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.
One of Aesop’s most famous fables is the story about the fox that simply could not get hold of a tasty bunch of grapes and no matter how hard he tried, they remained out of reach. It seemed that the more unattainable they were, the more desirable they became. It could be argued that many…
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a popular tourist destination located on New Zealand’s North Island. Upon entering this underground grotto, visitors are taken aback by dramatic stalactites, which seem to drip like wax from the ceiling, tapering to a point in mid-air. A twinkling light show is provided by the many thousands of glowworms that…
Situated between Hastings and the eastern coast of New Zealand, Te Mata Peak is an incredible hillscape rising 1310ft (399m) above sea level. It’s summit offers sublime panoramic views of the Kaweka, Ruahine, Maungaharuru Ranges and Cape Kidnappers. With an excellent variety of walking and cycling trails, Te Mata Peak offers a breath-taking day out…
Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand, rising an enormous 12,316ft (3754m). It forms part of the Southern Alps mountain range, which spans the entire length of the South Island. The mountain is known as Ao-raki to the Maori, which means ‘cloud piercer’. Consistently covered in snow and ice, Mount Cook provides a…
Fiordland National Park is New Zealand’s largest uninterrupted expanse of protected parkland. Located on the south-western tip of New Zealand’s South Island, the park encompasses almost 8000 square miles (12,500 sq. km). This modern-day Eden is home to a plethora of plants and animals, including the Kakapo – the world’s only flightless parrot. From mountain…