New Zealand really is a great place to visit, live or work. The standard of living is high and it has some of the most spectacular un-spoilt landscapes on our planet. New Zealand has two main islands, they are know as the North and South Islands. This video focuses on the North Island and we start our journey in Wellington that was named the capital city of New Zealand in 1865. Separated from the northern tip of the South Island by a 20 mile stretch of water (known as the Cook strait) Wellington is built around a wide circular harbor in a basin of steep hills. The city is referred to as "Windy Wellington" because the straits seem to funnel every slight breeze into a gust of wind. Captain Cook arrived in 1773 by which time the harbor was lined by Maori settlements. We took the Kelburn Cable Car from the heart of the CBD. At the top we had a wonder view of the city and harbor. The Wellington's botanic gardens and the Lady Norwood rose garden are also located there which made f! or a beautiful backdrop. We sailed onto Napier, the main city on the idyllic Hawks Bay. Thanks to a violent earthquake in 1931 (of 7.8) it has also become an art deco treasure. The earthquake flattened most of the city, which was rebuilt in the fashionable new style. Hawks Bay is a fairly rural area that boasts being New Zealand's first wine growing region. It has many hectares of pristine vineyards and orchards; we visited three wineries as we drove around the area and tasted some of the fruits of the
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