Презентация на тему: "Новая Зеландия" презентация к уроку по английскому языку на тему. Презентация на тему: «Новая Зеландия Презентация достопримечательности новой зеландии на английском языке

New Zealand is a very interesting country. It has got total area of 269,000 square kilometers. It is situated to south-east of Australia in the Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main islands (North Island and South Island) and some smaller ones. Nearly 3.5 million people live in the country. New Zealand is a very interesting country. It has got total area of 269,000 square kilometers. It is situated to south-east of Australia in the Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main islands (North Island and South Island) and some smaller ones. Nearly 3.5 million people live in the country.

The capital of New Zealand is Wellington. It is a financial centre too. The city was founded in 1840 and has been the capital since 1865. The official language Is English. The capital of New Zealand is Wellington. It is a financial centre too. The city was founded in 1840 and has been the capital since 1865. The official language Is English.

The climate of New Zealand is moist. New Zealand is rich in minerals. There are some main industries in the country, for example, iron and steel industry. The country has gas and petroleum. The climate of New Zealand is moist. New Zealand is rich in minerals. There are some main industries in the country, for example, iron and steel industry. The country has gas and petroleum.

The native animals in the country is the kiwi. This interesting bird lives in the wet parts of the thick bushes. In the day-time the bird does not go out. It comes out only at night to find food. Kiwis cannot fly. Many years ago kiwis were hunted for food. Now the government does not permit the hunting the kiwis. The kiwi is now the symbol of New Zealand people. Small children are often called kiwis. The native animals in the country is the kiwi. This interesting bird lives in the wet parts of the thick bushes. In the day-time the bird does not go out. It comes out only at night to find food. Kiwis cannot fly. Many years ago kiwis were hunted for food. Now the government does not permit the hunting the kiwis. The kiwi is now the symbol of New Zealand people. Small children are often called kiwis.

New Zealand is independent state, but formerly it is a part of the British Empire. The head of the state is the Queen. New Zealand is self-governing state. The Parliament consists of one House only, the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister is the head of the government. New Zealand is independent state, but formerly it is a part of the British Empire. The head of the state is the Queen. New Zealand is self-governing state. The Parliament consists of one House only, the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister is the head of the government.

New Zealand has got heavy industry. There are many plants in the country. Paper and rubber industries are developed too. New Zealand exports wool, meat, butter. New Zealand has got heavy industry. There are many plants in the country. Paper and rubber industries are developed too. New Zealand exports wool, meat, butter.

There are some big cities such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dune-din, Nelson. Auckland and Wellington are the main ports of the country. There are some big cities such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dune-din, Nelson. Auckland and Wellington are the main ports of the country.

There are some educational and cultural institutions in Wellington. They are the University of New Zealand, Victoria University College and others. Victoria University was established in 1897. There are some educational and cultural institutions in Wellington. They are the University of New Zealand, Victoria University College and others. Victoria University was established in 1897.

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New Zealand (the Land of the Long White Cloud)

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The country was named New Zealand after the Dutch province of Zeeland which means “Sea Land” in Dutch. New Zealand has another name, Aotearoa, which means “the land of the Long white cloud” in the Maori language.

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Discovery
When the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman came to New Zealand in 1642, Maori warriors fought off his sailors and he was unable to land.
The first Maori settled in New Zealand about a thousand years ago. They came from Polynesia and were excellent sailors and fierce warriors.
In 1769, the British explorer James Cook"s claimed New Zealand for Britain.

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The flag of New Zealand has the Union Jack in the top left-hand corner and the four-star Southern cross in the right half. On the blue state flag the stars are red, outlined in white.
flag

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The Coat of Arms of New Zealand is the official symbol of New Zealand. The shield is supported by two figures, a blonde Pākehā (European) woman holding the New Zealand flag, and a Māori warrior holding a taiaha (Māori staff). The shield is topped with the St Edward’s Crown, and beneath the shield are two silver fern leaves and a scroll bearing the words "New Zealand".
Coat of arms

