New Zealanders sometimes refer to their country as God Zone, a rather prideful twist on the phrase "God's Own." But if you like gorgeous scenery and gutsy people, you'll agree with them. New Zealand is blessed with some of the most varied and dramatic terrain in the world, from glaciers and fjords and beaches to mountains and meadows and rain forests. If you're so inclined, you can admire the breathtaking scenery while skiing, surfing, jet-boating, horseback riding, mountain climbing or hiking (which the locals call "tramping").

And if those pursuits aren't exciting enough, you can try some of the adventures the Kiwis (as New Zealanders are called) have invented to make your blood race: You can bungee-jump off cliffs or bridges; rocket through narrow caverns on jet boats; or strap yourself inside a giant plastic ball and roll down a hillside.

If you prefer more leisurely activities, you can still enjoy New Zealand's natural wonders by strolling along its pristine beaches, sailing on its picturesque bays or fishing in its crystal-clear rivers and lakes.

Geography
New Zealand consists of two large islands (called the North Island and the South Island), as well as numerous small islands. Both major islands are mountainous with coastal plains. The North Island is more populous and has a warmer, more temperate climate. But the South Island is more spectacular, with fjords, glaciers and hundreds of streams and lakes.  

Variety and Contrasts

First-time visitors to New Zealand often think of a few days' tour of the country, taking a sampling, as it were, of the country's myriad offerings. You won't see much of New Zealand in less than a week -- not much of either the North Island or South Island -- but there's enough of variety and contrasts found in, say, a five-day tour. The North Island is usually the favored popular choice, mainly because of Rotorua, its thermal geysers, its Maori character.

Gateway to New Zealand

The North Island is actually the smaller of the two major New Zealand islands but boasts two of the country's more important cities: Auckland in the north and the usual gateway to New Zealand; and Wellington, the nation's capital, in the south. Auckland was the New Zealand capital from 1840 to 1865. Before that period, the capital was Russell in the Northland close to Waittangi,  birthplace of the nation. Auckland today is the commercial and industrial centre of New Zealand and is its largest city.