New Zealand Geography and Maps
Located in Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is made up of two major islands aptly named the North (Te-Ika-a-Maui in Maori) and South Islands (Te Wai Pounamu in Maori), with the smaller Stewart Island located south of the South Island. New Zealand is slightly smaller than both Italy and Japan and is only a little bit larger than the United Kingdom.
Approximately 75% of New Zealand’s population call the North Island home with major cities like Auckland, and the capital Wellington being located there. Known for its volcanism, volcanoes have been erupting in New Zealand since 232AD. The tallest mountain on the North Island, Mount Ruapehu, is an active volcano cone and Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake is the result of the Oruanui eruption, the world’s largest known eruption in 70,000 years.
The South Island accommodates approximately 25% of New Zealand’s population and is home to many mountains. The island is divided lengthwise by the Southern Alps, the tallest being Aoraki/Mount Cook (3754m). There are an additional 18 peaks around the island each standing more than 3000m tall. To the east of the island are the Canterbury Plains and the west coast houses the incredible Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.
New Zealand Travel Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to New Zealand.
Learn about the history and culture of New Zealand, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about New Zealand's nature and wildlife, weather, and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering New Zealand for yourself. Start exploring...book one of our New Zealand tours today!
Extend Your Stay
Consider an additional stopover to your New Zealand vacation at one of Goway's South Pacific destinations. You can choose from our selection of Australian vacations, Tahiti vacation packages or stay at one of our Fiji resorts or perhaps take a Cook Island vacation. This can be done by stopping over en route to or from New Zealand.
Book your New Zealand tour with Goway!
With more than 150 New Zealand tours and experiences, Goway’s Downunder wizards can offer you many ways to explore and enjoy New Zealand. Choose from a simple city stopover, see the country highlights on one of our classic itineraries, a self-drive holiday, a Holiday of a Lifetime, and more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to New Zealand.
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