7/1/1931 - Completion of first trans-Tasman solo flight
Australian Guy Menzies' flight from Sydney ended in some embarrassment as he crash-landed his Avro Avian bi-plane in a swamp at Harihari on the West Coast.
Today in History
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Cook Strait rail ferries
On a fine, calm day ‘Cruising on the Interislander’ can be like a luxury Mediterranean cruise. But Cook Strait can be one of the world's roughest stretches of water: seasickness, dodgy food and wildcat strikes have all been part of the colourful Cook Strait ferry story. More...
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Pencarrow Lighthouse
On 1 January 2009 Pencarrow Lighthouse at the entrance to Wellington Harbour celebrated its 150th anniversary. New Zealand’s first permanent lighthouse, Pencarrow was also home to this country’s first – and only – female lighthouse keeper. -
On top of the world: Ed Hillary
The legendary mountaineer, adventurer and philanthropist Ed Hillary, who died on 11 January 2008 – a year ago this month – was the best-known New Zealander ever to have lived. His familiar, craggy face even adorns our $5 note. -
Kiwi Christmas
Christmas in New Zealand is less about snow and sleigh bells and more about sun, sand and backyard barbecues. Over the holiday season we explore the Kiwi Christmas experience – from Abel Tasman’s first New Zealand Christmas in 1642 to the declining reign of the Queen’s message. -
The memorials register
More than 450 memorials are currently listed on the register. Find your local memorial with our interactive location map, or help us find out about the ones we've missed.
