New Zealand (Aotearoa)

New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses, that of the North and South Islands, and numerous smaller islands. New Zealand’s incredible landscapes, forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural, and the honesty, friendliness and openness of New Zealanders (also known as Kiwis) will impress you.

Stunning landscapes and unique wildlife make New Zealand a paradise for nature lovers. It is a lush country, holding many attractions for visitors with its dramatically changing visage up and down the countryside and variety of outdoor pursuits, for those looking for scenery and peacefulness to the thrill seeker. The great advantage of New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other!

With a thousand years of human settlement, New Zealand has a colourful and dramatic history, dominated by the relationship between Maori and Pakeha (Europeans). Since the first people arrived many cultures have made New Zealand home. We have a unique and dynamic society, with European, Maori, Pacific and Asian influences. We celebrate the many different lifestyles we live, and the stories we have to tell.

Equivalent in size to Great Britain, California or Japan, New Zealand has a population of only 4 million – making it one of the world’s least crowded countries.