Do you know anything about facts about New Zealand? New Zealand is a land of unparalleled beauty. Beyond its allure for adventure fanatics and movie lovers, this island country in the South Pacific Ocean is a treasure house of natural wonders and cultural gems. Follow this guide about New Zealand facts!
Fun Facts about New Zealand
There is always something about New Zealand that you didn’t know before. Read the comprehensive guide about fun facts about New Zealand.
A Pioneer in Universal Suffrage Worldwide
While women in most countries were deprived of their basic political rights in the late 19th century, New Zealand passed the Electoral Act Amendment Act in 1893, which gave them the right to vote. This makes New Zealand the very first country to grant women suffrage.
Kiwi: More Than a Fruit
A single word with three different meanings. Sounds astonishing, doesn’t it? Well, this is one of the facts about New Zealand. “Kiwi” refers to both the national bird of New Zealand and New Zealanders themselves. Then there’s the kiwi fruit, a small and delicious fruit originally from this country.
Hobbit Money: a Legal Tender in New Zealand
One of the interesting facts about New Zealand you might be interested in is that it is the only country that permits hobbit money! As a filming location of the “Lord of Rings” movie series, New Zealand issues this unique money to attract more fans to travel here and boost its tourism. You can use this currency to enjoy mouthwatering dishes at hobbit-themed restaurants.
30% of New Zealand: A Haven of Peace and Tranquility
30% of New Zealand is regarded as national reserve which makes it a haven of tranquility. Among them, Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area was inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1990. It features beaches, cliffs, lakes, waterfalls, and a rich array of rare flora and fauna, such as kea parrot. Tongariro National Park, with three volcanoes – Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe – surrounding it, boasts spectacular volcanic wonders.
Home to a Town with the Longest Name - the Holder of the World Record
Ready for a tongue twister?
Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu.
It is a town located in Waikato Region, North Island, New Zealand. It means, in Maori, “Tamatea, the man with big knees, who slided down mountains, climbed mountains, and devoured mountains. He was renowned for seizing land. As a voyager on the ocean and across the land, he played the flute here for his beloved.”
A Country with More Sheep Than People
One of the facts about New Zealand is that sheep outnumber people! Blessed with its warm weather and expansive, quality pasture, New Zealand once saw a surge in the number of sheep brought by the British settlers and has seen a boom in the sheep farming industry since then. Today, there are about five sheep for each New Zealander.
The World’s Southernmost Capital
One of the facts about New Zealand is that Wellington is the world’s southernmost capital. Since it is vulnerable to strong winds, it is also nicknamed “Windy City”. The landmark of the capital as well as an architectural masterpiece is the “Beehive”, a building of the parliament buildings complex in Wellington, which got its name because it closely resembles a beehive.
Maori: an Official Language in New Zealand
One of the New Zealand facts is that Maori was officially recognized as an official language of New Zealand in 1987 after it was suppressed and teetered on the brink of decline due to colonization. Today native Maori make up nearly 20% of the population. You can also find public signs or official documents written in Maori.
The Maori: First Settler of New Zealand - But Who Discovered It First?
You might already know that New Zealand was inhabited by the Maori – the first humans – only 800 years ago, but do you know who was the first to discover this isolated land? Polynesians! They originally named it “Aotearoa,” meaning “Land of the Long White Cloud.” Later, large numbers of Maori, a subgroup of Polynesians, migrated to and settled on the North and South Islands of New Zealand.
Stunning Geothermal Wonders
Rotorua is New Zealand’s most renowned geothermal scenic area. It boasts amazing hot springs and mud pools. For the Maori people, geothermal energy is essential for their life. “Hangi” refers to a traditional geothermal cooking method, where food is placed on hot stones underground and covered with soil.
Birthplace of Bungee Jumping
One of the facts about New Zealand you probably don’t know is that it’s the birthplace of bungee jumping. A.J. Hackett is the one that popularizes this extreme sports globally. He made an audacious foray into bungee jumping from a height of 43 meters off the Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown, which made it a favorite among extreme sports.
Glowworm caves
Located on the North Island of New Zealand, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves have gained an international reputation. You will marvel at the beauty of nature and find yourself surrounded by thousands of glowworms in Waitomo, which is illuminated by a sea of stars. There are also the Te Anau Glowworm Caves on the South Island of New Zealand.
All Blacks: New Zealand’s Rugby Team
One of the cool facts about New Zealand relates to its national rugby team. In 1905, New Zealand sent its national rugby team to Britain for the first time. As the players were all dressed in black uniforms, they were nicknamed “All Blacks.” They have clinched many titles, including the Rugby World Cup many times. The haka, a performance of the All Blacks, also makes the team stand out among other teams. It can not only boost teammates’ morale but also intimidate their opponents.
Mānuka Honey: A Elixir from New Zealand
The Manuka tree mainly grows in the remote areas of New Zealand. Mānuka Honey is distinguished from its counterpart by its healing properties. It has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect and also helps beauty skincare. It is also a favourite food for children for its rich flavour. The locals tend to use it in various ways, from spreading it on pieces of toast to adding it into a cup of tea.
New Zealand: The “Other Hollywood”
One of the New Zealand facts is that it stands out as one of the most popular filming locations in the world. Some of the Hollywood blockbusters, including “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and its prequel, “The Hobbit” trilogy, were filmed in New Zealand. Another notable example is “Avatar” (2009). Its breathtaking scenery makes it a perfect place to film.
Golfers’ Paradise
One of the fun facts about New Zealand is that it is a popular venue for many international golf tournaments. On the Jack’s Point Golf Course in Queenstown, you can see the magnificent mountains in the distance and the beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Many golf courses are adjacent to nature reserves, which means you can even catch sight of rare birds and animals when playing golf!
