1.New Zealand’s Head of State is Queen Elizabeth.
2. They have two national anthems- God Save The Queen and God Defend New Zealand
3. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed on 6 February 1840, establish a British governor in New Zealand, recognized Maori ownership of their lands and other properties, and gave Maori the rights of British subjects.
4. Captain James Cook drew the first map that put New Zealand definitely on the globe.
5. “Lord of the Rings” was filmed entirely in New Zealand.
6. Auckland City Sky Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere at 328 meters.
7. New Zealand is part of the Pacific Rim of Fire. Mount Ruapehu, situated in the middle of North Island, is the most active volcano on mainland..
8. The highest rainfall in a year in New Zealand was a drenching 18.4 meters (60 feet) in 1997-1998 at Cropp River on the west of the South Island.
9. With 2.5 million cars for four million people, including children, New Zealand’s car ownership rate is one of the world’s highest.
10. Bungee jumping originated in New Zealand.
11. New Zealand is one of the top five dairy exporters in the world.
12. It is one of the first countries in the world to see the sunrise.
13. “Kiwi” is either a bird or a native or a fruit.
14. Ninety-Mile Beach is only 55 miles long.
15. Sir Edmund Hilary was the first man to reach the peak of Mt. Everest- his face now adorns New Zealand’s $5 bill.
16. The New Zealand Christmas falls into the summer season when the Pohutukawa tree(unofficial Christmas tree) is full of crimson red blossoms.
17. It is home to the world’s biggest flightless parrot, the oldest reptile, biggest earthworms, and smallest bats.
18. Another native bird of New Zealand , the Moa was one of the largest birds in history – standing up to 3.6m (12 foot) tall and weighing 300kg. Unfortunately they were hunted to extinction by the Maoris by the end of the 1500s.
19. New Zealand was the first major nation to have universal suffrage. In 1893 it became legal for all male and female citizens of New Zealand to vote.
20. Plastic surgery was pioneered during World War I by the Dunedin born Sir Harold Gillies.
21. Lake Taupo was a crater caused by the largest known eruption in the world 26,500 years ago. It is approximately the size of Singapore Island. This crater attracts tourists from all over the world. It is one of the most popular travel stops in New Zealand. Lake Taupo is great for families due to the natural beauty and fishing opportunities. Tourists often stay in nearby cities and take a scenic drive to visit the lake. If Staying in Hamilton, Rotorua, or any other neighboring city be sure to plan your trip ahead of time. During certain times of the year hotels can get expensive and finding one with availability can be difficult. Visiting this natural wonder is nothing short of remarkable.
22. New Zealand was the first country to have its three top positions held simultaneously by women – Prime Minister Helen Clark, Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright and Chief Justice Sian Elias.
