New Zealand is a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, as well as many smaller islands. The country has a population of approximately 5 million people and its largest city is Auckland.

New Zealand is known for its stunning natural beauty, including mountains, lakes, forests, and beaches. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and surfing. The country is also known for its unique flora and fauna, including the kiwi bird and the silver fern.

The official languages of New Zealand are English, Maori, and New Zealand Sign Language. The country has a diverse population, with people of European, Maori, Pacific Islander, and Asian descent making up the largest ethnic groups.

New Zealand has a mixed economy with a strong focus on agriculture, tourism, and technology. The country is known for its high standard of living, quality healthcare, and excellent education system.

Visitors to New Zealand must have a valid passport and may require a visa depending on their country of origin. The country has strict biosecurity regulations to protect its unique environment, so travelers should be aware of any restrictions on bringing food, plants, or animal products into the country.

New Zealand has a temperate climate with mild temperatures year-round. The summer months of December through February are the most popular time for tourists, but visitors can enjoy outdoor activities year-round. The country is known for its changeable weather, so it is important to be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.

Telephone Code
64

Local Emergency Phone
111

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Temperate with sharp regional contrasts

Currency (Code)
New Zealand dollars (NZD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I

Major Languages
English, Maori, Samoan, Northern Chinese, Hindi, French, Yue

Major Religions
Christian 37.3%, Hindu 2.7%, Maori 1.3%, Muslim, 1.3%, Buddhist 1.1%, other religion 1.6%, no religion 48.6%

Potable Water
Yes

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound; Bay of Islands; Queenstown; Lake Taupo & Tongariro National Park; Lake Matheson; Lake Pukaki; Mount Cook National Park; Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers

Major Sports
Rugby, cricket, netball, basketball, soccer, sailing

Cultural Practices
An extended index and middle finger together expresses disdain and frustration.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is uncommon in restaurants unless the service was excellent. Some restaurants provide a tip jar on the counter. Tipping is uncommon in taxis, but you may round up the fare. It is not customary to tip at hotels.

Souvenirs
Abalone, paua shell, and greenstone jewelry; stone and wood Maori tribal masks, statues, baskets, and weapons; sheepskin rugs, merino wool blankets, chamois cloths, other wool/lanolin items; Rimu timber clocks, Kiwi art, wine, honey

Traditional Cuisine
Pavlova — a meringue-like dessert with a crisp Cornstarch-based outer crust and a soft and moist core; whipped cream and fruits, such as kiwi or passion fruit, are used as garnishes

Geography
Area
total: 268,838 sq km
land: 264,537 sq km
water: 4,301 sq km

Climate
temperate with sharp regional contrasts

Natural resources
natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold, limestone

People and Society
Population
5,109,702 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
European 64.1%, Maori 16.5%, Chinese 4.9%, Indian 4.7%, Samoan 3.9%, Tongan 1.8%, Cook Islands Maori 1.7%, English 1.5%, Filipino 1.5%, New Zealander 1%, other 13.7% (2018 est.)

Languages
English (de facto official) 95.4%, Maori (de jure official) 4%, Samoan 2.2%, Northern Chinese 2%, Hindi 1.5%, French 1.2%, Yue 1.1%, New Zealand Sign Language (de jure official) 0.5%, other or not stated 17.2% (2018 est.)

Religions
Christian 37.3% (Catholic 10.1%, Anglican 6.8%, Presbyterian and Congregational 5.2%, Pentecostal 1.8%, Methodist 1.6%, Church of Jesus Christ 1.2%, other 10.7%), Hindu 2.7%, Maori 1.3%, Muslim, 1.3%, Buddhist 1.1%, other religion 1.6% (includes Judaism, Spiritualism and New Age religions, Baha'i, Asian religions other than Buddhism), no religion 48.6%, objected to answering 6.7% (2018 est.)

Population growth rate
1.06% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Capital
name: Wellington

Economy
Economic overview
high-income Pacific island economy; strong agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and energy sectors; reliant on Chinese market for exports; sustained growth; low unemployment; high living standards; sharp growth post COVID-19 lockdown

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$219.839 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$42,900 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
milk, beef, kiwi fruit, apples, potatoes, mutton, grapes, wheat, barley, green onions/shallots

Industries
agriculture, forestry, fishing, logs and wood articles, manufacturing, mining, construction, financial services, real estate services, tourism

Exports
$54.777 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
China 28%, Australia 14%, United States 9%, Japan 6% (2019)

Exports - commodities
dairy products, sheep/goat meats, lumber, beef products, fresh fruits (2019)

Imports
$62.862 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 18%, Australia 15%, United States 9%, Japan 6%, Germany 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
cars, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, delivery trucks, gas turbines (2019)