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Itineraries | Country Highlights | Photos of Camps & Lodges
COUNTRY HIGHLIGHTS
New Zealand's spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforests. New Zealand has a population of about 4 million, spanning an area similar to the size of Colorado, which makes it one of the world's least crowded countries.
The Maori were the first people to settle in New Zealand about 1000 years ago, followed by European settlers arriving in the late 1600?s. The Maori culture effects many aspects of present day New Zealand, including art, culture, and the infamous New Zealand Kiwi, which they names for the sound of its chirp. The kiwi, a nocturnal, flightless bird that is endemic to this country, was adopted as New Zealand?s national emblem.
The North and South Islands offer many exciting destinations including natural geothermal complexes, active volcanoes, snow peaked mountains, and gorgeous costal beaches.
Climate: the North Island of New Zealand is subtropical and the South Island is temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. During the summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºc; during the winter months, it ranges between 10-15ºc. It is important to note that the weather in New Zealand can change rapidly if tropical storms or cold fronts blow in.
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