An island nation located in the south western Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is comprised of two large islands, the North and South Islands, and many smaller ones. New Zealand's closest large neighbour is Australia, which lies 900 miles to the west across the Tasman Sea. Other notable neighbours include the Pacific island nations of Tonga, New Caledonia and Fiji, all of whom lie 600 miles north of New Zealand. Because of its relative isolation from all other land masses, New Zealand is one of the last places on Earth to be settled by humans. The Maori tribes which first made this vast island nation their home called it Aotearoa in their native language, or "land of the long white cloud." New Zealand's landscape has an unrelenting rugged beauty unmatched by anywhere else on Earth. The country is home to towering mountains, active volcanic features, massive fiords, incredible beaches, remote lakes and raging rivers. Visitors from all over the world flock to the country to enjoy the many New Zealand tourist attractions available.
Thanks to its remoteness from all other land masses, New Zealand has developed a unique ecosystem distinct from anything that might be found in Asia, Africa, Europe or the Americas. This unique biodiversity has given rise to many of distinctive species of birds, many of which have unfortunately gone extinct after the human colonization of New Zealand. The population of New Zealand is of mainly European descent, with the native Maori making up the biggest minority group followed by non-Maori Polynesians and Asians. Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages, with English being predominantly spoken everywhere. Politically the country is split into 67 territorial authorities and eleven regional councils - although these have limited autonomy from the central government. Although executive political power is mainly in the hands of the Cabinet led by Prime Minister, Queen Elizabeth II remains the symbolic head of the nation. The Queen is also the head of state of what is known as the Realm of New Zealand, which includes the Cook Islands and Niue, Tokelau, and the Ross Dependency in Antarctica. Regional and international organisations in which New Zealand holds membership include the Commonwealth of Nations, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, Pacific Islands Forum, United Nations and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.
New Zealand has a strong presence amongst Pacific Island countries and spends a significant portion of its foreign aid budget on improving conditions in those nations. New Zealand also has various treaties that allow Pacific islanders to work and migrate there for employment. Permanent migration treaties such as the 2002 Pacific Access Category and 1970 Samoan Quota Scheme allows up to 1100 Samoan nationals and 750 other Pacific Islanders to become permanent New Zealand residents annually. An additional seasonal worker scheme launched in 2007 employed 8000 Pacific Islanders by 2009. New Zealand plays an active role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum and Pacific Islands Forum.
Sports are important to most New Zealanders, and the country has a global presence in netball, rugby union, rugby league, softball and cricket. New Zealand athletes also make a strong showing in rowing, triathlons, cycling and yachting. New Zealanders are justifiably proud of their exceptional medals-to-population ratio at global sporting events like the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games. New Zealand's national rugby union team is one of the best in the world, and are the reigning World Cup holders. New Zealand is also the world champion in rugby league.
The tourism industry has taken off in a big way in New Zealand in recent years, thanks mainly to the rise in extreme adventure tourism. Millions of people come to New Zealand each year to take part in adrenaline pumping activities or to pursue more traditional outdoor activities like mountaineering or hiking. Popular outdoor pursuits include fishing, cycling, running, swimming, canoeing, tramping, snow sports, surfing and hunting. The Polynesian sport of waka ama racing is also becoming increasingly popular and is now an international sporting event with teams participating from all over Pacific.
Thanks to its remoteness from all other land masses, New Zealand has developed a unique ecosystem distinct from anything that might be found in Asia, Africa, Europe or the Americas. This unique biodiversity has given rise to many of distinctive species of birds, many of which have unfortunately gone extinct after the human colonization of New Zealand. The population of New Zealand is of mainly European descent, with the native Maori making up the biggest minority group followed by non-Maori Polynesians and Asians. Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages, with English being predominantly spoken everywhere. Politically the country is split into 67 territorial authorities and eleven regional councils - although these have limited autonomy from the central government. Although executive political power is mainly in the hands of the Cabinet led by Prime Minister, Queen Elizabeth II remains the symbolic head of the nation. The Queen is also the head of state of what is known as the Realm of New Zealand, which includes the Cook Islands and Niue, Tokelau, and the Ross Dependency in Antarctica. Regional and international organisations in which New Zealand holds membership include the Commonwealth of Nations, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, Pacific Islands Forum, United Nations and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.
New Zealand has a strong presence amongst Pacific Island countries and spends a significant portion of its foreign aid budget on improving conditions in those nations. New Zealand also has various treaties that allow Pacific islanders to work and migrate there for employment. Permanent migration treaties such as the 2002 Pacific Access Category and 1970 Samoan Quota Scheme allows up to 1100 Samoan nationals and 750 other Pacific Islanders to become permanent New Zealand residents annually. An additional seasonal worker scheme launched in 2007 employed 8000 Pacific Islanders by 2009. New Zealand plays an active role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum and Pacific Islands Forum.
Sports are important to most New Zealanders, and the country has a global presence in netball, rugby union, rugby league, softball and cricket. New Zealand athletes also make a strong showing in rowing, triathlons, cycling and yachting. New Zealanders are justifiably proud of their exceptional medals-to-population ratio at global sporting events like the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games. New Zealand's national rugby union team is one of the best in the world, and are the reigning World Cup holders. New Zealand is also the world champion in rugby league.
The tourism industry has taken off in a big way in New Zealand in recent years, thanks mainly to the rise in extreme adventure tourism. Millions of people come to New Zealand each year to take part in adrenaline pumping activities or to pursue more traditional outdoor activities like mountaineering or hiking. Popular outdoor pursuits include fishing, cycling, running, swimming, canoeing, tramping, snow sports, surfing and hunting. The Polynesian sport of waka ama racing is also becoming increasingly popular and is now an international sporting event with teams participating from all over Pacific.
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What better way to see New Zealand than on a a trip with Active New Zealand New Zealand bike tours. Active's New Zealand cycle tours offer a variety of trips to suit your needs. With there knowledgeable and friendly staff you will get looked after in true kiwi fashion.
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