In this section you will find out everything you ever wanted to know about New Zealand – who we are, where we are, where we have come from, what makes us tick. It is all here. All you need to add is your sense of adventure.
You may be surprised to find that we are not so different from you but we guarantee you will be surprised at just what we have to offer.
|
New Zealand is nestled in the South Pacific Ocean 2,162 km (1,343 miles) from Australia, our closest neighbour and friend.
|
|
|
There are just over four million New Zealanders, and every single one is either an immigrant or descended from one.
|
|
|
By most other standards, New Zealand is a very young country, with European settlement on a large scale only occurring over the last 150 years.
|
|
|
English is the main written and spoken language in New Zealand – with a number of different accents! Maori is also an officially recognised language and is spoken fluently by over 4% of the population.
|
|
|
Being in the Southern Hemisphere, our seasons are completely opposite to countries north of the equator. Winter is June through August and our Summer is between December and March.
|
|
|
New Zealand is a modern parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster cabinet system. New Zealand’s Parliament is currently made up of 120 Members representing eight parties.
|
|
|
With majestic mountain ranges, sweeping plains, fjords, imposing native forests, crystal clear inland lakes, miles of golden sand beaches and numerous bays dotted around one of the longest coastlines in the world.
|
|
|
New Zealand enjoys a well deserved reputation as a liberal and tolerant society. We do have enormous freedoms, however there are certain laws that are strictly enforced for citizens’ safety and health.
|
|