New Zealand Brand

11/07/2025

🔥 When New Zealand Sizzled: The 3 Hottest Days Ever Recorded! 🔥

New Zealand is known for its mild climate, but there have been a few scorching exceptions. The hottest day ever recorded in Aotearoa took place on 7 February 1973, when Rangiora in Canterbury soared to a sweltering 42.4°C. It remains the nation’s highest verified temperature, making the quiet Canterbury town a place of weather legend.

That same day, Jordan in Marlborough wasn’t far behind, hitting a blistering 42.2°C. These back-to-back record temperatures were the result of a powerful nor’wester, a dry, hot wind that races down the eastern side of the Southern Alps, dramatically heating as it descends.

Coming in third was Christchurch Airport, which reached 41.3°C on 6 February 2011. It was Waitangi Day, but instead of a cool summer celebration, Cantabrians battled one of the hottest days in living memory. People flocked to the beaches, fans sold out, and the city baked under clear skies and scorching sun.

These extreme highs aren’t just weather trivia, they highlight how parts of New Zealand, particularly the eastern South Island, can experience dramatic temperature spikes. With climate change increasingly influencing weather patterns, these hot days may not be so rare in the future.

Next time you’re in Rangiora or Christchurch on a warm day, just remember, you’re walking on record-breaking ground!

11/07/2025

This is how fast conditions change in New Zealand!

Conditions can change quickly in winter – within 45 minutes in this example from last week in South Canterbury.

These photos were taken 45 minutes apart at the same location (look at the building on the left side of the photo to get your bearings).

In winter, travel can be disrupted by intense periods of heavy rain, ice, and snow. If you’re heading out in icy or snowy conditions, carry warm clothes, water, and food in case you get stuck or need to wait for the weather to improve. You should also make sure you have at least half a tank of fuel or battery range in case you encounter detours or diversions.

Pull over somewhere safe if you need to stop. If you get stuck call roadside assistance or a towing company to help, and in an emergency call 111.

Check our pages before you travel. Our priority is your safety. Be prepared for us to close state highways if conditions make it unsafe to travel.

We have nine regional pages where we publish live updates about travel on state highways. Follow us for updates if you aren't already – you can find more information in this post: https://www.facebook.com/nztransportagency/posts/pfbid0FSzkpU3WTJ7YDcNHKQGD6KjfbxEqSWQgvezDsHB8VZgoxtTMTmS6j5erpU55NPRzl

11/07/2025

The Mysterious Kaimanawa Wall – New Zealand’s Ancient Enigma

Tucked away near the Kaimanawa Ranges in New Zealand's central North Island lies one of the country’s most intriguing mysteries, the Kaimanawa Wall. This stone formation, discovered near the town of Taupō, has sparked fascination, debate, and even conspiracy theories for decades. Some believe it is a man-made structure dating back thousands of years, created by an unknown civilization long before Māori arrived in Aotearoa. Others argue it's simply a natural geological formation shaped by the forces of time and erosion.

The wall features large stone blocks, some appearing to be stacked with almost perfect symmetry, with sharp right angles and straight lines that resemble ancient stonework seen in South America or Egypt. To some observers, this has suggested intentional design, possibly by a pre-Polynesian culture, a theory that challenges the established historical timeline of human settlement in New Zealand.

In 1996, a report by GNS Science concluded that the wall is likely a natural ignimbrite outcrop, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. However, this scientific explanation hasn’t silenced speculation. Amateur archaeologists, explorers, and alternative historians continue to revisit the site, drawn to the idea of a forgotten people whose stories have never been told.

The New Zealand government and most academic institutions maintain that there is no evidence of a civilization in Aotearoa before Māori arrival around the 13th century. Yet the Kaimanawa Wall remains a topic of wonder, a stone sentinel guarding its secrets.

Is it nature’s perfect illusion or a relic of a lost chapter in history? Until more conclusive evidence emerges, the Kaimanawa Wall will continue to spark curiosity and imagination.

11/07/2025

Should this be allowed?

The Return of the Moa: Sir Peter Jackson Backs Bold Plan to Revive Extinct Giant

New Zealand’s most legendary extinct bird, the giant, flightless moa, may soon walk the land once more. In a groundbreaking de-extinction project backed by filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson, scientists are working to bring the moa back to life using cutting-edge genetic technology.

De-extinction is a process where DNA from an extinct species is recovered and used to recreate the species, typically by editing the genome of a close living relative. In the case of the moa, researchers are focusing on the little bush moa, the smallest of the nine moa species. By comparing ancient moa DNA from preserved bones with the emu’s genetic code (its closest living relative), scientists aim to reconstruct the moa’s genome.

