Facts You Need to Know
- Population: 4 million
- Capital: Wellington
- Major languages: English, Maori
- Major religion: Christianity
- Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 81 years (women)
- Monetary unit: 1 New Zealand dollar ($NZ) = 100 cents
- Main exports: Wool, food and dairy products, wood and paper products
In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30†C and in winter between 10-15†C.While these temperatures are the norm, the weather in New Zealand can change unexpectedly as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in. Because of this, you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature, particularly if youíre going hiking or doing other outdoor activities.
New Zealand is situated in the South Pacific ocean, between latitude 34'S and 47'S. The country runs roughly north-south with mountain ranges down much of its length. Its two main islands (North and South) cover 266,200 sq km (103,735 sq miles), about the size of Japan or California and slightly larger than Great Britain.New Zealand is one of the safest travel destinations in the world, with a relatively low crime rate, few endemic diseases and a first-class healthcare and accident compensation system.
-http://www.virtualoceania.net/newzealand/facts/