New Zealand is a stable parliamentary democracy, which recognizes the British monarch as head of state. It has a modern economy with many tourist conveniences and efficient local services. The majority of New Zealand's population is of European descent; the indigenous Māori are the largest minority, followed by Asians and non-Māori Polynesians. English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages, with English predominant. Much of New Zealand's culture is derived from Māori and early British settlers. Early European art was dominated by landscapes and to a lesser extent portraits of Māori. A recent resurgence of Māori culture has seen their traditional arts of carving, weaving and tattooing become more mainstream. The country's culture has also been broadened by globalisation and increased immigration from the Pacific Islands and Asia. New Zealand's diverse landscape provides many opportunities for outdoor pursuits and has provided the backdrop for a number of big budget movies.
New Zealand Travel Guide
Top Destinations in New Zealand
Queenstown, Australia
Queenstown is a town in the West Coast region of the island of Tasmania. It is in a valley on the western slopes of Mount Owen on the West Coast Range. ... more
Auckland, New Zealand
Morning haze drifts over the Waitematā Harbour as ferries cut silver ribbons through deep blue water. Auckland is a city where Pacific breezes mingle with the ... more
Christchurch, New Zealand
Light angles across the Avon River as willow branches dip into its glassy flow, while bellbirds trill from the leafy canopies of the Botanic Gardens. ... more
Wellington, New Zealand
Salt-sweet wind tumbles through Wellington's winding streets, rippling brightly painted townhouses perched along leafy ridges. Harbour light flickers silver off... more
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Milford Sound is a fjord in the south west of New Zealand's South Island, within Fiordland National Park, Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) Marine Reserve, and the Te ... more
Rotorua, New Zealand
Rotorua greets you with air tinged by sulphur, steam drifting from fissures in the earth, and the faint vibration of activity beneath your feet. Mornings wash ... more
Wanaka, New Zealand
Dawn in Wanaka glimmers quietly across Lake Wānaka, casting soft golden bands over mist-shrouded hills and mirror-still waters. There is a hush here that slows ... more
Taupo, New Zealand
Mist clings to the edge of Lake Taupō at sunrise, a quiet veil on the glassy water as gulls wheel softly overhead. The cool air carries the scent of pine from ... more
Dunedin, New Zealand
Mists rise from the Otago hills as morning breaks, casting a silver veil over Dunedin’s grand Victorian facades and the spires of St Paul’s Cathedral. The salty... more
Blenheim, New Zealand
Morning sunlight spills across gently rolling vineyards in Blenheim, painting the Wairau Valley in gold and green. There’s a drowsy hush to the countryside, ... more