Nueva zelanda

1. Cover page
New Zealand is one of the top holiday countries in the world with its clean green natural image, scenery, adventure, culture, friendly people and value for money. New Zealand is often rated as one of the best tourist destinations.
WELCOME TO THE YOUNGEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD
2. Geography
New Zealand is made up of two main islands, the North and South Islands, Te Ika a Mauiand Te Wai Pounamu respectively in Māori, and a number of smaller islands, located near the centre of the water hemisphere. The North and South Islands are separated by Cook Strait, 20 kilometres wide at its narrowest point. The total land area, 268,021 square kilometres (103,483 sq mi),[44] is a little less than that of Italy or Japan, and a little more than the United Kingdom.
The country extendsmore than 1,600 kilometres (990 mi) along its main, north-north-east axis, with approximately 15,134 km (9,404 mi) of coastline. The most significant of the smaller inhabited islands include Stewart Island/Rakiura; Waiheke Island, in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf; Great Barrier Island, east of the Hauraki Gulf; and the Chatham Islands, named Rēkohu by Moriori. The country has extensive marineresources, with the seventh-largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world, covering over four million square kilometres (1.5 million square miles), more than 15 times its land area.[45]
The dramatic and varied landscape of New Zealand has made it a popular location for the production of television programmes and films, including the Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Last Samurai. The South Island is thelargest land mass of New Zealand, and is divided along its length by the Southern Alps. There are 18 peaks over 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) the highest of which is Aoraki/Mount Cook at 3,754 metres (12,316 ft). The top of South Island contains areas of forest in the Kahurangi and other national parks. The south-western corner of South Island is Fiordland, an area of high mountains cut through with steepfjords.

Abel Tasman National Park in the South Island
The North Island is less mountainous but is marked by volcanism. The highly active Taupo volcanic zone has formed a large volcanic plateau, the North Island's highest mountain, Mount Ruapehu 2,797 metres (9,177 ft), and a deep caldera filled by Lake Taupo, the country's largest lake. The island's north is a flatter area, once covered byhuge kauri trees.

The latitude of New Zealand, from approximately 34 to 47° S, corresponds closely to that of Italy in the Northern Hemisphere. However, its isolation from continental influences and exposure to cold southerly winds and ocean currents give the climate a much milder character. The climate throughout the country is mild and temperate, mainly maritime, with temperatures rarelyfalling below 0 °C (32 °F) or rising above 30 °C (86 °F) in populated areas. Historical maxima and minima are 42.4 °C (108.3 °F) in Rangiora, Canterbury and −21.6 °C (−6.9 °F) in Ophir, Otago.[46]
3. Culture
Whilst there may be nine sheep for every person living in New Zealand, it would be wrong to assume that all New Zealanders are farming types and country folk. In fact more than 80% of NewZealanders live in urban areas. Of course, New Zealanders have the advantage of being able to escape to the country usually within a matter of minutes and get to enjoy stunning, unspoilt landscapes and outdoor adventure as well as lively and multicultural arts and cultural scenes.
Due to geographical isolation and economic policies, for many years New Zealanders had to be creative with whatever rawmaterials they could lay their hands on and to some degree a culture of 'make-do and can-do' is still very much in evidence. A genius for invention and passion for embracing the latest technology is alive and well, with New Zealanders championing Internet technologies and space travel, not to mention exporting fabulous singing, art and crafts talents to the world.
Famous creative Kiwis include:...