New Zealand is located in the southwestern regions of the Pacific Ocean and is made up of two large islands (North Island and South Island). The country also includes many smaller islands that are scattered around their bigger counterparts including Stewart Island and Chatham Islands.

In Maori, it is called Aotearoa, which means Land of the Long White Cloud.
The population of New Zealand is mostly descended from Europe and the native Maori are the biggest minority. Other minorities include non-Maori Polynesian and Asians.

Geographical Features

New Zealand is noted for its geographic isolation. The closest neighbors are New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga.

The two main islands that comprise New Zealand are Te-Ika-a-Maui (North Island) and Te Wai Pounamu (South Island) along with a number of smaller islets. The total land area of New Zealand is 268,680 square miles. New Zealand has a coastline of 15,134 kilometers.

The South Island is the largest cohesive land mass and is divided by the Southern Alps. The highest peak Aoraki (Mount Cook) at 3754 meters is located here. There are 18 peaks of over 3000 meters in the South Island.

North Island is less mountainous but it is more volcanic. The tallest mountain in the North Island is an active volcano called Mount Ruapehu.

Climate

New Zealand's climate is mild and strays between cool and warm. Local weather conditions can vary from wet and cold to the drier climes in the Basin.

What to see

New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world whose landscape is so beautiful that is has been used in several leading Hollywood films. For people who wish to experience natural beauty at its best, New Zealand is a good choice.

New Zealand is also famous for its traditional music that has roots in the Maori traditions as well as early British influences.

Due to its isolation from the rest of the landmasses on the planet, New Zealand has some unique species of plants and animals. Over 80% of all the flora that exists is New Zealand will not be found elsewhere. For ecologists and nature lovers New Zealand is very unique and should certainly not be missed.

Sports lovers will also enjoy New Zealand whose national sport is rugby but where other sports like cricket, netball, lawn tennis, soccer, golf, cycling, and many water sports are enjoyed on an equal basis. New Zealand is also leads the world in yachting.