New Zealand is as beautiful as it is diverse. Its awesome landscapes, snow-covered mountains, deep blue lakes, sun-drenched beaches of golden sand, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make New Zealand a great holiday destination.
Geography
Located 2,012 km southeast of Australia, New Zealand consists of two main islands the North Island and the South Island, separated by Cook Strait. There are numerous smaller, outlying islands, spread from the tropics to the Antarctic. Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands and Great Barrier Island are some of which are inhabited.
Brief History
New Zealand is a relatively young country with a fascinating history, reflecting both Maori and European heritage. Though a Dutchman was the first European to sight the land, it was the British who colonized New Zealand and it is today an independent nation within the British Commonwealth.
Population
The population of New Zealand is divided between the two main islands with 75% of its 4 million inhabitants living on the North Island. Auckland is the most populous region with 1.3 million people. The majority of New Zealand’s population is of European descent while the remaining comes from the Maori Tribe, from the Pacific Islands and of Asian origins.
Climate
The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter between 10-15ºC. Overall, however, New Zealand has a mild climate making it a suitable holiday destination all year round.
Environment
New Zealand's separation from other lands about 100 million years ago allowed many ancient plants and animals to survive and evolve in isolation. It is a land of distinctive character, both in its physical aspect, and in the individuality of its wildlife and flora.
A large proportion of New Zealand's land area is protected, with 13 national parks, 20 forest parks, 4 maritime parks, and over 3500 reserves.