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Pacific Ocean.The country’s nearest neighbour is Australia,which lies more than

1,600 km northwest of New Zealand. It’s never very hot or very cold in New Zealand because it is surrounded by water. New Zealand has another name, Aotearoa, which means ‘the land of the long white cloud’ in the Maori language.

forests and peaceful lakes with crystal clear water. You can

spend a whole day by some lake or river and be the only person there. There are places in this beautiful land that have never felt a human footstep. In fact, New Zealand is one of the least populated countries in the world. A little more than 4 million people live there.

the largest lake in New Zealand. It was created by

the most violent volcanic eruption the world has ever seen. It was so big that its ashes reached China and Europe.

highest mountain. It was named after Captain James Cook, the

famous English explorer. There are many lakes and rivers here too, and it is a very popular place for sport-skiing in winter, and water sports in summer.

a city in the northern part of the North Island.

It was built in the heart of a volcanic crater. Here the air smells of eggs, and steam and hot water explode out of the hot ground. The hot water lakes in Rotorua are of extraordinary colours: yellow, green and even orange. And there are pools of natural hot water where you can swim. Near here is the Lady Knox geyser, which can shoot water 20 metres into the air.

to say, that New Zealanders are very warm-hearted and hospitable

but don’t be surprised if you are greeted with a Hongi-the traditional Maori pressing of noses.