2020 Scenic Definitives

The 2020 Scenic Definitives were issued to accommodate this year’s postal rate increase. This year’s issue of two new gummed stamps includes the first $10 stamp issue since 1997, featuring Aoraki Mount Cook.

$4.00 Island Bay, Wellington

Island Bay sits on the south coast of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Since the creation of the 854-hectare Taputeranga Marine Reserve in 2006, this area has been under the protection of the Department of Conservation, and marine life populations have blossomed. Its waters are home to a rich variety of marine life, from invertebrates like octopus, rock lobsters, crabs and starfish, to over 180 fish species. Almost half of New Zealand’s seaweed species can be found here, and the bay is also frequently visited by dolphins and whales.

On clear days, the South Island’s Kaikoura Ranges are visible from parts of the coast. Tapu Te Ranga Motu, the island the bay is named after, was once a battle refuge for Māori. The suburb later became home to European fishing communities, and a cluster of fishing boats is usually moored in the sheltered bay.

$10.00 Aoraki Mount Cook

Te Waka-o-Aoraki is an early name for the South Island of New Zealand. According to local legend, the island is an overturned canoe and the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps are Aoraki and his three brothers, turned to stone by the south wind. Local iwi (tribe) Ngāi Tahu consider Aoraki to be the most sacred of their ancestors.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Reserve makes up the majority of New Zealand’s only international dark sky reserve. Its 23 peaks offer some of the best mountaineering landscape in New Zealand, and the entire park offers a base for accessible alpine activities. New Zealand’s highest mountain was the training ground of Everest pioneer Sir Edmund Hillary.  

August 2020 International Postage Rates

Highlighting some of New Zealand’s significant mountains and waterways, an August issue of 2020 Scenic Definitives reflects changes to international postage rates.

$3.50 Fitzroy Bay, Marlborough Sounds

Accounting for 1,500km of New Zealand’s coastline, the Marlborough Sounds rests at the northern tip of the South Island. Bordered by a delicate collection of sheltered inlets and bays, its three main bodies of water are Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds.

$4.20 Whanganui River

New Zealand’s longest navigable river runs from Mount Tongariro down into Whanganui National Park. For over 800 years, Māori have lived here, and along the river are many marae (Māori meeting houses). Local iwi (tribes) have a strong connection with the river.

$4.70 Mount Ngauruhoe

Mt Ngauruhoe has been active for at least 2,500 years. Historically New Zealand’s most active volcano, it has produced more than 60 eruptive episodes since 1839, but there have been no eruptions since 1975. The mountain became a special attraction for visitors after it played the role of the fictional Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings.