The Destination

Kia Ora - Welcome to New Zealand

Where everyone is your host

Tena koutou katoa nga whanui o te ao, nau mai, haere mai ki Aotearoa

Greetings to all the peoples of the world, welcome to New Zealand - this is a welcome in Maori (our indigenous language).

New Zealand is a sophisticated but unspoilt land with truly breath-taking scenery. One minute you can be soaking in natural thermal pools or scaling glorious mountains, the next you are enjoying fine dining in absolute luxury. New Zealand is 100% pure - pure nature, pure adventure, pure relaxation - no wonder it is the envy of the world.

The modern urban lifestyle, stable political environment and friendly people attract millions of visitors every year and they keep coming back. Our primary language is English and our exchange rate tends to benefit visitors.

Come visit us. Live and breathe the Kiwi way of life and see why some don't want to leave Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud. 

New Zealand at a glance:

• Population: 4,165,6005 (December 2006 estimate)
• Monetary unit: New Zealand dollarLanguages: English, Maori (both official)
• Climate: Mild, temperatures rarely falling below 0°C (32°F) or rising above 30°C (86°F)
• Government: Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy
• The Maoris named New Zealand "Aotearoa", the Land of the Long White Cloud.
• Mount Aoraki, on South Island, is New Zealand's highest peak.
• In 1893 New Zealand became the first country to give women the vote.
• New Zealand's Government Building, known as the Beehive, is one of the world's largest wooden structures.
• A fern leaf is one of New Zealand's national emblems.
• Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay of Nepal were the first people to climb Mount Everest (1953).

100% Pure New Zealand is New Zealand's official Tourism web site.