New Zealand
Geography
New Zealand lies 2162km (1343 miles) south-east of Australia. Neighbours include well known paradises such as Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga and Samoa.
Made up of two larger islands – the North Island and the South Island – and many smaller islands, New Zealand’s total land area is 270,000km2 (104,000 square miles)
Capital: Wellington
Population: 4.405 million (2011) World Bank
Government: Parliamentary system, Constitutional monarchy, Unitary state
Over three-quarters of New Zealand’s 4.405 million inhabitants live on the North Island. Every member of the population is either an immigrant or a descendant of one.
Official language: Both English and Maori are official languages of New Zealand, though English is the main written and spoken language. Maori is spoken fluently by over 4% of the population.
Climate: Overall, temperate ranges from 20-30°C (68-86°F) in summer, and from 5-15°C (41-59°F) in winter, with the mean average being 10°C for the South Island and 16°C for the North Island.
New Zealand’s climate is complex, ranging from sub tropical in the far north to severe alpine conditions in the South Island’s mountainous regions. Winter lasts from June until August, while summer is between December and February.
Activities: Kiwis have developed a passion for the outdoors and delight in activities that make the most of the spectacular landscape.
With so much coastline, it’s little wonder New Zealanders love the water and it’s reputed that over 15% of New Zealand families own their own boat. Kiwis continue to dominate on the world yachting, kayaking, wind surfing and rowing scene.
Hiking, camping, fishing, zip trekking, bungee jumping, bush and beach walks are other popular outdoor pursuits.
Rugby is the most popular spectator sport in New Zealand, with the legendary All Blacks recently winning the Rugby World Cup.
New Zealand lies 2162km (1343 miles) south-east of Australia. Neighbours include well known paradises such as Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga and Samoa.
Made up of two larger islands – the North Island and the South Island – and many smaller islands, New Zealand’s total land area is 270,000km2 (104,000 square miles)
Capital: Wellington
Population: 4.405 million (2011) World Bank
Government: Parliamentary system, Constitutional monarchy, Unitary state
Over three-quarters of New Zealand’s 4.405 million inhabitants live on the North Island. Every member of the population is either an immigrant or a descendant of one.
Official language: Both English and Maori are official languages of New Zealand, though English is the main written and spoken language. Maori is spoken fluently by over 4% of the population.
Climate: Overall, temperate ranges from 20-30°C (68-86°F) in summer, and from 5-15°C (41-59°F) in winter, with the mean average being 10°C for the South Island and 16°C for the North Island.
New Zealand’s climate is complex, ranging from sub tropical in the far north to severe alpine conditions in the South Island’s mountainous regions. Winter lasts from June until August, while summer is between December and February.
Activities: Kiwis have developed a passion for the outdoors and delight in activities that make the most of the spectacular landscape.
With so much coastline, it’s little wonder New Zealanders love the water and it’s reputed that over 15% of New Zealand families own their own boat. Kiwis continue to dominate on the world yachting, kayaking, wind surfing and rowing scene.
Hiking, camping, fishing, zip trekking, bungee jumping, bush and beach walks are other popular outdoor pursuits.
Rugby is the most popular spectator sport in New Zealand, with the legendary All Blacks recently winning the Rugby World Cup.
Living in New Zealand useful websites
Immigration website
Info on culture, lifestyle, cities and working conditions
Images below of outdoor activities and scenery