Random Facts About New Zealand
Whether you are preparing a trip and want to know more about the country, or want some facts to share with everyone you know, we have the list for you! Admittedly, some are interesting and some are completely random. Either way, here are some facts about New Zealand that you may or may not know. They are just a few of many things that make New Zealand a super interesting place to visit.
So whether you intend to jet over to New Zealand or are just interested in a few facts about some islands in the South Pacific, enjoy this list of things you did not know about New Zealand.
Find out more facts and figures in our article: New Zealand in Numbers.
1. NZ Has a Lot of McDonald’s
NZ is second to the USA (of course) for the amount of McDonald’s per head of population. New Zealand also has a McDonald’s in an aeroplane in Taupo. It has been voted the world’s coolest McDonald’s from 34,000+ restaurants.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. And a Lot of Sheep!
It used to be 20 sheep to one human ratio in New Zealand but sadly for sheep-lovers, this figure is now seven to one. The majority of the sheep population are in the South Island, whereas most of the human population are in the North Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. New Zealand has the Most Olympic Gold Medals…
… per head than any other country. Ok, so the NZ population isn’t massive at 4.8 million…
© Pixabay4. Kiwis Love Golf
Golf is the second most popular sport based on club memberships.
© Pixabay5. NZ is a Book-reading Nation
One bookstore to 7,500 people makes NZ have more bookstores per head than any other country.
© Pexels6. NZ has Some Big Trout
More 2-3kg (4.4-6.6lb) trout are caught per year than anywhere else in the world. Find out where you can catch yourself one in Fishing in New Zealand.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. NZ Used to Have a Giant Bird
The moa stood 3.6m (11.8ft) tall and weighed 300kg (660lbs). It became extinct in the 1500s when early settlers hunted it. However, there is plenty of awesome native New Zealand wildlife to be seen, so check out the 10 Things You Did Not Know About New Zealand Wildlife.
© chirlula on Wikipedia8. NZ Realised That Women Can Run a Country Too
The only country to have three top positions of power held by women at the same time: The Prime Minister (Helen Clark), the Governor-General (Dame Silvia Cartwright), and the Chief Justice (Sian Elias).
© Pixabay9. The Largest Volcanic Eruption Happened Here
Lake Taupo had the largest eruption in the last 70,000 years. It had a Volcanic Explosivity Index of 8, releasing more than 530km (330 miles) of magma. Today it is a big beautiful lake that you can learn more about here.
© Pixabay10. New Zealand is the Newest Country
Apart from the polar regions, NZ is the last large landmass that has been populated.
© PixabayMore Facts About New Zealand
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
- New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
- Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
