New Zealand

The nation comprises North Island and South Island separated by Cook Strait, along with over 700 smaller islands including Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands. The topography ranges from volcanic plateaus and geothermal areas in the north to the Southern Alps mountain range extending through South Island.

European navigators first reached the waters in 1642 under Abel Tasman, followed by James Cook's mapping in 1769. British settlement began in the 1790s and led to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, establishing the territory as a Crown colony. Independence occurred progressively from 1907 with Dominion status.

Indigenous Māori culture shapes national identity through traditional art forms like whakairo carving, kapa haka performance, and the concept of kaitiakitanga, which emphasizes environmental guardianship. The Treaty of Waitangi signed in 1840 remains a foundational document governing relations between Māori and European descendants.

The country has three international airports in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch with regular connections to Australia, Asia, and the Pacific region. Summer months from December through February provide the warmest temperatures, while peak travel season runs from November through April. Domestic flights and ferry services connect the two main islands.

The territory is home to tuatara reptiles, the sole living representatives of the order Rhynchocephalia that have remained nearly unchanged for over 200 million years. These creatures possess a third eye on top of their heads and can survive temperatures as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius).

Location: Tasman District

Inception: December 13, 1986

Capital city: Wellington

Part of: Australasia, Australia and New Zealand, Realm of New Zealand

Shares border with: Australia

Address: New Zealand

Website: https://govt.nz

GPS coordinates: -41.50008,172.83441

Latest update: November 30, 2025 15:09