About New Zealand
New Zealand is an island nation in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island) and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. The indigenous Māori named New Zealand Aotearoa, which is commonly translated into English as The Land of the Long White Cloud. The Realm of New Zealand also includes the Cook Islands and Niue, which are self-governing but in free association; Tokelau; and the Ross Dependency (New Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctica).
New Zealand is notable for its geographic isolation, situated about 2000 km (1250 miles) southeast of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and its closest neighbours to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga. During its long isolation New Zealand developed a distinctive fauna dominated by birds, many of which became extinct after the arrival of humans and the mammals they introduced.
The population is mostly of European descent, with the indigenous Māori being the largest minority. Asians and non-Maori Polynesians are also significant minorities, especially in the cities. Elizabeth II, as the Queen of New Zealand, is the Head of State and, in her absence, is represented by a non-partisan Governor-General. The Queen 'reigns but does not rule.' She has no real political influence, and her position is essentially symbolic. Political power is held by the democratically elected Parliament of New Zealand under the leadership of the Prime Minister, who is the Head of Government.
Adventure Capital of the World
New Zealand is a magical world where a clean, green, pristine landscape provides the setting for an amazing variety of outdoor activities. This small country has a big reputation as nature’s theme park in the South Pacific.
New Zealanders are renowned for their relaxed lifestyle and their passion for the Great Outdoors. One third of the country’s landscape is preserved as conservation estate where Outdoor Adventure rules - ok? In the adrenalin-pumping, heart-stopping realm of extreme sports, this is ‘The Adventure Capital of the World’. Professional tour operators can be found in virtually every town, waiting to transport you into another dimension of exciting holiday activity - adventure sports.
So come to New Zealand for the holiday of a lifetime. Choose from a dazzling array of achievable sporting activities devised by passionate Kiwis. Some are fun-filled pursuits, which you can savour in cruise mode, while others will test your skill and daring to the max!
Enjoy the buzz of shooting white water rapids, riding a rocket ship on a wire, and throwing yourself off a bungy platform - and that’s just your average day! You can walk on a glacier, ski on an active volcano, abseil into a canyon and parapent off a high mountain or countless other daring adventures.
Whatever thrill sports you choose we guarantee you’ll feel on top of the world – down under. And between adventures you’ll be blown away by the breathtaking scenery, the fascinating Maori culture and the warmth of the friendly, laid back Kiwis.
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