-island country in the Pacific (southeast of Australia)
-consists of 2 principal islands – North Island and South Island
-population: 3 million people (mostly on North Isl.)

North Island:
-rolling north hills, fertile plains in south towards volcanic peaks in the centre
-hot springs and geysers

South Island:
-narrow
-Southern Alps with highest peak Mount Cook

New Zealand is a independent parliamentary democracy within the British Commonwealth. Head of State is the British Queen represented by a governor-general.
-population: British origin (mostly), Maoris, Polynesians
-official language:English
-capital: WELLINGTON (busy seaport)
-Auckland – another seaport – engineering, shipbuilding, textiles, oil refining, wool, dairy, meat – main agriculture products
-mining: coal, petroleum, gas.