Farming products dominate New Zealand's exports. Most of the farms are family owned and operated. New Zealand is the world's largest exporter of lamb and mutton. Grains are grown on the flatlands. Sheep thrive on the rolling hills of the countryside.
Dairy farms dominate the flatter regions of North Island.
Aquaculture, or ocean farming, has grown rapidly, particularly for shellfish and eels. New Zealand exports machinery and textiles, forestry products, and processed steel as well. A few of New Zealand's 65 million sheep. New Zealand sheep are famous for their wool. Photograph courtesy of S. Shipp, Rice University.