Political Map of New Zealand shows the international boundaries, provincial boundaries, national capital along with the states’ capitals.
Geography of New Zealand
Situated in the south-western part of the Pacific, New Zealand has two chief islands – the South Island and the North Island. There are many other smaller islands including the Stewart lying offshore. The country’s North Island has a range of mountain that runs through the middle of the region with gently rolling countryside on both sides. New Zealand is located approx. 2,000Km (nearly 1200 miles) south-east part of Australia diagonally the Tasman Sea and its nearest neighbours are Tonga, Caledonia and Fiji towards the north of the country.
Demography of New Zealand
The total population of New Zealand as per the UN data is approx. 4,831, 515 as on Sept 2020 which is equal to 0.06% of the entire population of the world. New Zealand’s population density is 18/SqKm on the total land area 263,310SqKm and approx. 86.9% of the total population is urban in New Zealand. Life expectancy at birth is 82.8 years for both males and females; the infant mortality rate ad death rate under age 5 is 3.4 deaths and 5 deaths respectively per 1000 births.
Culture of New Zealand
New Zealand’s culture is fundamentally a Western ethos inspired by the unique atmosphere and geographic seclusion of the islands. The country is also significant due to the aboriginal Māori people as well as the different influences of multi-ethnic immigration following the British colonization. English is the primary language as well as the official language of the country. Post the Second World War, New Zealand became an exceedingly secular nation; that means religion has no significant role to play in the lives of the majority of people in New Zealand. Even though the country does not have any definite religion, majority of the people has religion association with Christianity since the settlement of Europeans in the nineteenth century.
Top places to visit New Zealand
Milford Sound
Milford Sound is an inlet (fiord) within the southwest region of New Zealand’s South Islet. The inlet is also called the 8th wonder of the world because of its mesmerizing beauty such as the rainforests, lofty Mitre Peak; the waterfalls like Bowen falls and Stirling plummeting down perpendicularly. The inlet is home to several marine animals such as penguins, dolphins and fur seals. The Underwater Observatory and Discovery Centre of Milford offer the sight of unusual black coral and many other marine lives. Tourists especially like the place because of the boat tour for exploring the Milford.
Auckland
Auckland, situated around two huge harbours, is a chief city in the northern part of New Zealand’s North Islet. Auckland is highly popular due to its scenic beauty and also because several inter-continental flights reach New Zealand through the Auckland Airport. Places of attraction within Auckland include the 185-acre Domain Park; the Art Gallery; the Parnell Farmers’ Market; Bridge Climb; Bridge bungee jump; and many more.
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is the most populated island in New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf. The ferry station (terminal) in Matiatia Bay at the west end is 21.5 km away from Auckland’s central-city station. Waiheke is the 2nd largest islet in the gulf; the first being the Great Barrier Islet. Waiheke is a harbour of attractive olive groves, beaches and vineyards; all mere 40-minute rides by ferry from downtown Auckland. The silver sandy coastlines at Oneroa, Onetangi slope and the Palm Beach sloping moderately down into the ‘Hauraki Gulf’ are perfect for kayaking, swimming and for enjoying a picnic.
Best time to visit New Zealand
The best time to visit New Zealand is during September and October (early spring) and during March through May (autumn) as the weather is the most comfortable at that time.
