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Learn all about this incredible country on our New Zealand Facts page.


Hi and welcome,

if you are looking for some New Zealand facts, then this is the site for you (scroll down for the answers to some commonly asked questions about New Zealand).

Just click on the links for information on things like the New Zealand population , the ever changing Climate of New Zealand, (have a look at our climate map of New Zealand also), New Zealand history and New Zealand animals , to name a few.

Rotorua's Pohutu Geyser

New Zealand is a diverse country, offering visitors an incredible variety of scenery and climate. From rugged coastlines, to raging glacial rivers, to majestic snow-capped alps, and thermal wonderlands, New Zealand has something for everyone. Summers are warm and dry, and winters are often cold, with snow in many areas (making it a destination of choice for snow boarders and those wanting to ski New Zealand).

New Zealand is made up of a series of islands. The two main islands are the North Island and the South Island. The official Maori names for them are Te Ika a Maui (which means the fish of Maui) for the North Island, and Te Wai Pounamu (meaning the waters of greenstone) for the South Island.

New Zealand is also a country with a rich and varied culture. The New Zealand Maori people are the original inhabitants, and their unique influence on the day to day fabric of New Zealand is there for all to see and enjoy. New Zealand has a rich blend of european and other cultures, in what is now a true multi cultural nation.

Cape Foulwind on the South Island's West Coast

New Zealand also has a strong sporting heritage, with their most recognised sport being Rugby Union. The National team is known as the New Zealand All Blacks , and Kiwis are passionate about their team. Without fail, if you ask a Kiwi about rugby, they will talk for hours on the subject. The traditional New Zealand Haka , is always performed by the All Blacks before an international match, and is a real eye opener, as they lay down the "challenge" to their opponents. The New Zealand national anthem , God Defend New Zealand, is also proudly sung by locals and their team before all major sporting fixtures.

New Zealand has a lot to offer all visitors (and don't forget the very favourable New Zealand exchange rate-see our Currency Calculator), so please take the time to explore New Zealand Facts and the various links.

And if you are traveling to New Zealand, please check our New Zealand Tourist Information page (or scroll down to the bottom of this page).



Key New Zealand Facts

    * Population - Around 4 million

    * Location - About 2,000 kilometres South East of Australia in the Tasman Sea

    * Language - English and native te reo Maori

    * Currency - The New Zealand Dollar

    * First Settlement - Around 1250 A.D. by the Polynesian people

    * First European Contact - 1642 A.D.

    * New Zealand was the first country to allow women to vote, way back in the 1890's

    * Total coastline 15,134 kilometres

    * Total area 268,021 square kilometres

    * Highest peak Aoraki Mount Cook at 3,754 metres

    * Symbol - the Silver Fern

    * Most famous wildlife - the flightless Kiwi

    * National Sport - Rugby Union (the national team is the New Zealand All Blacks)

    * Government - Constitutional Monarchy and parliamentary democracy. Queen Elizabeth is the Head of State

    * Climate - from sub-tropical in the north to alpine in the higher mountain areas

    * Capital City - Wellington

    * Largest City - Auckland


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