New Zealand

Islands in New Zealand

Name: Neuseeland · Nouvelle Zélande · Nueva Zelandia · Nuova Zelanda
Location: Oceania
Initials: NZ
International country code: 64 (omit 0 from area code)
International access code: 00
Language: English, Maori
Area: 270.534 km² / 104,628 sq mi.
Currency: 1 New Zealand Dollar (NZ$) = 100 Cents
Population: 4,061,000
Capital: Wellington
Religions: 61% Christian, 30% Maori religions
Climate: The warmer months (Nov-Apr) are busy with tourists and locals alike.
Important gay cities: Auckland, Christchurch & Wellington

The big legal changes in New Zealand have come in the last generation. In 1986 gay sex was decriminalised with the age of consent set at 16. Discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation was outlawed, removing the fear of being rejected just because of what you are. And now, after the Civil Unions Act and Relationships Act were passed in 2004/2005, same-sex relationships have been given a legal status. New Zealand's awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural, and the honesty, friendliness, and openness of Kiwis will impress you. A great advantage of New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other! New Zealanders have a unique and dynamic culture, with European, Maori, Pacific and Asian influences.