The project is being led by a team including Otago University’s Professor Nic Rawlence, a paleogeneticist who has been studying moa DNA for over a decade. Joining him are international experts in gene editing, including those involved in the revival of the woolly mammoth in the United States through Colossal Biosciences.

Sir Peter Jackson, passionate about New Zealand’s unique natural history, is providing both financial and public support, believing the project could be a powerful symbol of conservation and scientific progress.

While no species has been fully revived through de-extinction yet, partial successes like the cloning of the Pyrenean ibex in Spain and gene-editing work on mammoths and dodos have paved the way. New Zealand’s moa project is one of the most ambitious, and symbolic, efforts to date.

If successful, the moa could one day roam protected reserves, offering a glimpse into New Zealand’s ancient past and a powerful message about reversing human-driven extinction.

11/07/2025

Where in New Zealand is this?

11/07/2025

The Return of the Moa: Sir Peter Jackson Backs Bold Plan to Revive Extinct Giant

New Zealand’s most legendary extinct bird, the giant, flightless moa, may soon walk the land once more. In a groundbreaking de-extinction project backed by filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson, scientists are working to bring the moa back to life using cutting-edge genetic technology.

De-extinction is a process where DNA from an extinct species is recovered and used to recreate the species, typically by editing the genome of a close living relative. In the case of the moa, researchers are focusing on the little bush moa, the smallest of the nine moa species. By comparing ancient moa DNA from preserved bones with the emu’s genetic code (its closest living relative), scientists aim to reconstruct the moa’s genome.

The project is being led by a team including Otago University’s Professor Nic Rawlence, a paleogeneticist who has been studying moa DNA for over a decade. Joining him are international experts in gene editing, including those involved in the revival of the woolly mammoth in the United States through Colossal Biosciences.

Sir Peter Jackson, passionate about New Zealand’s unique natural history, is providing both financial and public support, believing the project could be a powerful symbol of conservation and scientific progress.

While no species has been fully revived through de-extinction yet, partial successes like the cloning of the Pyrenean ibex in Spain and gene-editing work on mammoths and dodos have paved the way. New Zealand’s moa project is one of the most ambitious, and symbolic, efforts to date.

If successful, the moa could one day roam protected reserves, offering a glimpse into New Zealand’s ancient past and a powerful message about reversing human-driven extinction.

10/07/2025

Red Alert! Torrential Rain and Dangerous Weather Sweep Across New Zealand

A powerful weather system has triggered a Red Warning for heavy rain in New Zealand's Tasman District and multiple Orange Warnings across the country, as torrential rain and gale-force winds lash both islands.

Issued on July 11, the Red Warning, the highest level issued by MetService, warns of 80 to 120mm of rain falling over saturated ground, leading to life-threatening flooding, slips, and impassable roads. Residents in the Tasman region are urged to stay home, avoid floodwaters, and be ready to evacuate if needed.

Meanwhile, widespread Orange Warnings have been issued for Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Coromandel, Marlborough, Nelson, and Taranaki, where 70 to 100mm of rain is expected, along with strong northeasterly winds. Thunderstorms could dump up to 25mm per hour, raising the risk of flash floods and road closures.

MetService says the weather is driven by a moist northerly system pulling warm ocean air from the Tasman Sea, resulting in intense, prolonged rainfall. Areas recently hit by wet weather, like Nelson and Tasman, are at higher risk due to already saturated soils.

Local councils and Civil Defence have activated emergency plans, with Nelson–Tasman still under a state of emergency from previous events. Authorities warn the public to prepare for power outages, stay off the roads, and keep emergency supplies ready.

As this storm continues into the weekend, conditions may worsen. Stay updated through MetService and local alerts.

➡️ Stay safe. Stay informed. And don’t take risks near water or slips.

10/07/2025

AI Cheating Scandal Rocks NZ Schools: 59 Students Caught in Exam Breach

A major academic integrity scandal has erupted in New Zealand after 59 high school students were caught using artificial intelligence tools to cheat during exams. The revelations, confirmed by school authorities and reported in national news outlets, have sent shockwaves through the education sector as schools grapple with the growing challenge of AI misuse in assessments.

The students, from several schools across the country, reportedly used generative AI platforms like ChatGPT to complete written assessments and internal assignments. In many cases, the work submitted showed suspiciously advanced vocabulary and phrasing, prompting teachers to investigate further. After forensic digital checks and plagiarism reviews, schools confirmed the involvement of AI-generated content.

New Zealand’s Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has expressed deep concern, stating that while technology in education can be a powerful tool, using it dishonestly undermines trust and fairness in the system. “We are working closely with schools to provide clearer guidelines and better detection tools,” an NZQA spokesperson said.

