New Zealand is a unique land of breathtaking scenery with craggy coastlines, sweeping golden beaches, verdant forests, snow-capped alpine mountains, gurgling volcanic pools, flashing fish-filled rivers and glacier-fed lakes, all beneath a brilliant blue sky.

New Zealand is spread over three relatively small islands with modern and efficient transport, quiet roads, plenty of flights and two stunningly scenic rail journeys. The plant and animal life are also excellent offering opportunities to see the varied birdlife (including kiwis), seals, dolphins and whales.

Enjoy the chance to explore two of the richest New World wine regions on the planet, taste wonderful cuisine, stroll on moody beaches, tramp through the national parks or over alpine passes.

The country is also perfect for every kind of outdoor activity and not surprisingly, some of the world’s most cutting-edge adventure activities originated in New Zealand. Try bungee jumping, caving or white-water rafting. If that is not your bag, immerse yourself in culture in the museums and galleries of New Zealand’s main cities - Auckland, Christchurch and the capital Wellington.

New Zealand was first settled at least 1,000 years ago by the Polynesian Maori, a well ordered tribal society led by hereditary chiefs and a powerful priesthood. The first European arrival was Dutchman Abel Tasman in 1642, although it was not until the voyages of Captain James Cook, in 1769 and 1779, that the islands were charted and explored.

Anthony Mudd

270,534 sq km (104,454 sq miles).

4 million (Statistics New Zealand 2004).

14.8 per sq km.

Wellington. Population: 423,765 (2003). Auckland, with a population of 1.3 million (2005), is the largest urban area in the country.

Constitutional monarchy since 1907.

English is the common and everyday language, but other languages are also spoken, including Maori, which is New Zealand’s second official language (spoken by the indigenous Maori people who constitute approximately 15% of the population).

60% Christian: Anglican, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and Methodist are all represented.

New Zealand: GMT + 12 (GMT + 13 from the first Sunday in October to the third Sunday in March).
Chatham Island: GMT + 12.75 (GMT + 13.75 from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March).

Should a visitor be invited to a formal Maori occasion, the hongi (pressing of noses) is common. Casual dress is widely acceptable. New Zealanders are generally very relaxed and hospitable. Stiff formality is rarely appreciated and, after introductions, first names are generally used. Smoking is restricted where indicated. It is banned in pubs and restaurants.

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Most hotels provide 110-volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only.

Prime Minister Helen Clark since 1999.

HM Queen Elizabeth II since 1952, represented locally by Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright since 2001.