So what do you think of NZ?

For someone who's stepping into New Zealand for the first time, especially from the hustle and bustle in India, the first thing that strikes is the thinly populated cities and towns.

'So what do you think about our country?' is the question that keeps popping up every time I meet new people.

NZ is a picturesque country with a variety of landscapes and diverse geographic regions. I always tell the Kiwis that it is this sense of casual attitude they sport that makes them come across as a society that is truly happy and contended with what they have.

Even as other cities in the world are racing against time to keep their economies thriving, this country of eco-conscious and socially active people couldn't care less for all that's happening in the world. But in spite of this, 70 per cent of the population logs into the internet every day and most are highly tech-savvy. 'Could they have found the perfect balance between keeping up with the times and having an old-world charm about them?' That's a question I will always ponder over.

Where else in the world would you still find a young working mother being able to bake goodies for her children, find time to attend the local community meeting and be able to dine out with her husband at a swanky Italian restaurant? A 'How do you do?' is not just a casual remark that most of us often use in passing; you will have to answer to that and yes, the New Zealander is definitely waiting patiently for your reply.

The obsession for all things Maori is something I am yet to get used to. Is it the Kiwi way of respecting the original people of this land? Most roads and areas have Maori names and Maori arts and crafts are the most sought-after souvenirs in art stores. 'Kia ora' and 'Haere mai' are used liberally and so is the kumara in various dishes.

The unique flora and fauna in this island nation too are of great interest. It is a virtual haven for botanists and naturalists to study the earth and its resources. The country has rightly decided to go the eco way, long before the world woke up to the consequences of climate change and global warming. With the right policies in this direction, and the right thrust towards tourism, the pristine beauty of this land will probably be preserved in good time.

The transport system however needs a major overhauling! With so many cars on the road, the impact of the pollution will be felt over time, but the Kiwis need to have a good public transport system - in the form of buses or trains to ease the chocabloc motorways. It would be great to see the countryside travelling in a train, and that is something the NZ government needs to work on to promote a cleaner environment.

Another aspect they need to look into is the conservation of their beaches. Though waterfront villas and office spaces sound swanky, the eco-system needs to get top priority.

But inspite of their obsession for cars, a Kiwi is always seeking the thrill of the outdoors on the weekends. So it may be cycling, bungee jumping, rowing or just plain sailing, the taste for the outdoors is a never-ending process with so many places waiting to be discovered.

Their passion for cricket and rugby too cannot be undermined. So as this nation of just over a four million people gears up to welcome the world for the 2011 Rubgy World cup, they are hoping that the infrastructure and facilities will be good enough to showcase their country as a tourist destination.

With such a diverse population, this one-time British colonial outpost now has the world's largest Polynesian population living here. And it amazes me to see how well they have all blended in to provide the perfect Kiwi flavour. 

Genuine, generous and gregarious- thats how every Kiwi who I met came across. They have enormous zest for life, cannot be bogged down by the state of world affairs. Recession is a word that can be flicked away with the wave of a hand and yes, the passion for the great outdoors is relentless.

We asked a visiting journalist from the Times of India for her views on Aotearoa - what did she make of the land of the long white cloud? And its inhabitants?

Do you agree? Let us know...