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God of Nations at Thy feet, In the bonds of love we meet, Hear our voices, we entreat, God defend our free land. Guard Pacific"s triple star From the shafts of strife and war, Make her praises heard afar, God defend New Zealand. Men of every creed and race, Gather here before Thy face, Asking Thee to bless this place, God defend our free land. From dissension, envy, hate, And corruption guard our state, Make our country good and great, God defend New Zealand. Peace, not war, shall be our boast, But, should foes assail our coast, Make us then a mighty host, God defend our free land.
National Anthem
Lord of battles in Thy might, Put our enemies to flight, Let our cause be just and right, God defend New Zealand. Let our love for Thee increase, May Thy blessings never cease, Give us plenty, give us peace, God defend our free land. From dishonour and from shame, Guard our country"s spotless name, Crown her with immortal fame, God defend New Zealand. May our mountains ever be Freedom"s ramparts on the sea, Make us faithful unto Thee, God defend our free land. Guide her in the nations" van, Preaching love and truth to man, Working out Thy glorious plan, God defend New Zealand.
God defend New Zealand

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The head of State is Queen Elizabeth II represented by the Governor-General.
Sir Anand Satyanand, Governor-General
John Key, the Prime Minister is the Head of Government.
It is a constitutional monarchy, an independent state within the Commonwealth.

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Territory
The country is situated to the south-east of Australia. It consists of three large islands, called North Island, South Island and Steward Island, and also many small islands.
The Cook Strait separates the main North and South islands. The Tasman Sea separates New Zealand from Australia.
The total land area is 268,021 km²

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Mount Cook (Aoraki) is the highest (3,754 m) peak .
New Zealand is a mountainous country. The highest New Zealand mountains are the Southern Alps. They lie near the west coast of South Island. The mountains in North Island are not so high and are mostly forest covered.

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Climate
The climate is pleasant in all seasons, without much difference between winter and summer. It is never very hot or very cold in New Zealand because it is surrounded by water.

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New Zealand is a land of volcanoes. Most of them are sleeping, but some are active and you can see steam and smoke coming from them.
Rotorua
The hot water lakes in Rotorua are of extraordinary colours: yellow, green and even orange. Here steam and hot water explode out of the hot ground.
There are pools of natural hot water where you can swim.

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The isolation of New Zealand from other lands allowed the survival of animals and plants from the time of the dinosaurs.
weka
takahe
kakapo
tuatara
New Zealand is the only place in the whole world where Tuatara can be found in the wild. Its relatives were dinosaurs.
animals

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pohutukawa
fern
Tane Mahuta
plants
kiwi
The beautiful pohutukawa tree has red flowers at Christmas, and people call it “ the New Zealand Christmas tree.” It is a symbol of the country. The ancient silver fern can be found only in New Zealand. It can be 10 meters high or more. Kiwifruit, the brown furry fruit with green flesh , is grown in here too.
The oldest tree in the country is Tane Mahuta. It is a Maori name which means “Lord of theForest.” It is between 1250 and 2500 years old.

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New Zealand has three official languages:  New Zealand English (spoken by 3,673,623 people)  Te Reo Māori (the Māori language) (spoken by 157,110 people)  New Zealand Sign Language (spoken by 24,090 people)

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Māori
The Māori, a Polynesian native people, are the aborigines of New Zealand. They lived in New Zealand hundreds of years before the white man came. For many years the Māori people have been fighting for their rights.

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waka taua
wood carving
tattoos
Beautiful carvings, artwork, music, dance and traditional buildings all from part of the Maori heritage. The Maori had no written language, so all their traditions were handed down orally. They used songs and carvings to tell stories from the past that held lessons for the young.
Traditionally, Maori people had tattoos (known as “moko”) on the faces and bodies. Men usually had full-faced tattoos, women had moko on their chins and noses.

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City Population
Auckland 1,354,900
Christchurch 390,300
Wellington 389,700
Hamilton 171,600
Napier-Hastings Urban Area 124,400
Tauranga 120,000
Dunedin 116,600
Palmerston North 81,600
Nelson 59,800
Rotorua 55,900
The capital of New Zealand is Wellington. The main cities of are Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Auckland.
Cities
The population of New Zealand is over 3 million people.

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New Zealand is a country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two large islands – the North Island and the South Island – and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. In Māori, New Zealand has come to be known as Aotearoa, which is usually translated into English as The Land of the Long White Cloud. The Realm of New Zealand also includes the Cook Islands and Niue, which are self-governing but in free association; Tokelau; and the Ross Dependency (New Zealand"s territorial claim in Antarctica). New Zealand is notable for its geographic isolation, being separated from Australia to the northwest by the Tasman Sea, approximately 2000 kilometres (1250 miles) across. Its closest neighbours to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga. New Zealand is a country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two large islands – the North Island and the South Island – and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. In Māori, New Zealand has come to be known as Aotearoa, which is usually translated into English as The Land of the Long White Cloud. The Realm of New Zealand also includes the Cook Islands and Niue, which are self-governing but in free association; Tokelau; and the Ross Dependency (New Zealand"s territorial claim in Antarctica). New Zealand is notable for its geographic isolation, being separated from Australia to the northwest by the Tasman Sea, approximately 2000 kilometres (1250 miles) across. Its closest neighbours to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga.

