Where In The World is New Zealand?

The Other Land Down Under

Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand encompasses a host of islands, most notably the North Island and the South Island. The country measures 103,736 square miles and is a neighbor to Australia. The capital city of New Zealand is Wellington. The largest urban area is the city of Auckland, with a population over one million people.

A Bit of History

New Zealand was first named Nova Zeelandia by Dutch mapmakers who first explored the island in 1642. Later, British explorer James Cook reformed the name to a more-British sounding New Zealand. Populated by people of mostly European, Polynesian, and Asian decent, New Zealand is also home to its indigenous people called Māori. The Māori culture was formed around 800 AD by the first settlers of Eastern Polynesians and they still survive today, even having recently increased in number.

In 1947, New Zealand, still a part of the British Commonwealth, became an independent country. Queen Elizabeth II holds the title “Queen of New Zealand” and is represented by the Governor-General. Incidentally, New Zealand is the only country in the world to have all of the highest offices concurrently occupied by women.

The Environment

With seasons occurring opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere, New Zealand’s coldest month is July and the warmest is January. Temperatures rarely reach below 14° F or above 100° F and average at about 60°F. New Zealand's climate is maritime, rather than continental. The weather pattern can change swiftly and with severe repercussions. There is also a continual wind wafting west to east over the country that ranges from cool breezes in the summer months to gale force winds in the winter.

About 80% of the vegetation in the country is only found in New Zealand because of its isolated location. Many of the birds inhabiting the forested regions, including the kiwi and the kakapo, have become endangered due to human actions. Interestingly there are no snakes in New Zealand and only one venomous type of spider, which is rare and found only in the coastal areas. Insects, however, are plentiful and varied. The weta is capable of growing as large as a mouse and is known to be the heaviest insect in the world. Besides several species of bats, non-marine mammals are not common in the country.

Let the Adventure Begin

New Zealand’s natural scenery is diverse and full of natural phenomenon. From mountaintops covered in snow to the molten lava hidden deep inside the volcanoes, travelers to the country have a large resource of things to see and do. Even New Zealand’s large urban areas have a small-town, quaint feeling.

New Zealander’s pride themselves on their love of adventure. Planning a visit to the other land down under, you can be a part of one incredible adventure. There are the thrills of watching sperm whales breaching close by. Become a spelunker for a day by exploring caverns and caves. Spend time swimming at the pristine beaches or tossing stones into the lakes of the wilderness. New Zealand is an outdoorsman’s paradise.