Interesting Facts About New Zealand

Tap to Read ➤ Madhura Pandit

Did you know that New Zealand is known as Aotearoa in Maori language? Here are some more fascinating facts about New Zealand that you will love to read.

The land of kiwis, rugby, Mount Cook, Waitomo Glowworm Cave and the famous bungee jumping: New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

New Zealand is an island country, which is divided into two islands, the North Island and the South island and several other smaller islands. It is located in the southern west part of the Pacific ocean.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. The following facts and features about New Zealand will tell you more about this fascinating country.

New Zealand Facts

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. ✦ Capital ~ Wellington

✦ Government ~ Constitutional Monarchy ✦ Head of State ~ Queen Elizabeth II ✦ Total Area ~ 268,680 sq km ✦ Official Languages ~ English, Maori

✦ Currency ~ New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Cable Car Tunnels in Wellington New Zealand

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. ✦ Largest City ~ Auckland

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. ✦ The country of New Zealand lies to the east of Australia and to the south of Pacific island nations.

✦ Abel Janszoon Tasman, a Dutch explorer, was the first European to reach New Zealand in the year 1642. However, at that time, the native Maori people destroyed all the ships that reached this island.

It was only after 1769 when Captain James Cook reached New Zealand, explored the entire coastline; then other Europeans started visiting this island.

✦ As mentioned, New Zealand is called Aotearoa in Maori. The word Aotearoa means the land of white clouds.

✦ The island of New Zealand is a part of the Pacific rim of fire or simple ring of fire. Large number of volcanoes and earthquakes occur in the areas located in this ring of fire. The Mount Ruapehu is the most active volcano in New Zealand.

✦ One of the most interesting facts about New Zealand is that the summer and winter temperatures in several places in New Zealand, differ only by about 10 degrees C. This is due to the moderating effect of the ocean.

✦ Lake Taupo is the largest lake; while the Waikato river is the longest river in New Zealand.

✦ Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State of New Zealand. If one wishes to gain the nationality to this nation, he has to swear an oath of loyalty to the Queen. ✦ 'God Save The Queen' and 'God Defend New Zealand' are the two official national anthems of New Zealand.

✦ Kiwi is a bird found only in the country of New Zealand. It is also a national symbol. In fact, people of New Zealand are known as kiwis!

✦ When talking about birds and animals, large number of exotic birds are found in this country. The flightless parrot kakapo; the world's smallest dolphin Hector's dolphin; oldest reptile tuatara and the largest insect weta are found in New Zealand. Apart from these, many other rare species of birds and animals are found in this country.

✦ The country of New Zealand is also the major exporter of dairy in the world.

✦ Interestingly, a large number of cars are found in this country. The car ownership ratio of this country is highest in the whole world.

✦ Rugby is one of the most popular sports of New Zealand. At the same time, golf, tennis and cricket are also some of the other favorite sports of the Kiwis.

✦ New Zealand is the only nation in the world to have all the top positions of power (Prime Minister, Governor General and Chief Justice) held by women simultaneously.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. ✦ Bungee jumping, now one of the most popular adventure sports all over the world, was invented in New Zealand.

✦ Astonishingly, the population of sheep in New Zealand is much higher than that of humans. There are about 10 sheep per person in this country.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. ✦ Auckland is one of the best places to live in New Zealand! Around one quarter of the total population of New Zealand lives in Auckland.

✦ Do you know that New Zealand is the only country in the whole world where there are no land snakes! However, you may find water snakes here!

✦ A large number of earthquakes are experienced in New Zealand every year; but most of them are so minute that are not even felt by people! You should definitely visit New Zealand at least once to enjoy its natural beauty and also the world famous beautiful beaches! Ciao!