New Zealand Geography and Geology

New Zealand consists of two main islands - the North Island and the South Island. In addition, Stewart Island and many smalleer islands lie offshore.

The North Island of New Zealand has a 'spine' of mountain ranges running through the middle, with gentle rolling farmland on both sides. The central North Islands is dominated by the Volcanic Plateau, an active volcanic and thermal area. The massive Southern Alps from the backbone of the South Island. To the east of the Southern Alps is the rolling farmland of Otago and Southland, and the vast, flat Canterbury Plains.

Geothermal

Being straddled over two tectonic plates and sitting on the Pacific 'ring of fire' can have its disadvantages in the form of volcanoes, earthquakes and other natural hazards. However, this subterranean activity also blesses New Zealand with some spectacular geothermal areas and relaxing hot springs, as well as providing electricity and heating in some areas.

Rotorua is the centre of geothermal tourist activity, with plenty of mud pools, geysers, and hot springs. The reputed health benefits of its hot pools quickly earned the area the name of 'Cureland'.

Coatlines, Mountains and Glaciers

New Zealand has over 15,000 kilometres of beautiful and varied coastline. In the Far North and on most of the East Coast of the North Island you 'll find long sandy beaches perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

New Zealand's Southern Alps have a number of glaciers, the largest being Tasman glacier, which you can view by taking a short walk from Mount Cook village. New Zealand's most famous glaciers are the Franz Josef and Fox on the South Island's West Coast. Gouged out by moving ice over thousands of years, these spectacular glaciers are easily accessible to mountaineers and hikers. You can walk up to the glaciers or do a heli-hike - fly up by helicopter and walk down.

Over thousands of years, the process of subduction has seen parts of the New Zealand landscape become submerged. The Marlborough Sounds and Fordland are examples of high mountain ranges that have 'sunk' into the sea, creating spectacular sounds and fiords. These areas provide some of New Zealand most picturesque scenery, with steep lush hills plunging down to the deep still bays below.