New Zealand flag

Country in Oceania

New Zealand

New Zealand is a spectacular Pacific nation of two main islands and hundreds of smaller ones, famous for adventure sports, Maori culture, Lord of the Rings scenery, and exceptional natural beauty.

CapitalWellington
LanguageEnglish, Maori
CurrencyNew Zealand dollar
Population5.3M

Key Facts

CapitalWellington
RegionOceania / Polynesia
GovernmentUnitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Independence1907
Area268,021 km2
Population density19/km2
Time zoneNZST (UTC+12)
Calling code+64
Drives onLeft

Quick View

HDI
0.939
Safety index
71.0
Internet access
91%
Life expectancy
82.5

Sources: World Bank, Numbeo, UN.

Top 3 Highest Mountains

Aoraki / Mount Cook3,724 m
Mount Tasman3,497 m
Mount Dampier3,440 m

Religion (est.)

  • Christianity37%
  • No religion49%
  • Hinduism2%
  • Other12%

Why Visit

FiordlandDramatic glacially carved fiords including Milford Sound in the world's wettest inhabited place.
RotoruaGeothermal wonderland of geysers, mud pools, and Maori culture.
QueenstownAdventure capital of the world: bungee jumping, skydiving, and skiing.
Lord of the Rings CountryFilm locations from the Shire to Mount Doom spread across spectacular landscapes.
Bay of IslandsHistoric site of the Treaty of Waitangi, dolphin swimming, and island cruising.

Top 3 Cities by Population

Auckland
1.7M
Wellington
215k
Christchurch
385k

Climate Overview

18CJan avg.
8CJul avg.
640 mmYearly rainfall
Temperate oceanicClimate

Other Quick Info

CurrencyNew Zealand dollar
Official languageEnglish, Maori
National day6 February
Electricity230V, Type I