About New Zealand: A Brief Introduction

New Zealand is a beautiful country with a world reputation for its gorgeous natural environment (as seen in the Lord of the Rings trilogy).  From expanses of green farmland to magnificent snow covered mountain ranges to stunning beaches, the landscape offers something for all tastes.  New Zealand also boasts thriving urban areas, a fascinating indigenous culture and mild climate.

At 268 680 square kilometres (or 103 738 square miles), New Zealand is a little bigger than Italy, but has about a tenth of the population.  With a large majority of the country living in the bigger cities of Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown, the countryside is sparsely populated and a great escape for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city (although the cities, with populations of generally under a million people, could hardly be considered overcrowded by world standards.)

The different regions of New Zealand offer unique attractions and opportunities.  The Bay of Plenty is a must do for those wanting to experience a pristine beach community, while the Canterbury region of the south island offers the nation’s best skiing. These are just two examples of what’s on offer.

The long, thin shape of the islands means the climate varies between regions.  The southern tip of the country is generally quite cold, while the rest can differ from continental to sub-tropical.

New Zealand is quite an isolated nation (its nearest neighbour, Australia, is a three hour flight) and as a result has a wide range of native wildlife.  The famous flightless kiwi bird is one notable example.  Wildlife can be found all over the country, with other native birds like the tui or the kereru known to frequent suburban backyards.

With large resources of untouched wildlife, New Zealand is a haven for nature lovers. Whether its sun, sand or ski you’re after, you’ll find it in New Zealand.