In the vastness of the ocean, a narrative as whimsical as a dream unfolds, telling the tale of a protagonist who, though succumbed to the sea’s abyss, is graced by fate with an unexpected twist. Awakening from slumber, he finds himself adrift on an isolated island. Initially resigned to a solitary demise, his explorations reveal a paradise of a parallel world, brimming with mystery and wonder. Online jesters quip, “Is this not a true reflection of New Zealand?”
Though lighthearted, the jest carries weight. New Zealand, an island nation suspended in the ocean, seems forgotten at the world’s edge. Dubbed “the world’s loneliest country,” its seclusion is not just geographical but also an intrinsic trait. To its south lies the frigid Antarctica; to the east, the vast Pacific, as if shielding its quietude from the world’s clamor. Even Australia, its closest neighbor, is a full 1600 kilometers away.
On this solitary land, New Zealand often slips from global recognition—overlooked by world internet regulators’ maps, missing from Esri’s mouse pads, absent from the IMF’s logo. Yet, it is this solitude that endows New Zealand with its unique allure. Like a steadfast island, it floats quietly, unassuming yet captivating.
Here, one can encounter nature in its raw purity and experience a tranquility that feels cut from the rest of the world. New Zealand, in its solitude, narrates its tale in its own distinct manner.
The World’s Most Contentedly ‘Lazy’ Country
It is the island’s unique living environment that has given rise to the New Zealanders’ distinctive “lying flat” life philosophy. They maintain a calm demeanor toward life’s vicissitudes, as if saying, “Let the world rage on; I remain unshaken, committed to my languor!”
Children are spared the burden of heavy tutoring and are released early from school, while parents regularly immerse them in nature to explore, experience, and grow. The working adults staunchly oppose overtime, valuing their rest with over 140 days of vacation per year. Lingering in the office for even a second past quitting time is seen as a disservice to family.
The country’s work efficiency seems to slow in every field. Mornings in cafes are serene; shops close their doors early in the evening. Online shopping for seasonal clothing must be done half a year in advance, earning New Zealand the playful title of “the world’s laziest country.”
Yet, if asked whether they covet a life of luxury, New Zealanders would likely respond with a chuckle and a shake of the head. They’ve already achieved it, with a GDP per capita surpassing $41,400, even outstripping the UK, rightfully placing them among the ranks of developed nations.
But New Zealanders prefer subtlety over ostentation. With their wealth, they choose to invest in life’s pleasures. They shy away from luxury brands and elaborate grooming, even embracing a “barefoot culture.”
Instead of karaoke bars, they prefer yachting or venturing into nature—hiking, skiing, crabbing by the seaside—basking in nature’s gifts. This is the New Zealander’s way of life, a true embodiment of their “lying flat” philosophy, enjoying simplicity and abundance.
The World’s Last Pristine Sanctuary
Though New Zealand occupies less than 3% of China’s territory, its 270,000 square kilometers of land are vast for an island nation. Like a radiant gem, it rests upon the blue waves of the South Pacific, a veritable treasure island. Its breathtaking beauty, once heard of, becomes even more astonishing upon witnessing it firsthand.
The North Island is sketched with hundreds of dormant and 26 active volcanoes, painting a picture of grandeur. The South Island is a masterpiece of nature, with 18 peaks soaring over 3000 meters and more than 3000 glaciers reflecting off each other, crafting a pristine paradise.
Moreover, New Zealand is like a living painting. The picturesque fjords, serene hot springs nestled in forests, stunning subtropical beaches, and mysterious rainforests offer a variety of enchanting scenes. Here, a grand 5D visual feast unfolds continuously, with the magnificent vistas and the essence of nature creating a dreamlike world.
