Story: Natural environment

New Zealand’s isolated position

New Zealand’s isolated position

The islands of New Zealand lie in the south-west Pacific Ocean. From the country’s western shores Australia is some 1,600 km away, or a three-hour flight to its major cities. From northern New Zealand the nearest Pacific islands are roughly the same distance. The Americas are about 10,000 km from the eastern shores. The long, narrow land mass straddles latitudes from 34° to 47° south: the far north is subtropical, while the far south has a cool, temperate climate.

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Natural environment - Geography and geology', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/2377/new-zealands-isolated-position (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond