New Zealand | Aotearoa (Māori)
New Zealand is an archipelago nation in the southern Pacific Ocean in the Oceania domain. Located southeast of Australia, New Zealand is made up of two main islands – the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu) – and several hundred smaller islands.
On 20 March 2017, the United Nations declared their “International Day of Happiness” and released a related “World Happiness Report” rating countries from happiest to saddest. New Zealand came in at #8!
Related Read: 5+ New Zealand Facts: Interesting Trivia On Culture, History, Food & More
New Zealand Travel Information & Key Points
General points to know about the country of New Zealand – demographics, important ages, phone numbers, key statistics, and more, whether you’re traveling there or not.
Capital: Wellington
Largest City: Auckland
Population: 5 million (2020 estimate)
Language(s): English, Māori
Monarch: Elizabeth II
Governor-General: Dame Patsy Reddy
Prime Minister: Jacinda Ardern
Currency: New Zealand Dollar $ (NZD)
Area: 268,021 km2 (103,483 mi2)
Dialing Code: +64
Time Zone: New Zealand Standard Time “NZST” (UTC+12), DST/Summer Time: New Zealand Daylight Time “NZDT” (UTC+13)
Demonym: New Zealander (what is a demonym?)
Endonym: New Zealand or Aotearoa (in Māori) (their name for their country)
Emergency Number: 111
Drinking Age: 18 to purchase
Smoking Age: 18 to purchase
Age of Consent: 16
Drives on the: Left
Electricity & Adapter: Plug Type I (define)
ISO Country Code: NZ