New Zealand is a beautiful nuclear-free country with a small population of just 3.8 million. It is made up of three main islands, the North Island, the South Island and Stewart Island. Its small size makes getting around the country quite easy and there are various forms of transport to choose from.

New Zealanders tend to be active people, probably because our country is a small island nation close to the sea and the mountains.

The environment is extremely diverse and ranges from long stretches of windswept beaches, lush native bush and geothermal moonscapes, to sparkling mountain glaciers. Almost any sporting activity can be enjoyed here against the backdrop of the stunning scenery.

If you enjoy winter sports the ski season usually begins in June until September. Regardless of what time of the year it is, the climate is usually good enough to enable you to appreciate the scenery and experience the friendliness that Kiwis are world renowned for.

New Zealand is an ethnically diverse country made up of Maori, the tangata whenua (people of the land), Pakeha (people of European descent) and other main minority groups including Pacific Islanders, Chinese, and Indians. To reflect our biculturalism we have two official languages, English and Maori.

Auckland is the largest and most culturally diverse of New Zealand's cities. About one million people live in Auckland. The other major cities are Wellington, which is our capital city, Christchurch and Dunedin. Wellington and Auckland are both in the North Island, while Christchurch and Dunedin are in the South Island.