New Zealand is a wealthy Pacific nation dominated by two cultural groups: New Zealanders of European (Dutch and Scottish) descent; and the Maori, the descendants of Polynesian settlers. It is made up of two main islands and numerous smaller ones. Around three-quarters of the population live on the North Island, which is also home to the capital, Wellington. Agriculture is the economic mainstay, but manufacturing and tourism are important. Visitors are drawn to the glacier-carved mountains, lakes, beaches and thermal springs. Because of the islands' geographical isolation, much of the flora and fauna is unique to the country. New Zealand plays an active role in Pacific affairs. It has constitutional ties with the Pacific territories of Niue, the Cook Islands and Tokelau.

The South island is more sparsely populated with about 1.6 million people. The weather is unpredictable, precocious and the range of vegetation and climate zones encompasses all major zones from tropical, grassland, mediterranean, rain forest, mountain, boreal, to polar regions. The far south western region is known as Fiordland National Park and, at 1.6 million hectors, is a careful preserved territory encompassing one of the largest expanses of totally unclaimed wilderness anywhere in the world. New Zealand is an island of stark beauty and contrast.