New Zealand satellite map, print, poster, photo – $ 29.95
24″x36″ “Museum Quality” Photo Gloss Print of New Zealand This is a beautiful satellite map/print of New Zealand. Notice that bathymetry (oceanic depth) has been used to enhance this island nation.
Because of the island setting and abundant rainfall, New Zealand has lots of vegetation. Even today, much of this country is untouched, leaving a lush natural environment, of which 30 percent is protected by parks and reserves.
The islands have no native land mammals…those you will find were brought by early Maoris and Europeans. Northland’s forests contain massive Kauri trees, kiwis (the bird), and giant wetas, which are crickets that can’t fly.
Other climates of New Zealand include the Shrublands which are shorter forests that may once have been logged and are now making a comeback, coastal areas with rocky terrain and sandy beaches AND 11,300 miles of coastline, and mountain regions, ranging from 2,900 feet in the South Island to 4,270+ feet above sea level on the North Island.
The mountain regions experience severe weather in all directions, from frigid conditions to dry heat and high winds. It’s here that visitors will find Keas, or mountain parrots, who possess intelligence and playfulness, and therefore make for excellent bird-watching.
Situated in the South Pacific Ocean, almost 1000 miles from Australia and about 6,200 miles from both San Francisco and Tokyo, the country of New Zealand is comprised of two main islands, simply named The North Island and The South Island, and a number of smaller islands. It’s roughly the size of Japan, with a total land area of 104,420 sq miles.
Cook Strait cuts a 12 mile gap between the two main islands, with the country’s capital, Wellington, situated on the tip of the North Island. The biggest city is Auckland, which is also on the North Island. Auckland is home to the world’s largest concentration of Polynesial culture. The North Island also has a central plateau region that sees much volcanic and thermal activity. New Zealand travel will take you from beaches to ocean-view bluffs and everywhere in between!
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Christchurch New Zealand is located on the South Island, about one third of the way down the east coast. This town is very heavily influenced by British culture.
Eating out in Christchurch New Zealand
If you’re looking for a meal, expect British fare. Curator’s House Restaurant serves lamb and seafood, and it’s all delicious. The building is ever so British too: Tudor style mansion on the river. Set amidst the Christchruch Botanic Gardens on 7 Rolleston Ave, this Christchurch New Zealand favorite is a must for a great meal. Go to Annies Wine Bar & Restaurant, a bit more casual than Curator’s House. This building also looks imported from England, completely made of stone. The wine list is superb, of course. It’s located at 1 Worcester Blvd and open for lunch and dinner.
Wine Tasting in Christchurch New Zealand
If it’s wine you’re interested in, go to Pegasus Bay Winery. It’s about one hour north of Christchurch New Zealand. THey have gardens with fruit trees and herbs for the entrees served at the restaurant. The vineyards are more reminiscent of Southern France than England. This winery produces organic wine and the restaurant operates on organic principles.
Near the town of Akaroa just south of Christchurch, you’ll find French Farm Winery & Restaurant. This is more Italian style eating and they have a fabulous outdoor pizzeria in summer. Remember, warmer months in New Zealand are October through March! Thin crust pizza with local wine. Oh my goodness how wonderful!
Although it’s the larger of the two islands, the South Island is much less populated. The largest city is Christchurch, at only 330,000 inhabitants. Dunedin is a college town and is smaller yet.
The Southern Alps run down almost the entire spine of the South Island, providing the island with spectacular variety of hiking, with over 200 named peaks topping 7,000 feet. The island seems to have dual personality, with dry, non-forested land on one side of the mountain range, and lush, rainy, forested lake area on the west side. Parts of the island are coursing with water, in the form lakes, riers, inlets, bays and fiords.
New Zealand’s third largest island is Stewart Island, which is just south of the South Island city of Invercargill. Steward Island has a domestic airport, and it’s main city is Oban, which has ferry service to the main island.
