The view from a mountain near Limassol, Cyprus. Photo / 123RF
Diplomats tell us what Kiwis need to know about their homelands.
The thing you probably know about my country is: Halloumi cheese.
But the thing you really should know is: That it is an attraction for millions of tourists every year.
Over there, we think Kiwis are: Friends of Cyprus, due to the Cypriot Community of New Zealand.
On a short visit, you should: Try the amazing cuisine and visit the beachfront cities of Cyprus.
On a longer visit, you should: Take a cultural dive and explore the archaeological wonders.
Our national sport is: Football.
The one food thing you really should try is: Grilled halloumi cheese and souvlakia (kebabs).
Make sure you avoid: Entering Cyprus via illegal ports of entry. The legal ports of entry by air are the international airports of Larnaca and Paphos.
The weather is: Almost always perfect.
Best way to get around: By car.
A handy phrase you should know is: "Ttha ithela" ("I would like").
• Vakis Zissimos is the Deputy Head of Mission/Consul General High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus.
The flight to Queenstown from the capital traditionally takes 55 minutes.