New Zealand is a Southern Hemisphere nation, located in the South Pacific. The country is made up of two major islands:
1. North Island
2. South Island.
New Zealand is similar in size to the United Kingdom or Japan but with a smaller population.
The closest country to New Zealand is Australia, 3 hours away by plane.
New Zealand's relative geographic distance from the rest of the world mean many unique plants and birds are found only in New Zealand – including the famous flightless bird, the kiwi.
The New Zealand climate is temperate with relatively mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The varied terrain and long thin shape of the country (from 34 – 48 degrees latitude south) mean weather varies a lot between different regions – the far north is sub-tropical while the south can get icy wind flows from Antarctica.
There are four seasons:
Summer: December – February
Autumn: March – May
Winter: June – August
Spring: September - November
Winter temperatures range from 10 – 15o Celsius (43 – 59 o Fahrenheit); summer temperatures range from 20 – 30o Celsius (68 – 86 o Fahrenheit) However weather can quickly change – a cool rainy day can suddenly turn sunny and hot.
The mild climate is ideal for New Zealand's agricultural and horticultural industries, which are vital to the economy. It also means outdoor recreation is an important part of the New Zealand way of life.
Visitors need to be aware that the sun in New Zealand has strong UV rays and it is easy to get sunburnt, even on cool or cloudy days. During summer people are encouraged to ‘slip, slop, slap’ - slip on a long-sleeved shirt, slop on some sun block, and slap on a hat – to protect them from the sun.
New Zealand is known around the world for its stunning natural environment. Surrounded by the Abel Tasman Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, the country has many beautiful still lakes and flowing rivers. The South Island also has glaciers and fjords. The landscape is varied with beautiful features like:
• rolling green countryside
• golden beaches
• native forests
• snow covered mountains
• barren volcanic desert areas
• active thermal areas.
This is all within a relatively small country.
New Zealand’s geographic position has led to native forests that are less affected by predators than other parts of the world. The government and its agencies regularly review strategies to ensure this beautiful, natural environment is protected.