New Zealand

Overview

New Zealand is an island country located in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. It is composed of the North Island, South Island and 600 other smaller islands.

The country recorded a population of 4.886 million in 2018 and covers an area of 268,021 km2.

Its capital city is Wellington and the most populous city is Auckland both located at North Island.

Wellington Harbour

History

The South Island was recognized by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642. British captain James Cook explored the coastline of the country in the 1700s.

New Zealand became fully independent from Britain in 1947.

Food & culture

The country’s culture is the Western culture influenced by its environment and isolation. Immigration from other areas—Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe—has also made a mark, and culture today reflects these many influences.

The crops grown in the country include cereals, pears, lentils, brassicas, forage and vegetables.

The most popular dishes are seafood, fish and chips, tasty pie, roast lamb, barbeque, lollies and Maori hangi.

Wildlife

Common wildlife animals found here include birds, reptiles, frogs, marine mammals, freshwater fish, marine water fish and bats.

Annual events/ celebrations/ festivals

The events conducted in the country include the Anzac Day, Waitangi Day, Hamilton Sevens, Labor Day, Royal Visit of 1953 to 1954, Empire Day, Christmas Day and Rhythm and Alps.

Festivals & events

Waitangi Day on 6 February marks the signing of the founding treaty, and Matariki, the Māori New Year, became a public holiday in 2022. Wellington's Cuba Dupa and the Pasifika Festival in Auckland are popular events.

Things to see

Milford Sound/ Piopiotahi is a fiord in the southwest of South Island.

Aoraki/ Mount Cook is the highest mountain in the country with a height of 3,724 m.

Abel Tasman National Park is a reserve situated at the northern side of South Island of New Zealand.

Other must-visit places are Sky Tower, Lake Tekapo and Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Interesting facts

New Zealand along with Mongolia has the highest number of sheep per capita.

It is home to one of the best rugby team in the world.

It is the first country in the world to receive sunlight every day.

The country was the first country in the world to grant women voting rights.

Edmund Hillary a New Zealander was the first in the climb to the peak of Mount Everest.

City guides

Cities & towns I’ve visited

Famous hikes in New Zealand

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Distance: 19.4 km
Time: 6 to 8 hours
Best time: November to April

How to do it: A one-way hike past volcanic craters and emerald lakes. Book a shuttle between the two ends, and check the weather, as it's very exposed.

Milford Track

Distance: 53.5 km
Time: 4 days
Best time: Late October to April

How to do it: A Great Walk through Fiordland, with huts that must be booked in advance and sell out within hours of opening.

Run a marathon in New Zealand

Auckland Marathon

Auckland · usually October or November

Starts on the North Shore and crosses the Harbour Bridge, the only day of the year you can run over it.

Dates move from year to year, so check the race website before you book.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in New Zealand

1 of 3 visited. See every site I've been to.

My films from New Zealand

Nevis Bungy, New ZealandWatch on my YouTube channel

My photos from New Zealand

April 2010 Australia & New Zealand

Nevis Bungy & Swing, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Fox Glacier, Lake Wanaka, Queenstown, Lake Ohau

Whole trip gallery

Plan your trip to New Zealand

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Neighbours

New Zealand has no land borders with other countries.