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Croatia is the destination that’s on the tip of everyone’s a similar population to New Zealand’s). It has a brilliant
tongue. You really can’t talk about European holidays these mix of climates: Continental in the northern and eastern
days without hearing Croatia’s name being mentioned. regions, alpine in the central area of the Plitvice Lakes,
“Oh you went to Italy? But did you sail around Croatia?” It and Mediterranean along its Adriatic coastline. Driving
goes something along those lines. south from the capital city of Zagreb, you leave behind its
Croatia is a country I have known and loved all of my rolling hills and reach the hinterland of the lake region in
life. Despite being born in New Zealand, I was strongly only two hours – absolutely refreshing. Within another two
influenced by my Croatian heritage so it’s no surprise that hours you’re on the doorstep of the breathtaking Adriatic
Croatia has always been close to my heart. coastline.
I’ll never forget my first trip when I was nine years old. I The mix of climates is complemented by natural beauty
was so excited to finally be visiting what my grandmother and a rich cultural heritage that is a testament to the
called “the old country”. We flew into Split on the Adriatic resilience of its people from past centuries to present
Coast and I remember looking out the window and being time. Take a walk through the Old Town of Dubrovnik,
struck by the intensity of the rich blue Adriatic Sea. It the Diocletian Palace in Split or Pula’s Arena from the 1st
was also the very first time I encountered spectacular century AD and can’t help but be transported back to
landscapes like the ones that make up the Dalmatian another time.
coastline. The islands of Hvar, Brač and Korčula looked like Depending on your preference, any time from March
they’d been glittered along the coastline, sparkling like through to November is a great time to visit. Bear in mind
gems. Today I feel privileged to be working in a role that that June to August are the hottest months with daily
allows me to share my passion for Croatia with thousands temperatures averaging in the late 20s and even into the
of New Zealanders from all over the country. 30s at times. Expect balmy summer nights.
So, what is it that makes Croatia so special? There is
definitely not just one answer! Croatia is a diverse country Story continues on page 10 >>
despite being half the size of the North Island, (but with

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