New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere and lies in the South-West of the Pacific Ocean. It is comprised of two major Islands (North and South) and a number of lesser islands, the largest of which is called Stewart Island. The country is approximately 1600 km in length and the total land area is 270,000 sq km. The coastline has a length of 15,134 km.
New Zealand is a relatively mountainous land with ranges in both the North and South. The Cook Strait, 20 km wide at its narrowest point, separates the two major islands. After the North and South Island, the next largest island is Stewart Island, which is 30 km south of the South Island across Foveaux Strait.
Biologists can trace the natural history of New Zealand's plants and animals back over 80 million years. A thousand years ago, 78% of New Zealand was covered by forest. That was reduced to 53% during Maori times, and since 1840, has been reduced to 25% of the total land area. New Zealand now has a strong conservation ethic to save and protect its natural heritage.
New Zealand is a relatively small country but is famed for its diverse landscapes. Spectacular rivers, lakes, islands, peninsulas, sounds, straits, fjords, glaciers and volcanoes exude a unique natural beauty. New Zealand is a popular international travel destination and tourism has become the country's leading industry.
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