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Culture Introduction > New Zealand
New Zealand has an incredibly rich and dynamic history and culture. It is thought that only the birds lived here before around 1400 AD so all of our human history is fairly recent. Our Maori heritage in particular is as much about the here and now as it is about the past.Key Facts Introduction > New Zealand
Basic facts. New Zealand is a small country. About the size of Great Britain, Colorado or Japan, New Zealand has a population of only four million people so it’s gloriously uncrowded. New Zealand's spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforests. It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers.
New Zealand is a young country. A thousand years ago man was not here. It was a land of forests, mountains and beaches, untamed and untouched. If you want to discover the natural soul of New Zealand, there are no better places to go than the spectacular National Parks. The National Parks are the real gems of this country, preserving the natural heritage, the forests, the wildlife and the landscapes, close to – and in some cases, exactly – as it was before man was here.
National Parks > New Zealand
Nature Introduction > New Zealand
New Zealand is a land of nature and a land of immense natural diversity. The scenic attractions alone – the stunning landscapes, glorious beaches, the upthrust volcanoes and spectacular geothermal activity – will leave you reaching for superlatives. There’s the lush and diverse flora, the product of our temperate climate and geographic isolation.
New Zealand is situated in the South Pacific ocean, between latitude 34'S and 47'S. The country runs roughly north-south with mountain ranges down much of its length. There are two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, with a third smaller island in the south, Stewart Island. New Zealand’s position atop the grinding plates of the Pacific Rim of Fire has resulted in a unique landscape and an unrivalled variety of landforms. In a couple of days' drive, you can see everything from snow-topped mountain ranges to sandy beaches, lush rainforests, glaciers and fiords, and active volcanoes.
Regions Introduction > New Zealand
New Zealand's spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforests. Although it is roughly comparable in size to Japan or Colorado, New Zealand's population is only just over four million people, making it one of the world's least crowded countries. It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers.