New Zealand Towns - Through the Alphabet Quiz

Answer: Ahipara

Ahipara (population: 1038 approx.) is at the Southern end of 'Ninety Mile Beach'. The beach is actually only 55 miles long but is one of the most well known beaches in New Zealand. Visitors can visit the beach and enjoy sand surfing down the dunes. 'Ahipara' means 'sacred fire' in the Maori language and the area has a proud history of gum digging and seafaring adventures. For more information on Ahipara, see 'www.ahipara.co.nz'.

Answer: Bulls

In the town of Bulls (population: 1755 approx.), many of the offices and stores have names ending in 'bull'. Outside the police station there is a sign that says 'const-a-bull'. There is a local antique store called 'Afford-a-bulls Antique Emporium'. Outside the pharmacy is a sign saying 'Indispens-a-bull'. Bulls is located in the Rangitikei district and is near the Ohakea airforce base.

The town was originally called Rangitikei but was changed to Bulls in recognition of the important role that Mr James Bull had in establishing the township. For more information on Bulls (including pictures of some of the signs), see 'www.unforgetabull.co.nz'.

Answer: Cromwell

Cromwell (population: 2667 approx.) is in the heart of 'stone fruit country' and there is a statue commemorating this outside the town. In the peak picking season, visitors can readily purchase nectarines, plums & peaches from roadside stalls. The new lake that was created through the flooding is Lake Dunstan.

The location of the original town of Cromwell is now under Lake Dunstan. As a part of the flooding, several of the most historic buildings were moved to higher ground for future generations to enjoy. For more information on Cromwell, see 'www.cromwell.org.nz'.

Answer: Dargaville

Dargaville (population: 4530 approx.) is located on the Wairoa River in the west of Northland. Originally established as a timber town, farming has now become the main industry, with dairy farming and crop growing as primary industries. Driving north from here, visitors can enjoy the picturesque Kai Iwi Lakes and drive on through the Waipoua Forest where they can marvel at the largest kauri tree in New Zealand - Tane Mahuta. For those that don't know, 'kumara' is a local type of sweet potato. For more information on Dargaville, see 'dargaville.co.nz'.

Ruawai in New Zealand also claims its the kumara capital!

Answer: Eltham

The town of Eltham (population: 2100 approx.) is near to the city of New Plymouth, which was home to Tom Cruise as he acted in 'The Last Samurai'. Eltham is well known for its cheeses and is a busy commercial centre for the local dairy farmers. Named after the town of Eltham in Kent, England, many of the buildings are in Victorian or Edwardian style.

It is well known as a town of firsts. Eltham's bridge, built in 1906, was the first tarsealed bridge in New Zealand. Eltham was also home to the first dairy factory in New Zealand, opened in 1887. For more information on Eltham, see 'www.stdc.co.nz/index.php?page=home.php'.

Answer: Fairlie

Fairlie (population: 723 approx.) experiences some of the coldest temperatures in New Zealand during the winter months. The town was named after the town of Fairlie in Ayrshire, Scotland, the birthplace of the town's first hotel owner. Good skiing is available at nearby Fox Peak and Mt Dobson. For more information on Fairlie, see 'www.fairlie.co.nz'.

Answer: Glenorchy

Glenorchy (population: 402 approx.) is a delightful town located at the head of Lake Wakatipu in Central Otago. Just 20 kilometres on from Glenorchy, you can find 'Paradise'. In reality, 'Paradise' is just a paddock but the gravel road there runs through beautiful farmland. For the affluent, one of New Zealand's top lodges, Blanket Bay, is nearby. For more information on Glenorchy, see 'www.glenorchy.com'

Answer: Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs (population: 663 approx.) has been known for its thermal waters for over 100 years. The sensation of bathing in the pools while enjoying the mountain scenery is wonderful. Visitors to the area can also enjoy a variety of adventure activities including bungy jumping, jet boating and white water rafting. For more information on Hanmer Springs, see 'www.hanmer.co.nz'.

