You can feel the warmth. It does not even have to be a hot day. It is rather this sincere interest to approach one another, the curiosity about someone else. About what they have to tell. It is warmth that comes from within. In New Zealand it is part of everyday life, of culture, of normal interaction with each other – and there is even a word from the native language for it. It is ‘Manaakitanga’.

There is no simple literal translation for that. In the broadest sense, the term stands for ‘best hospitality’ and includes being there for others, caring for them, always helping them to the best of one’s abilities.

Manaakitanga is a beautiful word, it has sound, a melody even. The most beautiful of it is that it is really lived on the island at the other end of the world. Every stranger here is a friend you just have not met yet. Someone who has made a long journey to experience grandeur: this vastness, this freedom, this grandiose nature – and all the moments with the locals, the New Zealanders. If you would like to find out for yourself how Manaakitanga feels, we would be happy to arrange everything.

Photo: ©  Anupam – stock.adobe.com