New Zealand abridged

This section provides a broad introduction to aspects of New Zealand you will encounter whilst here.

Geography

New Zealand consists of two large islands (the North Island and South Island) and several smaller islands, of which Stewart Island is the largest. The total land area is 270,535 sq Km / 104,453 sq miles (about the size of Colorado). New Zealand has a long coastline and a wide variety of terrain within a relatively small area.

Websites

• The Flying Fish website describes New Zealand's terrain and landscape
• The Tourism New Zealand website has an article on how the New Zealand landscape influences past and contemporary artists: New Zealand Landscape: Shaping the Country's Art
• The "What You Need to Know About" website has a statistical overview of the geography and a map of New Zealand
• Matthias Brock's website contains photos of New Zealand's landscape
  

Climate

New Zealand has a temperate climate. There are micro-climates in different areas of the country and there is a noticeable difference between the far North and far South.

Seasons in New Zealand are at opposite times of the year to those in the Northern Hemisphere, making New Zealand's warmer months October to April and cooler months May to September. The coldest month is usually July and the warmest month is usually January or February.

New Zealand's climate is affected by:

• its long narrow shape
• the surrounding ocean
• its temperate zone latitude
• the prevailing Westerly winds
• the North-South chain of mountains

There are estimated temperature ranges for the places you will be visiting in the Itinerary section. For information on appropriate clothing for New Zealand's winter see What to pack.

Websites

• For more information about the climate of New Zealand, visit The Meteorological Service of New Zealand website: The Climate of New Zealand

Demography

New Zealand has a population of 4 million. The dominant cultural groups are New Zealand European (80%) and Māori (14.7%). Other smaller groups include Polynesians, Croatians, Indians and Chinese.

Christianity is the most common religion, with Anglicanism, Presbyterianism and Catholicism the largest denominations.

Websites

• The Statistics New Zealand website has comprehensive statistics on New Zealand demography gathered from census data

Culture

English and Māori are the two official languages of New Zealand. English is more widely spoken. The Māori language, in decline since the arrival of the first European settlers, is now making a comeback thanks to the revival of Māoritanga.

The population of New Zealand is bound by its love of sport, especially the national game of rugby, and outdoor pursuits such as sailing, swimming, cycling, hiking and camping.

Websites

• The Lonely Planet website has a brief introduction to New Zealand's culture

Next:	History