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New Zealand Study Abroad: Online gems

Books from your Core Reading List and other recommended reads on NZ

 

Traveling through a different country is an easier and more enriching experience, when you have a basic understanding of its history, contemporary cultural and societal norms, and are prepared in where you want to visit and how to get there.

Check out these authoritative websites to gain fast facts about NZ history and culture, as well as travel ideas and tips!

Latest from Tourism New Zealand

"Tourism New Zealand. Share your photos and experiences using #NZMustDo or #RealMiddleEarth to give us permission to re-post on Facebook & Instagram."

Recommended websites for...

Most links are quite similar. Most take you to an authoritative website providing a country snapshot on New Zealand (NZ).

Some links may have additional, or more in-depth, information than others. 

Delve deeper into NZ history and culture by exploring these webpages / websites: 

Traveling through a different country is easier for you and more respectful to its residents when you demonstrate a basic understanding of the contemporary cultural and societal customs. And, you get a lot more out of the experience!

Where to go, what to do, what to see! Recommendations from renowned tourism organizations and publishers:

Evaluate websites and other sources with the CRAAP Test

Picture via ThePinsta.com
The CRAAP Test

Librarians in the US and from around the world recommend the CRAAP Test as it's applicable to all source types, and it's easy to remember!

Zoom into the "Take the CRAAP Test" infographic on the right and save a copy for yourself.

Alternatively, download a PDF at the end of this box.

C stands for
Currency

The timeliness of the information

  • When was the information published or posted?
  • Has the information been revised or updated?
  • Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well? Are the links functional?
R stands for

 
Relevance

The importance of the information for your needs

  • Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
  • Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
  • Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?
A stands for

 
Authority

The source of the information

  • Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
  • What are the author's credentials or organizational affiliations?
  • Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
  • Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
  • Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net
A stands for
Accuracy

The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content

  • Where does the information come from?
  • Is the information supported by evidence?
  • Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
  • Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
  • Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
  • Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?
P stands for
Purpose

The reason the information exists

  • What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
  • Is the information fact, opinion, or propaganda?
  • Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
  • Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

"CRAAP Test" infographic and wording reproduced from UC San Diego Library, who adapted it from CSU Chicco