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Until 1911, New Zealand used the same national coat of arms as the United Kingdom. When New Zealand became a Dominion in 1907, it was decided that a new Coat of Arms was required, and a design competition was held. Since being granted its own arms in 1911, New Zealand"s arms have remained similar to the current design, with minor changes in 1956. The shield is now supported by two figures, a blonde Pākehā (European) woman holding the New Zealand flag, and a Māori warrior holding a taiaha (Māori staff). The shield is topped with the St Edward"s Crown, and beneath the shield are two silver fern leaves and a scroll bearing the words "New Zealand". Until 1911, New Zealand used the same national coat of arms as the United Kingdom. When New Zealand became a Dominion in 1907, it was decided that a new Coat of Arms was required, and a design competition was held. Since being granted its own arms in 1911, New Zealand"s arms have remained similar to the current design, with minor changes in 1956. The shield is now supported by two figures, a blonde Pākehā (European) woman holding the New Zealand flag, and a Māori warrior holding a taiaha (Māori staff). The shield is topped with the St Edward"s Crown, and beneath the shield are two silver fern leaves and a scroll bearing the words "New Zealand".

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The Maori people are the indigenous people of New Zealand. Maoritanga is the native language. It is believed that the Maori migrated from Polynesia in canoes about the 9th century to 13th century AD. The Maoris lived in tribes called ‘iwi’. They lived in villages and were fishermen, hunters and framers. The present Maori population has increased to about 250,000 and the Maori live in all parts of New Zealand, but predominately in the North Island where the climate is warmer. The Maori people are the indigenous people of New Zealand. Maoritanga is the native language. It is believed that the Maori migrated from Polynesia in canoes about the 9th century to 13th century AD. The Maoris lived in tribes called ‘iwi’. They lived in villages and were fishermen, hunters and framers. The present Maori population has increased to about 250,000 and the Maori live in all parts of New Zealand, but predominately in the North Island where the climate is warmer.

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The North Island is one of the two main islands of New Zealand. The island is 113,729 sq. km in area, making it the world"s 14th-largest island. It has a population of 3,148,400. Several important cities are in the North Island: Auckland, and Wellington, the capital. Approximately 76% of New Zealand"s population lives in the North Island. The North Island is one of the two main islands of New Zealand. The island is 113,729 sq. km in area, making it the world"s 14th-largest island. It has a population of 3,148,400. Several important cities are in the North Island: Auckland, and Wellington, the capital. Approximately 76% of New Zealand"s population lives in the North Island.

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Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, the country"s second largest urban area and the most populous national capital in Oceania. The population is about 449,000 people. Wellington is New Zealand"s political centre, housing Parliament and the head offices of all government ministries and departments, plus the bulk of the foreign diplomatic missions based in New Zealand. Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, the country"s second largest urban area and the most populous national capital in Oceania. The population is about 449,000 people. Wellington is New Zealand"s political centre, housing Parliament and the head offices of all government ministries and departments, plus the bulk of the foreign diplomatic missions based in New Zealand.

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Auckland is the largest urban area of the country. With over 1,260,900 people it has over a quarter of the country"s population. Auckland is the largest urban area of the country. With over 1,260,900 people it has over a quarter of the country"s population.

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Hamilton is the country"s 7th largest city. The population is 187, 960 people. It is in the Waikato region of the North Island. It sits on both banks of the Waikato River. The city is host to a large number of small galleries and the Waikato Museum. Hamilton is home to more than 25,000 students, mostly enrolled in one of the city"s two main institutes, the University of Waikato and Waikato Institute of Technology. Hamilton is the country"s 7th largest city. The population is 187, 960 people. It is in the Waikato region of the North Island. It sits on both banks of the Waikato River. The city is host to a large number of small galleries and the Waikato Museum. Hamilton is home to more than 25,000 students, mostly enrolled in one of the city"s two main institutes, the University of Waikato and Waikato Institute of Technology.

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Rotorua is a town on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty region. The city has a population of 53,000, of which one third is Māori. Rotorua is well-known for geothermal activity. There are a number of geysers, notably the 20-m Pohutu geyser at Whakarewarewa, and hot mud pools located in the city, which owe their presence to the Rotorua caldera. Rotorua is a town on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty region. The city has a population of 53,000, of which one third is Māori. Rotorua is well-known for geothermal activity. There are a number of geysers, notably the 20-m Pohutu geyser at Whakarewarewa, and hot mud pools located in the city, which owe their presence to the Rotorua caldera.

