Zealand about 700 years ago in a series of oceanic canoe voyages to begin settlement on what was to become New Zealand. Their population grew rapidly and led to the extinction of many unique species of flightless birds including all 9 species of Moa. Over time their culture in these colder lands became the unique Māori culture that the artists of Captain Cook recorded.

An interesting fact you might not know about New Zealand is that it is called Aotearoa. The name was originally used by Māori in reference to only the North Island with the name of the whole country being Aotearoa Me Te Waipounamu (North Island and South Island). In the pre-European era, Māori did not have one name for the country as a whole.

The most popular translation of Aotearoa is ‘land of the long white cloud’ or variations thereof. This refers to the cloud formations which helped early Polynesian navigators discover the country.

Māori culture continues to play an important part in everyday life. There are abundant opportunities for visitors to understand and experience both the past and present day Māori life.

New Zealand has a rich heritage and an authentic story of early human civilisation. The best way to experience New Zealand is to immerse yourself in its nature and culture.

Driving is by far the easiest way to explore New Zealand at your own pace. You will find it easier to reach lesser known regions and uncover hidden delights often overlooked by the main tourist trails.

Although the train network is also a good way to travel in New Zealand, it has limited departures and hence is not a popular way to travel. Train journeys in New Zealand are more of a scenic experience and a way to travel between Christchurch and Greymouth on the South Island or Auckland and Wellington on the North Island. For the rest of your travels, it is likely you will need to pair train travel with either a self-driven car / campervan or a hop on hop off bus. Use our indicative itinerary to help you plan a <10> day trip to this magical land of the long white cloud.

Travel Smart

Coping with Jet Lag and Time Zone Differences – part 1

Jet lag is a common problem that many people face when they travel to different time zones. It can be quite difficult to adjust to a new time zone if there is a significant difference in the number of hours. Symptoms of jet lag can include fatigue, headaches, irritability and difficulty in sleeping. However, there are several things that you can do to help cope with jet lag and adjust to a new time zone. In this feature, we will discuss some tips that can make your next trip more comfortable.

1. Adjust your sleep schedule before you travel: If you know that you will be traveling to a different time zone it can be helpful to start adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before you leave. Gradually shifting your bedtime and waking time can make it easier to adapt to the new time zone when you arrive.

2. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help combat dehydration that often occurs during air travel. Dehydration can worsen the symptoms of jet lag, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your flight.

3. Get plenty of sunlight: Exposure to sunlight can help regulate your body's internal clock and make it easier to adjust to a new time zone. Try to spend some time outdoors during the day especially in the morning to reset your body clock.

4. Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep so it is best to avoid them during your flight and for a few days after you arrive at your destination.

5. Exercise: Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of jet lag and improve your overall health. Try to engage in some physical activity during your trip even if it is just a short walk around your hotel or few minutes of warm ups in your room.

6. Take naps: Naps can help reduce fatigue and make it easier to adjust to a new time zone. However, be careful not to oversleep as it can make it more difficult to fall asleep at night.

7. Use natural remedies: There are several natural remedies that can reduce the symptoms of jet lag such as melatonin supplements, chamomile tea and lavender oil.

While jet lag can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience it is definitely manageable. If you follow these tips, some of which start even before your journey begins you will feel a difference and have a faster recuperation from the symptoms of jet lag.

 Sustainable Travel Tip of the Month

“To get a sample itinerary for New Zealand, "Click here”

Let us be Responsible Travellers

Preserving Nature

New Zealand is promoted as 100% pure country. Its air is fresh and water is clean. However, in recent times climate change is having a significant impact on New Zealand.

The country is experiencing rising temperatures, increased rainfall and more frequent extreme weather occurrences such as floods, droughts and wildfires. These changes are having a range of effects on the environment including the loss of biodiversity, changes to the ecosystem and damage to infrastructure.

One of the most visible impacts of climate change in New Zealand is the retreat of glaciers. Many of the country's glaciers have been shrinking rapidly in recent years which is a clear sign of rising temperatures. This loss of glaciers is not only calamitous for the residents but for travellers and as unbelievable as it may sound, New Zealand suffers from wildfires as well. The risk of fire in many parts of New Zealand has increased due to rising temperatures, strong winds, low rainfall and humidity associated with climate change.

As responsible travellers, we should be aware of such issues and remember to follow best practices when we visit a place as fresh and clean as New Zealand.

It is important that we follow best practices like usage of minimum plastic, opting for public transport and avoid littering. While choosing flights try to find the ones with a smaller carbon footprint. Don’t waste water and electricity. Support local, small businesses. If each traveller will follow these guidelines we can make a big contribution to preserving nature.

‘VACATIONS’ is powered by OneShoe Trust for Responsible & Mindful Travels – a social enterprise that promotes travelling as a means to raise awareness about climate change and environmental issues. Incubated at IIM Bangalore, OneShoe is the source of most authentic travel experiences around the world.

Link: oneshoetravels.com