New Zealand

Situated in Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is commonly regarded as the most naturally beautiful country in the world. Encompassing two main islands (North/South islands), and hundreds of smaller coastal islands, New Zealand is home to a plethora of scenic landscapes. The 14 national parks of New Zealand cover more than 30,000 square kilometres (11,583 sq. mi) - just over 11% of the total land area.

Capital city: Wellington Highest Point: Aoraki-Mount Cook (12,316ft / 3754m)br /> Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean (0ft / 0m)br /> Land Area: 103,363 sq. mi (267,710 sq. km)br /> Water Area: 0 sq. mi (0 sq. km)br /> Total Area: 103,363 sq. mi (267,710 sq. km)br /> Coastline: 9403 miles (15,134 km)br />

The South Island is the larger of the two main islands, and is divided along its length by the Southern Alps. Mount Cook (Aoraki) can be found here, rising an impressive 12,218ft (3724m). The island further features over 350 glaciers, 10 national parks and over 19 peaks rising above 9842ft (3000m). The North Island is less mountainous than the South, though the peaks are all volcanic in nature, with many still quite active. In fact, Mount Ruapehu (9176ft / 2797m), the tallest mountain on the island, is an active cone volcano. The largest lake in the country, Lake Taupo, is also on the North Island, and lies in a caldera created by the Oruanui eruption, the largest eruption the world has seen for 70,000 years. New Zealand’s remaining 4 national parks can also be found here.