Including remote islands to the north Ross Dependency to the south, the span of New Zealand is from the tropic to Antarctica. New Zealand is a country of rare seismic beauty: glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, deep, clear lakes, hissing geysers and boiling mud. There are also abandoned forest, reserves, long, deserted beaches and a variety of fauna, such as the kiwi, endemic to its shores. Any number of vigorous outdoors activities – hiking, skiing, rafting and of course, that perennial favourite bungy jumping – await the adventures. You can swim with dolphins, gambol with newborn lambs, whalewatch or fish for fattened trout in the many streams. The people bound in a cultural that melds European with Maori ancestry are resourceful, helpful and overwhelmingly friendly. The extraordinary place names – try Te Awamutu, Whangamomona or Paekakariki for tongue-trippers – are resonant and with a modicum of practise, easy to pronounce.
New Zealand ethnic divisions consist of 88% European and 12% Maori and Polynesian. Majority of people are Christian (81%). Wellington and Auckland on North Island are the chief ports. South Island has picturesque Southern Alps. There are 15 peaks over 3 000 meters, the highest being Mt. Cook. Snow-topped mountains, smoking volcanoes, deep fiords, boiling geysers, caves and golden beaches are among the scenic attraction. New Zealand is a independent member of the British Commonwealth. The British Crown is represented by the Governor-General. The members of the House of Representatives are elected by universal suffrage. New Zealand is largely depended on agricultural products (wool, meat, butter, cheese) for export income. Food processing is the largest industry. The pulp and paper industry on North Island is partly powered by natural steam from volcanic areas.

WELLINGTON

The capital city of New Zealand, with its population 345 000 inhabitants situated on a splendid harbour at the southern tip of the North Island. Wellington is a lively city of culture and arts (with festivals almost every month), and great ethic restaurants and cafes. It’s also home to the country’s government and national treasures.