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New Plymouth is the port and main city in the Taranaki region. The population is about 49,500 people. The city is a service centre for the region"s principal economic activities. It is also a bustling financial centre as the home of the TSB Bank. New Plymouth is the port and main city in the Taranaki region. The population is about 49,500 people. The city is a service centre for the region"s principal economic activities. It is also a bustling financial centre as the home of the TSB Bank.

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Taupo is a small urban area in the centre of the North Island. It is the seat of the Taupo District Council. Taupo has a population of 22,300.Taupo is located at the north-east corner of Lake Taupo, and functions as a tourist centre, particularly in the summer, as it offers panoramic views over the lake and the volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park to the south. One of New Zealand"s most spectacular waterfalls, the Huka Falls is also close to the town. Taupo is a small urban area in the centre of the North Island. It is the seat of the Taupo District Council. Taupo has a population of 22,300.Taupo is located at the north-east corner of Lake Taupo, and functions as a tourist centre, particularly in the summer, as it offers panoramic views over the lake and the volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park to the south. One of New Zealand"s most spectacular waterfalls, the Huka Falls is also close to the town.

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The South Island is the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand. The South Island has an area of 151,215 sq. km, making it the world"s 12th-largest island. It has a population of 991,100. Along its west coast runs the mountain chain of the Southern Alps with Mount Cook being the highest point, 3,754 m. The South Island is the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand. The South Island has an area of 151,215 sq. km, making it the world"s 12th-largest island. It has a population of 991,100. Along its west coast runs the mountain chain of the Southern Alps with Mount Cook being the highest point, 3,754 m.

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Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island, and the principal city of the region of Otago. The population is about 114,700 people. It is New Zealand"s fifth largest city in terms of population. For historical and cultural reasons, Dunedin is considered one of the country"s four main centres. The city stands on the hills and valleys surrounding the head of Otago Harbour. The harbour and hills are the remnants of an extinct volcano. It is the home of the University of Otago. Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island, and the principal city of the region of Otago. The population is about 114,700 people. It is New Zealand"s fifth largest city in terms of population. For historical and cultural reasons, Dunedin is considered one of the country"s four main centres. The city stands on the hills and valleys surrounding the head of Otago Harbour. The harbour and hills are the remnants of an extinct volcano. It is the home of the University of Otago.

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Picton is the gateway to the South Island. The town"s main purpose is to cater for the travellers who arrive or depart the ferry service that runs between both the North and South islands. Picton is a small town, but is busy as travellers prepare to explore the area or strike out further a field to the nearby Nelson or Canterbury regions. The population is about 4,200 people. Picton is the gateway to the South Island. The town"s main purpose is to cater for the travellers who arrive or depart the ferry service that runs between both the North and South islands. Picton is a small town, but is busy as travellers prepare to explore the area or strike out further a field to the nearby Nelson or Canterbury regions. The population is about 4,200 people.

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There are some 70 species of birds found nowhere else in the world, more than a third of them are flightless, and almost a quarter of them nocturnal. Notable New Zealand birds include the Tui, Bellbird, Kiwi, Kakapo, Takahe, and Weka. New Zealand is also home to many seabirds including the Albatross, which has the longest wing span of any bird in the world. The most spectacular of all New Zealand birds was the Moa. Some Moa"s reached heights of 15 feet, making them the tallest bird in the world. There are some 70 species of birds found nowhere else in the world, more than a third of them are flightless, and almost a quarter of them nocturnal. Notable New Zealand birds include the Tui, Bellbird, Kiwi, Kakapo, Takahe, and Weka. New Zealand is also home to many seabirds including the Albatross, which has the longest wing span of any bird in the world. The most spectacular of all New Zealand birds was the Moa. Some Moa"s reached heights of 15 feet, making them the tallest bird in the world.

