The geography of New Zealand encompasses two main islands (called the North and South Islands in English, Te-Ika-a-Maui and Te Wai Pounamu in Māori) and a number of smaller islands, located near the centre of the water hemisphere. New Zealand varies in climate from cold and wet to dry and to subtropical in some areas. The dramatic and varied landscape of New Zealand has made it a popular location for the production of television programmes and films, including the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the Last Samurai.
Neighbouring countries include Australia to the northwest and Tonga and Fiji to the north.

Physical geography
New Zealand straddles the boundary between two tectonic plates. The subduction of the Pacific plate under the Indo-Australian Plate results in volcanism, especially in the North Island's Taupo Volcanic Zone. The associated geothermal energy is used in numerous hydrothermal power plants.
There are karst sedimentary rock formations in some areas, among which the Waitomo Caves and the Pancake Rocks are recognised tourist attractions.

Political geography
The climate in New Zealand is mostly cool temperate to warm temperate. Mean temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) in the South Island to 16°C (61°F) in the North Island.

Its latitude zone location where the prevailing winds flow westerly.
Its oceanic environment.
The mountains, especially the Southern Alps. Climate
Natural resources include: coal, gold, hydropower, iron ore, limestone, natural gas, sand, and timber.
Land use:
Irrigated land: 2,850 km² (2003)

arable land: 5.54%
permanent crops: 6.92%
other: 87.54% (2005) Land use
Earthquakes are common, though usually not severe. Volcanic activity. Fire bans exist in some areas.

Environment

New Zealand
Extreme points of New Zealand
National parks of New Zealand
Marine reserves of New Zealand
Islands of New Zealand
List of trees native to New Zealand
Water hemisphere
List of lakes in New Zealand
Geology of New Zealand
Geological history of New Zealand