New Zealand is situated in South Pacific.New Zealand was explored by Dutch Abel Tasman in 1642 but his attempt failed by hostility of natives.The country was discovered by the British explorer James Cook in 1769. Native inhabitans known as Maoris are Polynesians.Since Cook´s discovery, Europeans settled the country and today New Zealand has about 3,5 million people.But only 10% is Maoris and there are very few pureblooded Maoris.New Zealand consist of number island near international dateline.It means that it is one of the first countries to see the sun at the beginning of each new day.There are two main island:the North Island and the South Island separating by Cook Strait.In Maori language, the North Island is called Te Ika a Maui, meaning the Fish of Maui and according to legend Maui pulled up New Zealand from the sea with his net when he was fishing.
The North Island is smaller but almost 80% of the population live there.There is also the largest city Auckland and the capital Wellington.The islands are on the earthquake fault line and there is a lot of vulcanic activity.The most active volcano is on White Island.There is Rotorua- small area with thermal lakes, exploding geysers and hot mud pools.There is a chain of volcanoes called the Pacific Ring of Fire.In the centre of the island is gigantic lake Taupo former crater.
The South Island offer spectatular coastline, mountains, rivers, lakes, fiords and glaciers.For example the Franz Josef glacier or highest mountain Mount Cook(3757m above sea level).New Zealand has also extraordinary wildlife.For example flightless bird known as kiwi.It is national symbol.New Zealanders themselves are sometimes called kiwis.But the kiwi is now in danger of becoming extinc.There are also a lots of sheeps(more than 20 to person) and possum.It is small marsupial with a long tail.But this animal is considered a pest and causes damage to undergrowth.
Wellington(the windy capital)
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