Disciplinary actions have varied, with some students facing loss of credits, while others were asked to resubmit work or attend academic integrity workshops. Education Minister Erica Stanford called the incident a “wake-up call” and emphasised the importance of balancing innovation with ethics.

With the increasing accessibility of AI tools, schools are now re-evaluating their policies, with some opting for more in-person assessments and handwritten tests to mitigate risks.

The incident has sparked a national conversation about the role of AI in education, with many calling for proactive teaching around digital literacy and ethical use.

As technology continues to advance, educators, parents, and policymakers will need to stay one step ahead to maintain the integrity of New Zealand’s education system.

10/07/2025

Reflections of Paradise: Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown Gardens 🌄🌿

Tucked into the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Lake Wakatipu is one of the country’s most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders—and there’s no better place to take in its beauty than from the peaceful Queenstown Gardens Walkway.

Just a short stroll from the bustling town centre, Queenstown Gardens offers a serene escape with panoramic views that seem pulled straight from a postcard. The walkway wraps around a peninsula that juts into Lake Wakatipu, offering stunning vistas of the Remarkables mountain range, Cecil Peak, and the shimmering turquoise waters of the lake itself.

As you meander along the trail, you’re surrounded by towering exotic trees, colourful native flora, and the sounds of water lapping against the shoreline. Early mornings offer mirror-like reflections across the lake, while golden sunsets light up the mountains in a soft glow. It’s no wonder this spot is a favourite for both photographers and romantics alike.

Lake Wakatipu’s unique lightning bolt shape and mysterious “tide” (the lake rises and falls about 10 cm every 25 minutes!) add to its magic and mystique. Whether you’re walking, picnicking, or simply soaking in the view, Queenstown Gardens provides a front-row seat to one of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

10/07/2025

Whisky Falls: A Hidden Gem in Nelson Lakes National Park 🥾🌿

Tucked away in the breathtaking Nelson Lakes National Park, Whisky Falls is a peaceful and picturesque destination that rewards walkers with a perfect blend of native forest, lake views, and a cascading waterfall. Situated along the western shores of Lake Rotoiti, this 8.6 km return track is one of the region’s most enchanting short hikes.

The walk begins from the Mt Robert car park or the West Bay jetty. For those looking to cut some distance, a water taxi from St Arnaud can drop you directly at the start of the track. From there, the gentle trail winds through lush beech forest, echoing with birdsong from tūī, bellbirds, and fantails. The air is fresh and earthy, and at times, the canopy opens to reveal magical glimpses of Lake Rotoiti—a vast, deep blue expanse framed by dramatic alpine ridgelines.

After around 90 minutes of walking, you’ll reach Whisky Falls, a delicate 40-metre cascade tumbling over mossy rocks. While the name hints at a hidden whisky stash from bygone days (a nod to local legends), today the real treasure is the tranquil setting.

Whisky Falls is perfect for a mid-level walk with big rewards—ideal for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone craving a peaceful escape into New Zealand’s pristine wilderness.

10/07/2025

Ice Age Aotearoa: The Three Coldest Days in New Zealand History ❄️🇳🇿

New Zealand may be known for its lush rainforests and golden beaches, but when winter tightens its icy grip, some regions transform into frozen frontiers. Let’s turn back the clock and explore the three coldest temperatures ever recorded in Aotearoa, moments when time seemed to freeze in place.

1. Ranfurly –25.6°C (July 17, 1903)
In the heart of Otago’s Maniototo Plain, the small town of Ranfurly earned its place in history over a century ago. On a still, crisp morning in July 1903, temperatures plummeted to a staggering –25.6°C. The landscape turned ghostly white, and locals battled frozen pipes, icy troughs, and livestock needing urgent shelter. For decades, Ranfurly held the title for the coldest temperature ever recorded in New Zealand.

2. Tara Hills –25.6°C (July 3, 1943)
Forty years later, this bone-chilling record was matched by Tara Hills, near Omarama in the Mackenzie Basin. The area is known for clear skies and dry air, perfect conditions for extreme frosts. On July 3, 1943, Tara Hills recorded –25.6°C, tying with Ranfurly for the coldest temperature in the nation’s history. The cold was so intense it froze over stock troughs and left thick hoar frost blanketing the countryside.

3. Ophir –21.6°C (July 3, 1995)
More recently, on July 3, 1995, the tiny Central Otago settlement of Ophir recorded a brutal –21.6°C. Though not the coldest, this frost became legendary. Photographs of frozen windshields, icy water tanks, and a town wrapped in white mist went viral across the country. It reminded Kiwis everywhere just how bitter Otago winters can be.

These three historic freezes are more than just numbers, they’re powerful reminders of nature’s force in even the most unexpected corners of New Zealand.