Answer: Invercargill

Invercargill (population: 46,305 approx.) is the main settlement in Southland and is a major service town for the local farming community. The town was named as a tribute to William Cargill, a Scottish pioneer who was significant in the administration and settlement of the Southland region.

It is the gateway to New Zealand's third major island, Stewart Island. Visitors can get to Stewart Island by taking a ferry from nearby Bluff or taking a flight from Invercargill airport. The Southern Sting netball team are heroes in Invercargill, having won the local nationwide netball competition six times. For more information on Invercargill, see 'www.invercargill.org.nz'.

Answer: Jerusalem

The township of Jerusalem (or Hiruharama to the Maori) (population: 255 approx.) is located on the Whanganui River in the south west of the North Island. It was an important fishing village and was also where Suzanne Aubert (better known as Mother Mary Joseph) established the congregation known as the 'Sisters of Compassion'.

In 1972, James K Baxter created a community here structured around aspects of Maori communal life. He is buried here. For more information on Jerusalem, see 'www.compassion.org.nz/centres/jerusalem.htm'

Answer: Kerikeri

Kerikeri (population: 4854 approx.) is the major commercial centre in the Bay of Islands area in Northland. A large number of itinerant workers gather here to help gather in the crops. The Kerikeri Basin is the site where Maori welcomed missionaries in 1819 to establish a church mission settlement. Accordingly, Kerikeri is home to the oldest stone building in New Zealand - the Stone Store and the oldest surviving building in New Zealand - Kemp House (erected in 1821). For more information on Kerikeri, see 'www.kerikeri.co.nz'.

Answer: Lyttelton

The township of Lyttelton (population: 3042 approx.) is perched between the Port Hills and the sea. Only 12 kilometres from Christchurch, the town is accessed by a tunnel under the Port Hills or a more scenic route over the top of the hills. A port was established in Lyttelton in October 1849.

The location was chosen as it was just a short distance from excellent flat land (the Canterbury Plains). Today, popular harbour cruises can be enjoyed including one where you can see Hector's Dolphins.

Answer: Methven

Methven (population: 1134 approx.) is a small town which is quiet for most of the year, but comes alive from June to September when it is crowded with skiers. During the summer, golfers can enjoy nearby golf courses and all visitors can also enjoy jetboat rides through the nearby Rakaia Gorge.

The town was established in 1869, and was named after the Scottish home of one of the early settlers, Robert Patton. For more information on Methven, see 'www.mthuttvillage.co.nz'.

Answer: Ngaruawahia

Ngaruawahia (population: 4935 approx.) is a small town situated at the convergence of the Waikato and Waipa Rivers, just 19 kilometres north of Hamilton. Once planned as the capital city of New Zealand due to its strategic location, the town is one of the oldest settlements in New Zealand.

The Maori King's marae is off limits to non-Maori except for one day in March when the annual Ngaruawahia waka regatta is held beside nearby Turangawaewae Marae. If you are in New Zealand at this time, this is a great opportunity to experience genuine Maori culture. Also nearby is the sacred Maori burial ground of Mt Taupiri. For more information on Ngaruawahia, see 'www.waikatonz.co.nz/index.asp?PageID=2145832530'.

Answer: Opononi

Named 'Opo' after the town, this dolphin was a popular attraction in 1955 for visitors to this Northland town on the banks of the Hokianga Harbour (population: 597 approx.). The dolphin played with children and learned to perform numerous tricks with beach balls.

It became a national icon with a song called 'Opo the Friendly Dolphin' being popular at the time. A sculpture of the dolphin marking the dolphin's grave is outside Opononi's pub. For more information on the Opononi area, see 'www.hokiangatourism.org.nz'.

Answer: Punakaiki

The Pancake Rocks & Blowholes near the small township of Punakaiki (population: 70 approx.) are one of the prime tourist attractions on the West Coast of the South Island. The limestone rocks have formed into what looks like stacks of pancakes, through a weathering process known as stylobedding. For more information on Punakaiki, see 'www.punakaiki.co.nz'.

