Overview

• Time: New Zealand: GMT + 12 (GMT + 13 from the last Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April). Chatham Island: GMT + 12.75 (GMT + 13.75 from the last Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April).

• Anthem: God Save the Queen and God Defend New Zealand have had equal status since 1977.

• New Zealand is located in Oceania 2000 km from Australia, nearest neighbour.

 
• The total land area is 268,680 sq km.

• New Zealand capital city is Wellington located on the southern tip of North Island.

 
• The Southern Alps run through the centre of the South Island. The most mountainous area in the North Island is a highly volcanic area in the centre that includes the active Mount Ruapehu volcano.

 
• New Zealand is made up from two large Islands North and South Island. The total land area is approx 270, 000 sq km.

 
• New Zealand has a very varied landscape includes mountain ranges, forests, beaches and coastline.

 
• A third of New Zealand terrain is protected within 14 national parks. Their stunning and beautiful countryside has been an inspiration for many film producers and directors such as those that produced the Lord of the Rings which was filmed in New Zealand.