The climate and nature of New Zealand: a description, features and interesting facts

New Zealand is the end of the world, a country that little is known about the average Russian citizen. Expensive plane tickets, geographical isolation and the correct policies of the authorities do not allow to explore this island in crowds of tourists. Therefore, New Zealand still boasts breathtaking landscapes that are not affected by human influence. Yet this island of happy people is worth it to visit at least once in your life (and, perhaps, stay forever).

Few facts

New Zealand is an island nation in the southwest of the Pacific Ocean, near Australia. It consists of two large islands - the Northern and Southern - and a number of archipelagoes that are not always suitable for life. The area of New Zealand is 268,680 km², which is slightly larger than the area of Great Britain. At that, only 4.5 million people live in it.

New Zealand is formally ruled by Queen Elizabeth II, since from the mid-18th century to the mid-20th the New Zealand Islands were a colony of the British Empire. But in reality, all power is in the hands of the parliament, which, judging by the fact that in the country the standard of living is considered one of the highest in the world, it rules wisely.

The official languages are English and Maori, and Wellington is the capital. In addition to diverse landscapes, nature has endowed New Zealand with a mild, pleasant climate: in winter the temperature does not fall below 10 ° C, and in summer it rises no higher than 30 ° C. Important: winter in New Zealand is when we have summer.

The pristine nature of New Zealand

On the territory of New Zealand you can see almost everything: from the snow-covered rocky mountains to the velvety beaches. The calling card of this country is the fjord Milford Sound, which appeared more than 20 thousand years ago. Sheer cliffs, covered with forests, hang over a crystal-clear bay, over which you can often see a thin strip of rainbow.

The nature of New Zealand is particularly fascinating in the national parks, which in this country are as many as 12! On the North Island you can see how the geysers, located on the sloping slopes of the active volcano Tongariro, throw a multicolored smoke into the atmosphere. Not far from the volcanoes is the famous valley of the Rotarua geysers. Here you can take mud baths and make an unforgettable walk through the volcanic terraces. In the heart of the North Island, in the crater of an extinguished volcano, Lake Taupo is an unparalleled beauty that attracts fans of fishing and cruising.

In addition to the formidable and fascinating volcanoes, the natural features of New Zealand are also fabulous beaches. In one of the most beautiful national parks on the South Island, Abel Tasman should luxuriate on the sand, the color of which varies from snow white to bright yellow.

But the nature of New Zealand presents a couple of surprises in the form of glacial lakes, caves Waitomo, dotted with fireflies, gently sloping forests and cliffs ...

Feathered World of New Zealand

It would seem that, with so many and varied landscapes, New Zealand's wildlife should be represented by all kinds of fauna. But the number of animals and birds on the islands is not so great, which, however, fully pays off the uniqueness of the inhabitants of this paradise on earth.

The first in the list will be the symbol of New Zealand - a kiwi bird. This endangered species of flightless birds, covered with long brown feathers, is the favorite treat of New Zealand opossums. The island also has its unique koa parrots, which are distinguished by their curiosity, high intelligence and unexpected strength. A couple of decades ago, they mercilessly exterminated, because it was believed that they eat sheep. In fact, kea is just very fond of skating on lambs coming from Europe.

On the southern coast of New Zealand, there are also small colonies of small penguins, which are difficult to track down. In addition to the above-mentioned representatives of birds on the islands, there live unique New Zealand birds of thuja, drummers, wakes, parrots of kakapo, etc. Birds of kiwi and other birds can be seen on the island of Stewart. In the thick New Zealand forests, you can meet pigs, deer, rabbits and small kangaroos. Nature has saved New Zealand from reptiles, poisonous spiders and nasty mosquitoes.

Indigenous people

About 80% of the population are descendants of emigrants from Great Britain, 15% - Maori, 5% are immigrants from Asia and the Pacific Islands. Of particular interest is, of course, the indigenous population, that is, the Maori tribes. Most of them assimilated with English society and live in cities.

Maori often cultivate folk customs and traditions for tourist purposes, for example, anyone who wants to see a famous martial dance "khaka" for a certain price. Throughout the country there are exhibitions of folk craft and art.

What should a tourist do in New Zealand?

The magical nature of New Zealand is the first and main point of every trip to the Land of a long white cloud. But in addition to beautiful photos from New Zealand, you can bring many more impressions. So, what do you need to experience in New Zealand?

1. Ride on the Swing Nevis - the largest swing in the world, located at an altitude of 160 meters above the stony canyon.
2. Shrimp the shrimp with bamboo sticks.
3. Skiing on New Zealand's "Alps", and then plunge into a hot thermal spring.
4. Look at the North Island, how two oceans converge.
5. To see the hatteria (il tuataru) is the oldest reptile genetically associated with dinosaurs.

What you probably did not hear!

• Previously, Maori were considered one of the most brutal and hardy nations, because they practiced cannibalism, cut off the heads of the enemies and applied tattoos all over their face with sharp incisors.
• Shooting the trilogy "The Lord of the Rings" was held in New Zealand.
• New Zealanders call themselves "kiwi".
• New Zealand is the first country in which women have the right to vote.
• Unique landscapes, bird species and other natural features of New Zealand are carefully protected. For example, almost anywhere you can not burn bonfires, importation into the country even a piece of apple is forbidden (not to mention seeds, plants and animals).

If you are tired of the mad rhythm of megacities, concrete jungles, crowded and gray, if you are looking for extreme adventures, take a great interest in photography and want to surprise your acquaintances with images of unusual landscapes - New Zealand, whose nature and population are unique, will bring many positive emotions and vivid impressions for life .