New Zealand Facts

A few things you always wanted to know about New Zealand but were too smart to ask.

• Is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean
• Has around 4 million people, 30 million sheep and 70 million possums
• Covers an area of 270 000 square kilometres
• Is around two hours east by jet powered flying conveyance from Australia
• Has a temperate (and temperamental) oceanic climate with mean temperatures ranging from 15 to 9 degrees Celsius
• Has a democratically elected government
• Consists of two main islands, creatively known as 'North Island' and 'South Island'
• Possesses National Parks and reserves totalling 5 million hectares (approximately a third of New Zealands land area)
• Has grasslands, temperate rainforests, glaciers (370+) and mountains up to 3745 metres high
• Makes nice ice-cream
• Is officially 'nuclear free'