New Zealand
41 00 S, 174 00 E
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Aoraki-Mount Cook 3,754 m
0 km
earthquakes are common, though usually not severe; volcanic activity
natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold, limestone
arable land: 5.54%
permanent crops: 6.92%
other: 87.54% (2005)
deforestation; soil erosion; native flora and fauna hard-hit by invasive species
Subtropical in the North and temperate in the South. The North has no extremes of heat or cold but winter can be quite cool in the South, with snow in the mountains. The eastern areas often experience drought conditions in summer; the West, particularly in the South Island, has more rain.\nRequired clothing\nLightweight cottons and linens are worn in the North Island most of the year and in summer in the South Island. Mediumweights are worn during winter in the South Island. Rainwear is advisable throughout the year, and essential if visiting the South Island’s rainforest areas.
time difference: UTC+12
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends third Sunday in March
note: New Zealand is divided into two time zones, including Chatham Island
