New Zealand facts

November 10, 2009 | In: Countries facts

New Zealand is located in the southern Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,600 kilometres (995 miles) south-east of Australia.

24% of New Zealand families have only one parent.

New Zealand’s geography includes vast mountain chain of the Southern Alps , the volcano region of the North Island, fiords, glaciers, lakes, rainforests and extensive grassy plains.

New Zealand has won more Olympic gold medals, per capita, than any other country.

Bungee jumping was invented in New Zealand.

The tuatara, a lizard-like creature found only in New Zealand, is the oldest living genus of reptile in the world.

Kiwi bird it is New Zealand’s native flightless bird and a slang term for a New Zealander.

The Weta is an insect endemic to New Zealand that is a relic from the time of the dinosaurs.

New Zealand is home to the world’s only flightless parrot, the Kakapo, as well as the Kea – the only alpine parrot in the world.