10 random facts about New Zealand

(or 10 things you never knew that you needed to know!)

One thing that stands out about New Zealand is that it is a country of amazing variety in terms of its geography, its weather, its scenery and its people. It is definitely a country that is worth visiting even though it is really remote and a long way from everybody.

I have just spent the last two months in New Zealand and it's been a voyage of discovery for me and although I only restricted myself to the North Island on this visit, there was so much to see and so much to do.

As I travelled around, certain things struck me and I thought I would make a list of the most random things that I saw or came across during my time here.

So here goes:

Fact 1: The largest lake in New Zealand is Lake Taupo. This 623-square-kilometre (240-square-mile) volcanic lake trumps this top 10 list by far! It is almost twice the size than the second lake on this list and is said to be bigger than the whole of Singapore. Imagine Singapore's population of 5.4million all fit in the shape of that lake!

Fact 2: Getting around the major cities is easy without a car. The national network of buses/coaches, running under the Inter-City Bus Co is fast and efficient and fully recommended for travellers on a budget.

Fact 3: If you've never tasted L&P, then you haven't lived. It's New Zealand's version of lemonade but with a twist. It is so moreish and once you have one you want another. But you can only get it in New Zealand, i think, but I could be wrong.

Fact 4: Coffee, and coffee shops, are everywhere, and I mean everywhere. The Kiwis run their lives based on drinking copious amounts of coffee hahaha.

Fact 5: NZ has a mega ridiculous collection of craft beers that are all great. My favourite is the Hazy IPA, namely either Tuatara or Macs Apparition. I have kicked drinking Guinness now as a result.

Fact 6: EFTPOS is everywhere in NZ so you don't need cash. Even if you buy a simple coffee or an ice cream, literally everyone accepts the 'tap and go' card now.

Fact 7: Kiwis have no patience when it comes to driving and a traffic queue of 4 cars is like the end of the world to them. NZ roads are so quiet in comparison to the Northern Hemisphere but not according to your average Kiwi.

Fact 8: Rotorua has 8 lakes! I never thought it had any, but I am proved wrong. And it has an airport too!

Fact 9: Road signs indicating where a road is, are on the opposite side of the road. So if you are turning right into a road, the road sign for that road will be on the left hand side of the road (and vice versa). Why? No idea!

Fact 10: NZ has the best toilets ever for cleanliness, unique style and copious supplies of toilet roll. Enough said!