What is the terrain of New Zealand like?
Much of New Zealand is mountainous or steep hill country. The geology is also highly varied with hard, brittle rocks in mountain areas. These shatter easily, forming screes. In North Island hill country soft rocks and soils can turn to mush with heavy rain.
What are the major geographical features of New Zealand?
Spectacular glaciers, picturesque fiords, rugged mountains, vast plains, rolling hillsides, subtropical forest, volcanic plateau, miles of coastline with gorgeous sandy beaches – it’s all here.
What are the 4 major landforms in New Zealand?
Learn more:
- Mountains and uplift.
- Sinking basins and valleys.
- Wild rivers.
- Rugged coasts.
- Explosive volcanoes.
- Mysterious caves.
- Ocean underworld.
Is New Zealand flat or hilly?
New Zealand is a largely mountainous country. There are 18 peaks of more than 3000 metres (9800 ft) in the South Island. All summits over 2,900 m are within the Southern Alps, a chain that forms the backbone of the South Island; the highest peak of which is Aoraki/Mount Cook, at 3,754 metres (12,316 ft).
How many mountains are there in NZ?
There are 8316 named mountains in New Zealand. The highest and the most prominent mountain is Mount Cook.
Are the two islands of New Zealand connected?
Cook Strait is the strait between the North and South Islands of New Zealand. It connects the Tasman Sea on the northwest with the South Pacific Ocean on the southeast, and runs next to the capital city, Wellington.
Why is New Zealand so mountainous?
New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington is situated in the centre of this region. The subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate drives rapid uplift in the centre of the South Island (approx. 10 millimetres (0.39 in) per year). This uplift forms the Southern Alps.
How many mountains are in New Zealand?
What is New Zealand’s national animal?
The kiwi
Introduction. The kiwi is a unique and curious bird: it cannot fly, has loose, hair-like feathers, strong legs and no tail. Learn more about the kiwi, the national icon of New Zealand and unofficial national emblem.