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New Zealand lies between 34 and 47 degrees south latitude and consists of two long, narrow main islands, North Island (114,500 square km) and South Island (150,700 square km).
North Island, with its golden beaches, ancient kauri forests, lakes, volcanos, thermal areas, and large cities (including Wellington, the capital), is the more densely populated.
South Island, with its snowcapped mountains, glaciers, lush native bush, and fiords, is the larger of the two, proudly called "the mainland" by residents (though North Islanders are quick to disagree!)
Tiny Stewart Island (1,750 square km), an unspoiled, bird-filled bush and beach paradise at the foot of the South Island, is the closest most people ever get to the Antarctic.
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Also within New Zealand's territorial jurisdiction lie several small island groups, including the Chatham, Kermadec, and Tokelau Islands, Campbell Island, Auckland, Antipodes, Snares, Solander, and Bounty Islands, and Ross Dependency, Antarctica.
Surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean on the east and the Tasman Sea on the west, New Zealand appears to be a mere speck on the globe, and yet it's about 1,770 km from top to bottom--similar in size to the British Isles or Japan.
Australia, 2,092 km northwest, is New Zealand's closest neighbor, and because of this relative proximity the two countries are often mistakenly believed to be one.
But beware! To innocently suggest this to "Kiwis" (as New Zealanders like to call themselves) is to risk running afoul of their good natures. New Zealand is an independent self-governing nation.
New Zealand is renowned worldwide for its pure, natural environment, which is carefully preserved by the Department of Conservation. The far south has been designated a World Heritage Area in recognition of its natural, unspoilt beauty.
The country was first named Aotearoa (The Land of the Long White Cloud) by the Maori and has a population of 4.0 million.
New Zealand is: breath-taking views around every corner... You can see towering peaks, active volcanoes, breathtaking glaciers, deep fiords, sparkling lakes, primeval rainforests, geothermal areas, golden beaches and green pastures - in a wilderness environment that truly touches the spirit.
You will get a warm welcome wherever you travel around New Zealand. So why not join us and taste the Kiwi lifestyle of outdoor adventure and sports, indigenous Maori culture, breathtaking scenery, vibrant city life, fine food and wine, and much more.
You'll find the lifestyle laid-back, but if you venture into the great outdoors look out for the amazing kiwis.
They love to throw themselves off bungy platforms and get white knuckles clinging to inflatable rafts and jet boats.
They keep devising new innovative physical challenges for visitors to experience and just can't resist having a go' themselves.
Getting around New Zealand is easy with an efficient air service and flexible coach, rail and ferry network for tour groups and independent travellers.
The range of climatic conditions varies from warm, sub-tropical areas in the far north to the cooler climates of the south.
We have a small country with a big outdoor attitude. Kiwis can't fly but they'll have a go at everything else.
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