New Zealand Facts

New Zealand Facts

New Zealand Facts

• Furthest From Sea
The furthest settlement from salt water in New Zealand is Garston, Southland. There is no part of New Zealand more than 128km from the sea.

• Centre of New Zealand
Nelson’s botanical Hill is the official “centre” of New Zealand.

• Largest Island
The South Island of New Zealand is 150,718 sq km making it the largest island in New Zealand. The North Island is 114, 453 sq km.

• Hottest Island
White Island, Bay of Plenty off the coast of the North Island of New Zealand, is no place for tourists. Temperatures from cracks in the earth can reach 850 to 900 degrees C and the rock glows dull red.

• Smallest Islands
The smallest islands legally part of New Zealand are the Kermadecs, 800 km north-west of North Cape and 34 sq. km in area.

• Disappearing Islands
Four islands have reportedly “disappeared” since the days of European exploration of the Pacific:

o The Emerald Island, a mountainous island due-south of the Macquaries
o The Nimrod Islands, south-east of the Antipodes
o Royal Company Island, south of Tasmania
o Dougherty or Keates Island, halfway between New Zealand and Cape Horn

Who knows, maybe with global warming they will turn up again!