New Zealand has no noisy megacities, grand architecture or centuries of ancient history. But it has something else: nature with its deep silence and fairytale beauty and people — open-hearted, kind and genuine.

This is a world where nature speaks louder than humans. Where a single day can take you from a glacier to a beach, from a roaring waterfall to a silent lake, from city streets to postcard-perfect mountains. Here people know how to live simply and with soul. Here the spirit of freedom, peace and authentic living reigns.

Tucked away in the southwestern Pacific Ocean New Zealand is one of the last corners of the planet to be discovered by humans. It is far from everything yet close to the hearts of those who have been here.

Interesting facts about New Zealand

1. New Zealand is the last major landmass on Earth to be settled by humans — only 750 years ago.
2. There are five times more sheep here than people.
3. Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu is the name of a hill in the southern part of the Hawke’s Bay region. It translates as: “The summit where Tamatea — the man with the big knees, the climber of mountains, the land-swallower who travelled about, played his flute for his beloved.” It is the longest place name in the world.

4. Thanks to the Earth’s shape and New Zealand’s position in the east the city of Gisborne is the first to see the sunrise.
5. In New Zealand, you are never more than 128 kilometres from the sea.
6. About 30% of the country’s territory consists of protected natural areas and national parks.

7. Blue Lake (Rotomairewhenua), with visibility of up to 80 metres, is considered the clearest natural body of water in the world.
8. There are no snakes, wolves, or bears in New Zealand.
9. The kea is the world’s only alpine parrot, found only in New Zealand.

10. More species of penguins live here than in any other country.
11. Baldwin Street in the city of Dunedin is officially recognised as the steepest street in the world.
12. New Zealand was the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote.

13. It is the world’s largest exporter of milk.
14. Famous New Zealanders:
– Sir Edmund Hillary — the first person to summit Everest (together with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay)
– Ernest Rutherford — the “father of nuclear physics” who discovered the atomic nucleus
– Sir Peter Jackson — director of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, filmed in New Zealand
– Sir William Hamilton — inventor of the modern jet boat
– Russell Crowe — a well-known actor often considered Australian but born in New Zealand
– John Britten — engineer who created a motorcycle that set a world speed record
– Burt Munro — speed record holder (up to 1000 cc); the film The World’s Fastest Indian starring Anthony Hopkins is based on his story
– Kiri Te Kanawa — opera singer invited to perform at the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

When to go?

Every season here is an invitation to travel.

Spring blossoms with fragrance. Summer calls you to the beaches and mountains.
Autunm paints the vineyards in gold. Winter brings quiet, snow in the mountains and soothing hot springs.

Summer (December to February) is the warmest and most popular season, especially for travelling around the South Island. Spring and autumn are milder and more peaceful, with fewer tourists and generous nature. Winter is perfect for hot springs, skiing and quiet walks.

Good to know

Language: English and Māori
Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Climate: mild, oceanic
Visa: depends on your country; often available online
Internet: widely available, but can be slow in remote areas