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New Zealand Arts & Culture

Whilst there may be nine sheep for every person living in New Zealand, it would be wrong to assume that all New Zealanders are farming types and country folk. In fact more than 80% of New Zealanders live in urban areas. Of course, New Zealanders have the advantage of being able to escape to the country usually within a matter of minutes and get to enjoy stunning, unspoilt landscapes and outdoor adventure as well as lively and multicultural arts and cultural scenes.

Due to geographical isolation and economic policies, for many years New Zealanders had to be creative with whatever raw materials they could lay their hands on and to some degree a culture of 'make-do and can-do' is still very much in evidence. A genius for invention and passion for embracing the latest technology is alive and well, with New Zealanders championing Internet technologies and space travel, not to mention exporting fabulous singing, art and crafts talents to the world.

Famous creative Kiwis include: Burt Munro (The World's Fastest Indian), film-maker Peter Jackson, artist Colin McCahon, writers Janet Frame, Katherine Mansfield, Lynley Dodd and Margaret Mahy, explorer Sir Edmund Hillary, scientist Ernest Rutherford,  inventors Colin Murdoch (disposable syringes) and William Hamilton (modern jet boat). And everyday inventions that were once born in New Zealand include: pavlovas, rotary washing lines, tranquiliser dart guns, spreadable butter, stamp vending machines, electric fencing, mountain buggies, jet boats and buzzy bees. The last of which, you can take home with you for the kids!

With diverse and creative talents celebrated in and inspired by New Zealand itself, it's not surprising that visitors can enjoy the work of artists, potters, scupltors and painters in studios, museums, galleries and creative workshops throughout the country. New Zealand culture, richly influenced by Maori and Pacific cultures is just waiting for you to discover it.

For more information about arts and culture in New Zealand, simply select from the list above or search by map.

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