New Zealand New Zealand

New Zealand has fast become one of the most desirable travel destinations for inspired travellers, both young and old.

From the dazzling scenery that is evident throughout both of New Zealand’s impressive islands, to the heart pounding activities that this island nation has become so famous for over the past decades. From the northern most point to the southern most tip, New Zealand is just oozing beauty, character, and pure excitement.

The Bay of Islands to the north of Auckland provides a tropical environment which would be at home on any southern pacific island, which is a stark contrast to the glacial peaks of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, and the snow lovers paradise of Queenstown creating the heart of the South Island. New Zealand is as diverse as it comes, offering a whole host of activities whether you want to bask on a sun kissed beach, or churn up some powder in a winter wonderland. New Zealand quite simply has it all!

Quick Facts

Name

New Zealand

Location

Australasia

Bordering Countries

New Zealand is an island nation, that does not have a border with any other countries

Capital City

Wellington

Government

Constitutional Monarchy, Parlimentary System

Population

4 million

Language

English and local Maori languages

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Poverty

N/A

Main Exports

Dairy products, Meat, Wood and Wood products, Fish, Machinery

Climate

New Zealand's climate is complex and varies from warm subtropical in the far north to cool temperate climates in the far south, with severe alpine conditions in the mountainous areas

Time Zone

GMT +12

Flag New Zealand

Fun Facts

  • The first sheep arrived in New Zealand with Captain James Cook in 1773, and sheep now outnumber people by approx. 13:1
  • New Zealand is home to the world’s only flightless parrot, the Kakapo, as well as the world’s only alpine parrot, the Kea
  • Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to climb Mount Everest in 1953, was a New Zealander

Travel Highlights in New Zealand

  • Get your hiking boots on and complete the Tongariro National Park crossing. Some amazing sights and a feeling of real freedom
  • Face your fear and take on some extreme sports in New Zealand’s adventure and party capital, Queenstown
  • Take on the glacier trek, or take a helicopter ride, to the top of the hugely impressive Franz Joseph Glacier
  • Visit one of the countries most beautiful and peaceful areas, Milford Sound, and take in the amazing landscape
  • Take the plunge and explore the underground cave systems at Waitomo on a Black Water Rafting trip

Where is New Zealand?

New Zealand is an island nation located to the south east of Australia, approx. 2000 km across the Tasman Sea, in the South Pacific Ocean. Being an island nation, New Zealand therefore does not share any geographical borders with any other nations, and is contained by some truly amazing coastline.

New Zealand is a long, narrow country consisting of two major islands, the North Island and the South Island, with many other smaller islands, such as Stewart Island, making up the rugged coastlines. New Zealand has an unbelievable diverse terrain, with amazing tropical beaches in the North, to stunning mountainous backdrops to the south. As you travel throughout this country, you will soon find that nowhere is the same, as the landscape chops and changes continuously in a striking fashion.

Climate of New Zealand

New Zealand has a temperate climate, with moderate rainfall and many hours of sunshine. Seasonal weather in New Zealand means that there are many seasonal activities to suit all weathers, so no matter what time of year you embark on your Kiwi travels, you are sure to find activities to keep your adrenaline pumping and your eyes wide with awe.

While the far northern areas, north from Auckland, experience subtropical weather during the summer, and the inland alpine regions of the South Island can be subjected to temperatures below freezing during the winter months, much of the country that is located close to the coast, experience generally mild temperatures year round. The average temperature decreases as you travel south. The seasonal climate means that the summer periods of January and February are the warmest months, and July is the coldest month. Summer temperatures usually range between 20ºC and 30ºC (70-90°F), and winter temperatures average between 10ºC and 15ºC (50-60°F).

Language in New Zealand

There are two official languages in New Zealand, English and Maori. Up until 1987 English was the only official language of New Zealand, however due to the widespread support for the Maori language and culture, Maori was introduced as another official language.

In 2006 New Zealand was the first country in the world to declare sign language as an official language, with New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) joining English and Maori as an official language, and is now respected as the main language of the deaf community in New Zealand.

Maori Language (Te Reo Maori)

Maori is a language that is confined to New Zealand is used nowhere else in the world, and despite being accepted as an official language, it is in a constant struggle against being lost, as English is becoming the lingua franca for all common commercial, schooling, and other activities in the country. It is only through recent appeals that the Maori language has gain widespread support, and you will soon find during a visit to New Zealand that the Maori communities are extremely proud of their culture and their language.

People of New Zealand

New Zealand’s friendly and down to earth people will be up there with one of the highlights of your trip to New Zealand, and something you will certainly treasure about your visit to this inviting island nation.

With a slightly crazy mixed history of Maori, European, Pacific Island and Asian cultures, New Zealand’s population has become a bit of a melting pot, however if you speak to any true New Zealanders, there are certain consistent features that make them unique. The population of New Zealand came around when the ancient Maori voyagers, who some 400 years before the likes of Christopher Columbus, travelled thousands of miles over the vast Pacific Ocean in small ocean going canoes and settled on this diverse land. These days, of the 4.4 million New Zealander’s (or Kiwis), approx. 69% are of European descent, 14.6% are indigenous Maori, 9.2% are Asian and 6.9% are Pacific Islanders.

Geographically, New Zealand’s population density is confined to small areas of the country with over three quarters of the population living on the North Island, with a staggering one third living in the Auckland area.

Travelling in New Zealand

Travelling around New Zealand is incredibly easy. As the country has an extremely well developed infrastructure with public transport available in the form of buses, trains, planes and taxis, getting from one dazzling destination to the next could not be easier.

Different people will have different ideas of fun or relaxing travel, so for those who like to do things at their own pace there is always the option of buying a car or camper van, driving round to your chosen destinations, and then selling it on to one of the travelling community at the end of your time in New Zealand. Alternatively, if you have specific destinations that you are keen to visit, you can make use of the internal flights, or the train service, taking you to central locations in big cities and towns.

Probably the most popular way for travellers to get around New Zealand is on one of the many bus services that travel round the country, stopping at all the local hotspots so you can take in the astonishing surroundings and take part in some of the most exhilarating activities available. These bus trips are a great way to make friends, and in most cases you will be dropped at reputable hostels and alternative accommodation, and certain trips will be arranged for you making your travels very hassle free.

New Zealand is quite simply jam-packed with things to do, with activities to suit any traveller’s needs. Many are keen to explore the country’s magnificent landscapes and coastlines, and take in some of the countries scenic wonders. Others may be on an adventure quest, and if so there is a long list of thrilling activities available to get your heart pumping, such as ski-diving, bungee jumping, black-water rafting and luging. Or if it is a relaxing holiday, you can put your feet up and enjoy the hot springs, gorgeous vineyards, and cultural delights.

Gap Year and Career Breaks in New Zealand

New Zealand is a land of alluring wonders, with options to whet all travel appetites, there is no wonder why New Zealand is up there with one of the most sought after travel destinations. Make your gap year or career break something that you will remember for the rest of your life and visit New Zealand and you will soon find that this small island nation can really pack a punch!