Nature
New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. New Zealand has it all; breathtaking and dramatic mountain ranges, spectacular glaciers, unspoiled sandy beaches, lush rainforests, expansive plains and exotic wildlife. Amazingly, approximately 30 percent of New Zealand’s land area is protected and administered by the Department of Conservation. There are also 14 unique National Parks that cover a combined area of 10 percent of New Zealand.
One of the most distinctive natural aspects of New Zealand is its coastline. From the soft white sandy beaches in the far north and east to the rugged black sand beaches of the west coast – New Zealand never ceases to amaze with its natural diversity.
Coupled with New Zealand’s dramatic landscape is a wide variety of ancient and unique flora and fauna. A typical New Zealand forest or “bush” is a sub tropical, evergreen rainforest with giant tree ferns and vines. The giant Kauri trees of New Zealand are among the largest trees in the world. New Zealand also has its own natural Christmas tree – the pohutukawa – which flowers a brilliant red during the Christmas period.
New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most unusual wildlife – including the world’s heaviest insect (the weta) and a reptile closely related to dinosaurs (the tuatara). New Zealand has many flightless birds, as result of few natural predators, including the weka, takahe, pukeko and of course the kiwi. New Zealand also has an abundant and diverse marine life including dolphins, whales and penguins. New Zealand is home to the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin – the Hectors dolphin.
Lastly, New Zealand is stretched along two tectonic plates and is part of the Pacific rim of fire. As a result, New Zealand has many impressive volcanos (many of which are dormant or extinct). Rangitoto is a large and dormant volcano that dominants Auckland’s beautiful Waitemata harbour. Many of New Zealand’s rugged and distinct mountains and lakes were created by volcanic or tectonic forces.