New Zealand

Overview

New Zealand, more fondly referred to as,"The Land of the Long White Cloud" by the Maori natives, is situated in the South Pacific Ocean. With North Island and South Island comprising the major land area of this beautiful country, the much smaller islands of Antipodes, Auckland, Bounty, Campbell, Chatham and Kermadec are no less scenic.

Having an area about the size of Colorado (USA), New Zealand enjoys a majestic mountainous landscape alongside some large coastal plains. The north of New Zealand has sub-tropical climate, and as one travels south, the temperature starts decreasing giving the southern regions a much cooler temperate climate. The average maximum temperature ranges between 20°C and 30°C during summer and 10°C and 15°C during winters.

The ethnic mix of Europeans, Maoris, Asians, Pacific Islander and others, adds to the vibrant colours of the country, reflecting the welcoming socio-economic environment. With a flourishing developed economy, New Zealand?s current per capita GDP stood at an estimated US $27,300 in 2007. To add to its economic progress, New Zealand has a brilliant network of transportation with 121 airports, 4,128 km of railway connectivity and 92,931 km of roads.