Discover the fascinating world of New Zealand: a land full of fun facts and unique tidbits.
During our many trips, we’ve gathered all the fun facts about New Zealand. Check them out below!
- Sheep: Ten sheep per person. Yep, you read that right. With around 30 million sheep, New Zealand leads the world in sheep per capita.
- Last Discovery: Imagine this: New Zealand, the last major landmass discovered by humans about 800 years ago. It was like a forgotten paradise, untouched by human hands.
- Steepest Street: Baldwin Street in Dunedin. With a gradient of 35%, it’s the steepest residential street in the world. You almost have to climb it like a mountain.
- Power Outlets: They use Type I outlets. The plugs in New Zealand are different from those in the US.
- Royal Albatross: The royal albatross, with its impressive wingspan of nearly 10 feet, is one of the largest seabirds in the world, soaring above New Zealand’s rugged coastlines.
- Bungee Jumping: Commercial bungee jumping, an adrenaline rush that originated in New Zealand, introduced by the adventurous AJ Hackett.
- Wellington: Wellington isn’t just any capital. It’s the southernmost capital city in the world, a place that battles the elements.
- Cardrona Bra Fence: The Cardrona Bra Fence, a fence decorated with hundreds of bras. What started as a joke is now a controversial tourist attraction.

- Bats: Native land mammals? In New Zealand, it’s just bats.
- Gisborne: Gisborne is a surf town on the North Island, where you can witness the world’s first sunrise every day. A new beginning, every day.
- Longest Place Name: Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu. The town with the longest name in the world, quite a tongue-twister.
- Area: New Zealand covers an area of 104,000 square miles. Comparable to the United Kingdom, but with only 4.2 million people. Plenty of space.
- Main Islands: The country consists of two main islands: the North Island and the South Island. Each with its own character and beauty.
- Women’s Rights: New Zealand is a pioneer in women’s rights. The first country in the world to grant women the right to vote in 1893.
- Proximity to the Sea: Nowhere in New Zealand are you more than 80 miles from the sea. The ocean is always close by.
- Coastline: With a coastline of about 9,300 miles, New Zealand is a paradise for beach and ocean lovers.

- Population: About 70% of the population is of European descent, 14.7% is Maori, and the rest are mainly Asians and Pacific Islanders.
- Environmental Threats: New Zealand faces environmental threats like the introduction of non-native animals such as the possum, which cause significant damage to local ecosystems.
- Official Languages: The country has three official languages: English, Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language.
- Kiwi: The kiwi is not just a fruit, but also a flightless bird found only in New Zealand. Plus, “Kiwi” is a nickname for New Zealanders.
- Volcanoes: New Zealand has over 50 volcanoes, some of which are still active.
- Mount Cook: Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki, is New Zealand’s highest mountain, reaching up to 12,316 feet.
These were all the interesting facts about New Zealand. Do you know more? Let us know!