About New Zealand

New Zealand, or Aotearoa, is one of the most picturesque and photogenic places on earth. Our small island nation, home to just over 4.5 million people, is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The two main islands (North and South) are divided by a 22km stretch of water called the Cook Strait.

The general climate is mild and temperate however areas in the far north experience warm subtropical temperatures while the far south is much cooler with Alpine conditions in mountainous areas. The result is an outdoor playground open year-round: skiing, surfing, fishing, boating, biking, hiking, camping, diving, snorkelling. All on our doorstep.

Maori were the first to arrive in New Zealand, journeying in canoes from Hawaiki about 1,000 years ago. A Dutchman, Abel Tasman, was the first European to sight the country but it was the British who made New Zealand part of their empire.

Geography, weather and culture all combine to make New Zealand an amazing country to visit, or to make your home.

Our Regional information below has been compiled to give you an idea of the diversity of our regions and resources within.