The islands of New Zealand lie in the Pacific Ocean, south-east of Australia. Although the land is narrow, there is plenty of variety – volcanoes and glaciers, beaches and forests, open plains. Running the length of the South Island is a mountain range called the Southern Alps. The North Island is mainly hill country with the great expanse of Lake Taupo at its centre.

The coastal climate is mild to cool – it rarely gets very hot, but inland regions can be very cold. Most places receive their fair share of sunny and cloudy days. Winds come mainly from the west and they can be very strong. There is generally plenty of rain, and everywhere rivers and streams twist to the sea.