New Zealand Landscape

New Zealand is made up of two large islands called North and South Islands (or Te-Ika-a-Maui and Te Wai Pounamu in Māori). The total land area is approx 270,000 sq km, which is slightly more than the UK.

New Zealand has a very diverse landscape. New Zealand’s landscape includes mountain ranges, sweeping plains, forests, and beautiful beaches and coastline.

A third of New Zealand’s landscape is protected within 14 national parks. Its beautiful countryside has become a favourite of film producers and directors, including the Lord of the Rings which was filmed in NZ.

North Island

The North Island has a fairly warm climate, and has dramatic scenery ranging from sandy beaches, fertile farmland and extensive forests to active volcanic mountain ranges. Although the North Island is volcanic it is a little less mountainous than the South Island, with the highest mountain being Mount Ruapehu which is 2800m high.

South Island

The South Island is the largest island and has stunning fjords and mountain scenery as well as beautiful beaches. It is more mountainous than the North Island having the Southern Alps running down the west of the island and which has over eighteen mountains over 3000m. The highest peak in New Zealand is on the South Island and is Mount Cook which is 3800m.

Major New Zealand Tourist Attractions

Havelock North / Hawkes Bay

Havelock North is seven kilometres from the town of Hastings. It is well known for its orchards and vineyards. It is one of New Zealand’s most famous wine regions (see our section on New Zealand Wine for more details).

Havelock North is a fairly hilly area being his situated at the base of the 399m landmark Te Mata Peak, which according to Māori legend is the body of a giant, Te Mata o Rongokako.

Hawkes Bay produces some of the best New Zealand wines. The Hawkes Bay Harvest is celebrated once a year by a internationally recognised three day wine and food festival which attracts thousands of visitors to the festival - it is well worth visiting!

Mount Cook

Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand and a popular tourist destination. The mountain is in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, which is one of the United Nations World Heritage Parks. The Park itself has more than 140 peaks that stand over 2000m and over seventy glaciers. The Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park forms part of the Southern Alps range which runs along the west coast of the South Islands.

Milford Sound

The Milford Sound is a fjord ( or Piopiotahi in Maori ) is located in Fjordland National Park which is in the south west of New Zealand’s South Island. It is New Zealand’s most famous tourist site and attracts thousands of visitors per day.

One of the most popular visitor activity is to take a boat tour around the Milford Sound.

The other popular visitor activity is Bungee Jumping - which involves being connected to a large rubber band and jumping off a tall bridge or crane and free falling before the band becomes taut. Bungee Jumping as a popular thrill seekers activity was invented by a New Zealander, A J Hackett, who made his first in 1986 from Auckland’s Greenhithe Bridge. The first commercial bungee jumping site was at Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown in New Zeleand’s South Island.