One of the Most Corruption-free Countries
According to the Corruption Perceptions Index, New Zealand is one of the world’s least corrupt nations and has maintained this status for many years.
The Southern Cross: A Celestial Jewel in the Southern Sky
One of the unique facts about New Zealand is that the Southern Cross is a well-known star constellation that can be seen in the Southern Sky. It is made up of five bright stars, forming a unique cross shape. The Southern Cross is important to the local people, as it appears on the flag of New Zealand. During the Age of Sail, it has also been used by sailors for navigation to complete perilous voyages.
Land of First Light
One of the interesting things about New Zealand is that Gisborne, a city on the east coast of New Zealand and on the western side of the International Date Line, is the very first city in the world to see the sunrise. If you come to Gisborne during the Sunrise Festival, you will not only enjoy the magnificent sunrise, but also be treated to traditional Maori dances with dancers dressed in unique costumes.
Breathtaking Milford Sound
Your first view of Milford Sound will definitely take your breath away. This is also one of the facts about New Zealand you might want to know. It is located within Fiordland National Park in the southwestern part of New Zealand’s South Island and is often referred to as “the Eighth Wonder of the World.” There are various rare birds, dolphins, and seals in the fjord. You can take a cruise ship or a kayak to get up close to the magnificent waterfalls and marine life. For hiking enthusiasts, the Milford Track is highly recommended, along which you can enjoy different natural landscapes.
Mount Cook: The Tallest Mountain in New Zealand
Among all the facts about New Zealand, Mount Cook, also called Aoraki by the Maori, stands as New Zealand’s highest peak. Situated within the Southern Alps, It’s surrounded by vast glaciers, including the Tasman Glacier, which is the longest glacier in New Zealand. You will also be fascinated by its blue lakes and rugged landscapes. Mount Cook draws adventurers and hikers from around the world. Some try to breast the peak, while others wander around it to explore its awe-inspiring landscape.
Te Waikoropupu Springs: the Largest Freshwater Spring in New Zealand
Te Waikoropupu Springs is the largest freshwater spring in New Zealand and is sacred to the Maori. You will be surprised by the incredibly clear spring water because you can almost see the bottom of the lake.
An Expedition Base for Antarctica
Christchurch, the second largest city in New Zealand, is a significant Antarctic expedition base in the world. Many scientific research teams head to Antarctica from here. New Zealand also has its own scientific research stations in Antarctica.
Tane Mahuta: a 1500-year-old Tree
Kauri trees in New Zealand can live for more than 2,000 years and are thus recognized as one of the oldest trees in the world. Among them, the largest one – “Tāne Mahuta” – is regarded as a national treasure of New Zealand.
The Hector's Dolphin: the World’s Smallest Dolphin
One of the interesting facts about New Zealand is that it is home to the world’s smallest dolphin species, The Hector’s Dolphin, also known as the Maori Dolphin is only about 1.5 meters long and has black and white stripes. But it is also one of the world’s most endangered dolphins, with fewer than 100 remaining.
A Haven for Penguins
New Zealand boasts a diverse range of penguin species, including Little Blue Penguins, Yellow-eyed Penguins and Fiordland Crested Penguins. It is one of the countries with a large number of penguin species.
The Pohutukawa Tree: the New Zealand Christmas Tree!
The Pohutukawa tree is an iconic tree unique to New Zealand and is recognized as the “New Zealand Christmas Tree”. It can even survive on rocky cliffs, which fully shows its robustness. Dazzling red flowers on this tree often bloom in December, creating a festive atmosphere in New Zealand. Maori legend says that the Pohutukawa tree is the child of the god of forests, Tane Mahuta.
Dunedin: Home to the World's Steepest Road
This is one of the unique facts about New Zealand. Baldwin Street in Dunedin is widely recognized as the steepest road in the world. The gradient reaches as high as 38 degrees. You can participate in the jolly Cadbury Chocolate Festival on Baldwin Street every summer when tens of thousands of chocolate eggs roll down the street as participants scramble to collect them at the bottom.
A Snake-free Paradise
If you’re afraid of snakes, you’ll definitely love New Zealand, as it is one of the rare countries that is free of snakes. It is said that New Zealand’s isolation acts as a natural barrier since snakes can’t swim across the vast Pacific Ocean.
Home to the Largest Insect in the World
The giant weta, native to New Zealand, is one of the largest insects in the world. Some species can weigh more than a mouse and are known for their powerful jaws. This is also among the weird facts about New Zealand.
Conclusion of Facts about New Zealand
As the “Land of the Long White Cloud,” New Zealand draws many tourists each year. Whether you plan to go there on your own or with your family, you will always be amazed at its stunning scenery and touched by the hospitality of the locals. So just pack your bags and explore this fascinating country!
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FAQ about Facts about New Zealand
There are about five million people in New Zealand, which is equivalent to 0.06% of the total world population.
New Zealand is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, like fjords and mountains, countless sheep and kiwi. The All Blacks rugby team, haka and the Maori language also earn the country international reputation.
New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It comprises two main islands, which is the North and South Island, and many smaller ones. It’s geographically isolated, but it’s a vibrant country in the southern hemisphere.
- New Zealandis home to a town with the longest name.
- In New Zealand, there are more sheep than people.
- Maoriis an official language in New Zealand.
- The word“Kiwi” can refer to the national bird of New Zealand, New Zealanders themselves and the kiwi fruit.
- The kiwi is a flightless bird and a symbol of New Zealand. It can also refers to the locals and the kiwi fruit.
- New Zealand is home to the world’s steepest road.
- New Zealand boasts the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
