New Zealand, is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, the south-western most part of Polynesia. It is over 1, 000 miles (1, 600 km) south-east of Australia. It is made up of two main islands and a number of smaller islands.

The landscape of New Zealand is diverse with snow-capped mountains, rolling pasture land, steep fiords, pristine trout-filled lakes, raging rivers, scenic beaches, and active volcanic zones.

Outdoor activities abound in New Zealand including hiking, skiing, and rock climbing on the ground; swimming, rafting, of jet-boating through shallow gorges, kayaking and surfing in the water and bungee jumping, parachuting, or skydiving in the air.

The country also has a rich cultural heritage as well marrying native Maori and post-colonial European cultures.