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New Zealand is one of the world’s richest bio-diverse flora areas on earth. It is endemic and its extent is enormous. Native trees include Rimu, Totara, Matai, Kahikatea, Rata, Tawa and many species of ferns including some giant tree ferns. Other notable trees include the Cabbage Tree, the Nikau Palm which is New Zealand"s only palm tree, and the Giant Kauri, which hold the record for the greatest timber volume of any tree. One of the most noticeable plants is the Pohutukawa which detonates with brilliant red flowers around December. New Zealand is one of the world’s richest bio-diverse flora areas on earth. It is endemic and its extent is enormous. Native trees include Rimu, Totara, Matai, Kahikatea, Rata, Tawa and many species of ferns including some giant tree ferns. Other notable trees include the Cabbage Tree, the Nikau Palm which is New Zealand"s only palm tree, and the Giant Kauri, which hold the record for the greatest timber volume of any tree. One of the most noticeable plants is the Pohutukawa which detonates with brilliant red flowers around December.

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With the exception of two species of bat, no indigenous mammals are native to New Zealand. Wild mammals include deer, goats, pigs, rabbits, weasels, ferrets. Marine mammals are dolphins, seals and whales. New Zealand contains no snakes and has only one poisonous spider called the Katipo. Other insects include the Weta one species of which may grow as large as a house mouse and is the heaviest insect in the world. New Zealand"s most unigue animal is the Tuatara, which is a lizard-like reptile that predates the Dinosaur and is considered a living fossil. With the exception of two species of bat, no indigenous mammals are native to New Zealand. Wild mammals include deer, goats, pigs, rabbits, weasels, ferrets. Marine mammals are dolphins, seals and whales. New Zealand contains no snakes and has only one poisonous spider called the Katipo. Other insects include the Weta one species of which may grow as large as a house mouse and is the heaviest insect in the world. New Zealand"s most unigue animal is the Tuatara, which is a lizard-like reptile that predates the Dinosaur and is considered a living fossil.

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New Zealand

Fact File

Official name New Zealand (English); Aoteraoa (Maori)

Capital city

Largest cities Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin

Total area 268, 680 sq km

Population 4,116, 000 people

Main religions Christian, Catholic

Major ethnic groups Europeans, Maori, Pacific Islanders, Asian

Consist of North Island, South Island, Stewart Island,

Chatman Islands and minor islands

Currency New Zealand Dollar (NZ$)

Official language English, Maori

Nationality a New Zealander (the New Zealanders)

Form of government parliamentary democratic monarchy

Natural resources land (for farming, dairy farming, cattle breeding), forests

Flag the New Zealand Flag

Internet TLD (top-level domain) .nz

International dialing code + 64

The map of New Zealand

New Zealand lies between the Equator and the South Pole in the southern Pacific Ocean, near the eastern coast of Australia.

New Zealand is an island country with a total area of 268, 680 sq km.

It has no land boundaries. Australia is New Zealander’s nearest western neighbour. These two countries are separated from each other by the Tasman Sea.

New Zealand is made up of three main islands – the North Sea, the South Sea and the Stewart Island. The South Island is separated from the North island by Cook Strait.

The Stewart Island

The geographical peculiarities

There are also such smaller offshore islands as the Chatham Islands, Campbell Islands, the Antipode Islands, the Bounty Islands and the Auckland Islands.

Campbell Island

The Antipodes Islands

Chatham Island

The Kermadec Islands

The Bounty Island

It’s interesting to know…

… New Zealand is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). So, it is one of the first places in the world to see the new day.

… The Maori people call New Zealand Aotearoa, which is usually translated into English as “The Land of the Long White Cloud”.

… New Zealand is also called “Godzone”, “Pig Isles”, “Shaky Isles”, “Quaky Isles”, “Maoriland” and “Kiwiland”

The name “New Zealand” came from Dutch cartographers, who called the islands “Nova Zeelandia”, after the Dutch province of Zeeland. British explorer James Cook adapted the name to the English language and the name became New Zealand.

The geographical peculiarities

Though the country is so small there are so many beautiful things that attract attention - volcanoes, subtropical rainforests, geysers, fiords, beaches, glaciers and high mountain peaks.

New Zealand lies on the plates that make geological movements. Volcanic action still continues on the islands. Earthquakes are frequent here though they are not so damaging.

The North Island has a number of large active volcanoes, among them is Ruapehu. The last eruptions were here in 1995 and 1996.

Flora in New Zealand is very rich. There are about 2,000 species where 1,500 are endemic (which are only found in this country). It also has some of the oldest trees.

Fauna in this country is also special. Long time ago, without enemies, some birds lost their ability to fly, and some insects became gigantic.

It’s interesting to know…

Before Europeans came to New Zealand there were no predatory animals at all. This was so good for many flightless birds. All wild mammals living in New Zealand at present were imported.