Answer: Queenstown

Queenstown (population: 8538 approx.) is known worldwide as the centre of 'adventure tourism' in New Zealand. Bungy jumping, white water rafting, jetboating, river sledging, paragliding & canyoning - it's all available here. The scenic beauty of this compact town is spectacular.

There is lots to do for the less adventurous traveller as well - enjoy a lake cruise on the TSS Earnslaw; visit the Queenstown Motor Museum or take a ride up the Skyline Gondola for spectacular views of the area. In winter, Queenstown becomes a skiing mecca and the annual Queenstown Winter Festival is extremely popular. For more information on Queenstown, see 'www.queenstown-nz.co.nz'.

Answer: Russell

Russell (population: 804 approx.) is across the bay from Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands. This peaceful town hides a violent past including the War of the Girls together with violent battles during the Northland Land Wars. Visitors to the town can enjoy the old buildings of the town as well as take a cruise out to the 'Hole in the Rock'.

These old buildings include 'Pompallier House - the first Roman Catholic Mission in New Zealand and 'Christ Church' - the oldest existing church in New Zealand. For more information on Russell, see 'www.russell.gen.nz'.

Answer: St Arnaud

The Nelson Lakes National Park is a beautiful area that boasts popular walks and hiking trails in summer and great skiing in winter. The two glacial lakes of Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa are the centrepiece of the park and St Arnaud Village (population: 200 approx.), on the shores of Lake Rotoiti, is the main centre.

Answer: Te Anau

The township of Te Anau (population: 1854 approx.) is on the shores of Lake Te Anau (New Zealand's second largest lake) and is at the southern end of the highway into Milford Sound. The main town of Fiordland, the town is the starting point for walkers on the famous Milford Track. Across the lake, visitors can also visit the impressive Te-Ana-Au glowworm caves. For more information on the area around Te Anau, see 'www.fiordland.org.nz'.

Answer: Urenui

Urenui (population: 414 approx.) is located 16 kilometres from Waitara and is a typical New Zealand small town. The town is situated by some high sand dunes. Also nearby is the White Cliffs Brewing Company where you can sample natural beers. For more information on the area around Urenui, see 'www.taranakinz.org'.

Answer: Whakatane

Whakatane (population: 17,775 approx.) is in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, lying on a natural harbour at the mouth of the Whakatane river. One of the sunniest parts of the North Island, visitors are attracted to nearby beaches. Of course, many visitors also like to go by boat or helicopter to see the spectacular White Island. For more information on Whakatane, see 'www.whakatane.com'.

Answer: Waiouru

Waiouru (population: 1647 approx.) is a popular rest stop for drivers making the journey from Auckland to Wellington. One of the coldest places on the North Island in winter (sitting at 815 metres above sea level), the town acts as a service town for the nearby army base. Visitors can visit the impressive QEII Army Memorial Museum, which tells the history of the New Zealand army in times of war and peace. For more information on Waiouru, see 'www.newzealandnz.co.nz/destinations/waiouru.html'.

Answer: Waikanae

The township of Waikanae (population: 6924 approx.) is a pleasant town about 5 kilometres north of Paraparaumu. The main attraction in the town is the Nga Manu Sanctuary which is a 15-hectare bird sanctuary with a variety of habitats and a large number of birds.

This is a good place to see New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi. Also nearby is the excellent 'Southwards Car Museum'. For more information about the area around Waikanae, see 'www.naturecoast.co.nz'.

Answer: Wanaka

Wanaka (population: 3330 approx.) is located just over 100 kilometres from Queenstown, at the southern end of Lake Wanaka. It is the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park and is also surrounded by several popular ski fields including Treble Cone and Cardrona. On the outskirts of the town is the excellent 'Puzzling World Maze' which was the original three-dimensional maze.

The annual 'Warbirds over Wanaka' air show attracts people from around the world. For more information on Wanaka, see 'www.lakewanaka.co.nz'.