New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the most isolated countries in the world, separated from its nearest neighbor – Australia – by 990 miles. Located on the International Date Line opposite the Greenwich Meridian, New Zealand is the first country to see the sun rise.
New Zealand is a relatively young country. The Maori, New Zealand’s indigenous people, arrived just 1,000 years ago, followed by European settlers 800 years later. Yet the landmass that is New Zealand has existed in isolation for millions of years. The result is a variety of plants and animals you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Two main islands – the North Island and the South Island – make up a country that is roughly the size of Colorado. Yet the landscape diversity in this small area is truly amazing. Sweeping mountain ranges, steaming volcanoes, lush rainforests, pastoral farmland and sweeping coastal beaches provide visitors with an abundance of things to do and see.
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