Flora and fauna of New Zealand

Many of New Zealand’s native animals are found nowhere else in the world:

the kiwi – its egg is about one fifth of its own weight
the kakapo – the world’s largest flightless parrot
the tuatara – the oldest living reptile Tuataras live for 300 years. They can be

traced back 190 million years to the Mesozoic era

Flora and fauna of New Zealand

the biggest earthworms in the world
the smallest bats in the world – the only native land mammals in New

the weta – the heaviest insect in the world (70 gm and 20 cm long)

New Zealand bat

the weta

Rivers and mountains

New Zealand is a very mountainous country. About one third of the islands is covered with mountains. The Southern Alps run along the western coast of the South Island and are the highest in New Zealand. Mount Cook is the highest mountain there (3, 050 metres above the sea level).

the Southern Alps

Mount Cook

Rivers and mountains

It’s interesting to know…

Sometimes New Zealanders say that the North Island means “beaches” and the South Island means “mountains”

New Zealand’s rivers are mainly short and swift. The longest river is the Waikato. There are many lakes on both islands as well. The North Island’s volcanic interior contains New Zealand’s largest lake. Its name is lake Taupo.

New Zealand is known for its maritime climate which is quite good during the whole year. It is moist, temperate and is affected by latitude and the proximity of the ocean.

Climate of this country has no extremes and no wide range of temperatures. The difference of winter and summer temperatures is about 10 degrees. That is why New Zealand is very attractive for tourists. Seasons here are reverse of the Northern Hemisphere like in Australia.

Because of New Zealand’s wet and mild climate many inhabitants of the country are busy with farming and dairy goods production.

There are heavy rainfalls in New Zealand all year round which is very good for cattle –farming, sheep- farming, growing fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Big cities

More than 85 per cent of the population of New Zealand lives in urban areas. The principal country cities are Wellington (the capital), Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Hutt City, Invercargill. Early in the 20 th century the first four mentioned cities were almost equal in importance but then they started to develop rapidly except for Dunedin.

Wellington is the capital of the country, its second largest city, the main port, the centre of finance and commerce and a sit of the government. It is situated on the southern coast of the North Island.

The population of greater Wellington is about 350,000 people. Wellington has been the capital of the country since 1865.

Big cities

An interesting historical fact…

Wellington’s nickname is “the windy city”. The first European name of the city was “Port Nicholson” named after a captain of the British navy who in 1839 bought the land from the local Maori tribe in exchange for blankets. In 1840 the first settlers arrived from Britain and called this settlement “Britannia”. And “Britannia” later became “Wellington”.

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and its former capital. It has a population of over a million people. Auckland was first established as the capital of the British colonial government.

Despite the fact that Auckland is much larger than Wellington it is geographically less central. So, this was the major deciding factor for transferring the capital to Wellington.

Christchurch and Dunedin are two main cities of the South Island. These cities are very much like British ones because of their atmosphere.

the Maori – маори, представители полинезийской расы, аборигены Новой Зеландии.

The population of New Zealand is over four million people. It is unevenly distributed. The main part of the population lives on the North Island which is obviously closer to the Equator and warmer. About 50 per cent of the population lives in four cities of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

It’s interesting to know…

Arthur Lydiard, a New Zealander, invented jogging – the method of building physical fitness by increasing stamina gradually through running slowly. Bungee jumping was also invented in New Zealand.

The population of the country

Almost 70 per cent of the population is people of European (mainly British) background. And about eight per cent is the Maori, New Zealand’s indigenous inhabitants or Aborigines. There are also small minorities of Pacific Islanders and Asians.

The Maori originate from a Polynesian people from south-east Asia. The exact date of Polynesian settlement on islands of New Zealand is unknown. It could be between 950-1130 AD.

The Maori tribes had lived on the islands of New Zealand for hundreds of years before the white people came there.

Abel Tasman was the first European explorer who saw New Zealand in 1642. But captain James Cook, an Englishman, was the first who first set foot on New Zealand’s soil in 1769. After his voyages Europeans began to come frequently.

The population of the country

An interesting historical fact…

Before Europeans came to the island, the tribes of Maori did not have the name for themselves. They adopted the name “Maori” meaning “normal” to distinguish themselves from Europeans.

The tribes of Maori are well-known all over the world. The Maori are famous for their folk-songs and wood-work. They are often called “Vikings of Sunrise”.

The population of the country

In the 19 th century there was a struggle between the Maori people and the British colonies. It was a series of the Maori Wars. Many of the Maori were killed and English settlers took their lands.

Both English and Maori are official languages. English is more widely spoken, though the Maori language is now coming back thanks to the revival of their native language Maoritanga and Maori culture.