The popularity of New Zealand with international visitors is growing year by year. It is a land
of contrasts, from pristine wilderness areas to modern and sophisticated cities there is
something for everyone. New Zealand also enjoys an international reputation for being safe
and friendly. English is the spoken language and the good exchange rate to the New Zealand
dollar means you will get value for money when you come here.
New Zealand is situated in the South Pacific Ocean and its nearest neighbour is Australia. Visitor's to New Zealand quickly see that this countries clean and green reputation is well deserved. Its not a big country but it very hard to beat for its variety of scenery. The country is a little bigger than Great Britain in size and is made up of 2 main islands the North Island and the South Island . There are many smaller island dotted around the 2 main islands.
The aptly named North Island lies in the subtropical to temperate climatic zone. The climate is maritime as the sea is not far from any one point.
To the north is Northland which lies in the subtropical zone and is also called the winterless north. There are many superb beaches and coves in the region the most famous being the 90 mile beach. Further south is one of New Zealands most popular tourist attractions The Bay of Islands. The area is also noted for its beautiful Kauri Forests which rate amongst the biggest and oldest trees in the world. Further south lies the Auckland Region which is where New Zealands largest city Auckland is found. Auckland is home to 1 million New Zealanders which is about one third of the country's population. The Auckland region also has many superb beaches and bush walking is also popular here. Next is the Waikato Region which contains some of the richest dairy country in the world because of its temperate climate and volcanic soil. The region contains areas of lush rainforest and beauitiful beaches in the Coromandel Peninsula. Further East is the Bay of Plenty Region which contains areas of volcanic activity particularly in the town of Rotorua which is New Zealands most popular tourist destination. There are good beaches here also with the most famous beach located in the town of Tauranga. Just below the Bay of Plenty is the Taupo Region which is also a volcanic zone. Most of the country's volcanoes are situated here. The region also has the biggest lake in the country Lake Taupo and the best ski fields are located on Mt Ruapehu the biggest volcanoe in New Zealand. On the east coast is the East Cape Region which is sparsely populated. The area is mountainous and is also noted for its hot climate and beautiful beaches. The Napier Region further south also enjoys a warm climate. On the west coast is the Taranaki Region which is dominated by Mt Taranaki a huge conical shaped volcanoe. The coastline is famous for its surf and black sand. The Manawatu Region is mainly rural with many towns, the biggest being Palmerston North. The area also has a many areas for hiking amongst the Tararua Mountains. At the bottom of the North Island is The Wellington Region which is the location for New Zealands capital city.
The Cook Strait is the stretch of water that seperates the North Island from the South Island. The South Island is quite different from the North. It is an island of many contrasts and climates. The Southern Alps are the most impressive geographical feature which run the entire length of the Island. They are bigger in area than the European Alps.
The Marlborough Region in the South Islands North is the sunniest part of New Zealand and contains the most beautiful beaches in the country especially in the Abel Tasman National Park. Further to the south and on the westcoast is The West Coast Region which is the most isolated part of New Zealand. This area is very narrow as it is bordered by rugged coastline to the west and the Southern Alps Mountains to the east. The area is sparsely populated and contains large areas of wilderness. Over the Southern Alps to the east is the Canterbury Region which is one of the few areas that are relatively flat although it also runs into the Mountains to the west so it is a region of contrasts. Christchurch is the major city here and is the biggest city in the South Island. Immediately to the south of the West Coast and Canterbury is the Otago Region.Otago is a mountainous area and recieves very little rainfall so it contains many rugged and barren landscapes. This region is the only area in New Zealand that has a continental climate and therefore very hot summers and freezing winters. Queenstown is the most popular town here and also the center for skiing and action adventure activities such as Bungee Jumping and Jetboating. Both are New Zealand inventions. At the bottom of the South Islands lies the Southland Region. Southland is home to the Fiordland National Park which is the most stunning area in the country. Just below the South Island lies Stewart Island which is basically an untouched wilderness.
Not only is New Zealand famous for its beautiful scenery but it has been said many times that New Zealanders are the friendliest people you could meet anywhere. The majority of New Zealands population are of European descent. Approximately 10% of New Zealands population is of Polynesian descent with the majority of Polynesians being the native people the Maori. New Zealand generally enjoys racial harmony with one of the highest percentages in the world for mixed marriages. New Zealanders are lovers of sports and are highly competitive. Rugby is the most popular game and the national team the All Blacks are reguarded as the best in the world. Other popular games are Cricket and Netball. Superleague is an ever increasing popular sport that New Zealand has participated in recently. The Auckland Warriors are set to be major competitors in the Australasian and World competitions. Yachting is also a major sport as New Zealand is blessed with many superb harbours, inlets and open ocean. New Zealand currently holds the worlds oldest sporting trophy the Americas Cup and the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race which is the toughest yacht race of them all.
