Postcards Scoop Articles Related Weblinks Environment New Zealand is in the South Pacific Ocean, 1600km south-east of Australia. Curiously, native fauna is limited, with the only indigenous mammal being the bat. Bird life, however, has thrived. The most common species include the morepork, tui, weka and the kea, a clamant and mischievous bird which likes nothing better than to sashay up to humans, tip over rubbish bins and slide 'kee-aaaing' down corrugated roofs at night. Tongariro National Park in the North Island and Te Waihipouna-mu in the South Island.
Temperatures are a few degrees cooler in the South Island, and both islands receive snow in winter.
Winter falls in the months of June through August and summer from December through February. It is important to remember that New Zealand's climate is maritime, rather than continental, which means the weather can change with amazing rapidity and consequence. The busy tourist season falls in the warmer months between November and April, though ski resorts, such as Queenstown, are full during winter. We encourage you to verify any critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel. This includes information on visa requirements, health and safety, customs, and transportation.