11. Reading. New Zealand

 

 

New Zealand is a huge island near Australia. It is situated in the southern part of the Pacific ocean. There are about \(1\ 500\) kilometres between the countries and they’re all Tasman sea. Actually, there are two big islands (North and South Islands) and a few small ones. There are active and sleeping volcanoes. The view on the valley with hot springs and geysers is breathtaking.

 

The landscape of New Zealand mountainous. The mountains are called the southern and the Northern Alps. The climate of the country varies from warm subtropical to cold. It’s usually windy there.

 

New Zealand is a part of the Commonwealth. Unlike Britain, the parliament is unicameral — there is only one chamber. It is called the House of Representatives. The official languages are English and Maori (the language of aboriginal people).

 

Only \(5\) million people live on this green island. They call themselves New Zealanders. Actually, New Zealanders informally call themselves Kiwi and funny flightless bird of the same name is one of the symbols of the country. A brown fruit with hairy skin is called kiwifruit.

 

Honey is produced all over the world, but you can find Manuka honey only in New Zealand. Some scientists claim that this kind of honey has healing properties. Bees make it from the nectar of the Manuka tree flowers.

 

The country is popular among fans of fantasy. It's stunning landscapes were the shooting location of The Lord of the Rings. Hobbiton in the village Matamata is still open for visitors.

 

  

1. It is situated in the  of the Pacific ocean.

 

2. Actually, New Zealanders informally call themselves Kiwi and  of the same name is one of the symbols of the country.

 

3. The official languages are English and Maori (the language of  ).