As the last country on earth to be discovered, New Zealand is known in the native Maori language as Aotearoa, often translated as "The land of the long white cloud". New Zealand has been called God's own country and the "Paradise of the Pacific" since the early 1800s, and is still a sanctuary for nature.

More than a third of the land area is protected wilderness, so New Zealand is a country of stunning and diverse natural beauty which includes: jagged mountains, steep fiords, pristine lakes, raging rivers, scenic beaches, and active volcanic features. The islands are one of Earth's richest flora zones and is inhabited by some unique fauna, including many flightless birds such as the kiwi, which is the national symbol.