New Zealand - Maori with Ta Moko Tattoos

Beautiful postcard sent by Sarah from New Zealand, showing a Maori with typical Ta Moko tattoos, the traditional permanent Maori marking of body and face. Other than normal tattoos, Ta Moko markings are made by chisels called uhi, which leaves the skin with textured grooves. 

What makes this card even more special are the stamps on the back. The stamp on the left shows Kupe, who according to legend, discovered New Zealand / Aotearoa and brought the Polynesians to this newly discovered land. The stamp in the middle shows Maui's boat. Legend says that Maui fished up New Zealand from the ocean.

I really love it when card and stamps add up like this and make me do research about a topic.

Thank you very much Sarah !!!

Penguins on Snares Islands, Subantarctic Aotearoa / New Zealand (UNESCO)

Another treasure sent by my postcard hero Rod Eime :)
The subantarctic islands of New Zealand, or Aotearoa in Maori language, have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. The Snares Islands (Tini Heke in Maori language) are located southwest of Stewart Island. The Snares crested penguin is endenic to the island along with 3 other land birds. The islands have the distinction of being the only forested group of Subantarctic islands with no introduced mammals.
Thank you a lot Rod Eime for this awesome card !!!

Tranz Alpine, New Zealand

Adriennegarry sent me this awesome card for the Fast Favourites Tag on Postcrossing. It shows the Tranz Alpine. It runs between Christchurch and Gerymouth, which makes it a coast to coast adventure which is often named among the most beautiful train rides worldwide due to the fantastic landscape.

Tamaki Maori Village, Rotorua, New Zealand

Tamaki Maori Village is a tourist attraction in the outskirts of Rotorua, New Zealand. It offers a trip into the Maori history and traditions, with food, song and dance.
This beautiful card was sent by Adrienne for the Postcrossing Favourites Tag.

Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

The Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park in New Zealand, located on the north end of the south island. It was established in 1942 and named after Abel Tasman, the first European explorer to sight New Zealand in 1642.
Tania Hatfield sent me this great postcard for a Yahoo Groups Swap.

New Zealand Map

Absolutely gorgeous map card of New Zealand, sent by Adrienne (adriennegarry) for the Postcrossing Favourites Tag.

New Zealand Map

An awesome new mapcard of New Zealand for my collection. Adriennegarry sent it for the Postcrossing Favourites Tag with a great Rugby World Cup stamp :)

Lyttleton Harbour, Christchurch, New Zealand

A great view of Lyttleton Harbour, Christchurch in New Zealand with a cruise ship leaving port. An official Postcrossing card (NZ-52951) sent by Nastya.

Oamaru, New Zealand - received during the holidays

For the WiP Orange swap this card came from Karen in New Zealand, showing sights in Oamaru, including an orange shed :)

Aoraki / Mt. Cook with Lake Pukaki (UNESCO), New Zealand - May 14, 2010

A wonderful UNESCO card came from Karen Hackman today, fabulous! I had a few Aoraki cards already, but this is a new one ! It is for the WiP May General Swap. Thanks a lot Karen :)