Fact 1: The Land of Many Birds
New Zealand is home to an overwhelming number of unique bird species including the iconic Kiwi. Over 68% of these birds are endemic to the country, which means they are found nowhere else in the world. Some of the most noticeable ones are the flightless Kakapo parrot and overstated Kea, which is noted for its intelligence and curiosity.
Fact 2: The Youngest Country on Earth
Geologically, New Zealand is one of the youngest nations on earth. Its most recent landmass emerged about five million years ago due to volcanic activity, far more recent compared to other countries. Its isolation for many years has led to its unique biodiversity.
Fact 3: World's Most Southerly Vineyards
New Zealand is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, and for good reason. It is home to the world's most southerly vineyards, which gives its wines a unique and distinct taste that has been acclaimed on a worldwide scale.
Fact 4: Numerous Lakes
New Zealand boasts a large number of lakes. There are more than 3,000 of them with a size of more than a hectare each. Most of these lakes have been shaped by the glaciers from the last ice age.
Fact 5: A Star in the Film Industry
The country provided alluring backdrops for several Hollywood blockbusters. The most well-known to date is the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, which was entirely filmed in New Zealand showcasing its picturesque landscapes.
Fact 6: The Gateway to Antarctica
New Zealand’s southernmost city, Christchurch, is one of the primary gateways for scientific research teams to Antarctica. Regular flights depart Christchurch for the ice-covered continent.
Fact 7: Home of the First Commercial Bungee Jump
New Zealand is renowned as an extreme sports hub, specifically known as the birthplace of the first commercial bungee jump. The Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown gets the credit for it, sparked by the entrepreneur AJ Hackett in the late 1980s.
Fact 8: World's Smallest Dolphin Species
The world’s smallest and rarest dolphin, Hector’s dolphin, is native to New Zealand waters. These dolphins are recognized by their rounded dorsal fins and their grey, white, and black bodies.
Fact 9: The World’s Steepest Street
Dunedin in New Zealand is home to Baldwin Street, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's steepest street. Every year, the city hosts the Baldwin Street Gutbuster — a race from the base to the top and back!
Fact 10: The Land of Long White Cloud
New Zealand is also known as "Aotearoa", which in Maori means "the land of long white cloud". This moniker is reflective of the stretches of clouds that often envelop New Zealand’s peaks and green plains.
Fact 11: Home to More Sheep Than People
In New Zealand, sheep outnumber humans six to one. It is recorded that there are nine sheep for every one human, making the country the highest ratio in the world.
Fact 12: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing
New Zealand is home to one of the best day walks in the world - the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This 19.4km walk encapsulates the most dramatic features of volcanic landscapes including lava flows, steam vents, and vibrant crater lakes.
Fact 13: Southernmost Capital City in the World
New Zealand's capital, Wellington, holds a unique title: it is the southernmost capital city in the world. It is also noted for its vibrant cultural scene, housing world class film and arts festivals.
Fact 14: Driving Sheep Through City Center
In the annual event named Running of the Wools, hundreds of sheep are driven through the center of the city of Queenstown. It is a spectacle held to celebrate the agriculture based heritage of New Zealand and is a unique event not seen in many places in the world.
Fact 15: A Country Free of Land Snakes
New Zealand is blissfully free of venomous creatures like snakes. You can take a sigh of relief knowing that there are no land snakes in the country.
Fact 16: North Island and South Island’s Original Name
The original Maori names of North and South Island are quite beautiful. The North was originally called Te Ika-a-Māui, meaning ‘The Fish of Māui’, while the South was named Te Wai Pounamu or ‘The Waters of Greenstone'.
Fact 17: Pounamu, More Than Just A Stone
Precious greenstone, or Pounamu, plays an essential role in Maori culture. It is considered a treasure and is used for a variety of tools, weapons and jewelry. The stone also carries a spiritual significance.
Fact 18: The Kiwi Fruit
Interestingly enough, the kiwi fruit is not native to New Zealand. It was brought from China in the early 20th century. It was originally known as the Chinese gooseberry, but the name was changed for export marketing reasons during the Cold War.
Fact 19: The Waitomo Glowworm Caves
One of the main tourist attractions is the Waitomo Caves, home to a unique species of glowworms that are found only in New Zealand. Taking a silent boat ride under the brilliant, star-like lights of these glowworms is a truly magical experience.
Fact 20: World’s First Commercial Jet Boat Operator
New Zealand isn’t just the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, but also of the commercial jet boat. World famous for its jet boating rides, it was Sir William (Bill) Hamilton, a New Zealander, who developed the concept of the jet boat in the 1950s.