Discover More About New Zealand With These Activities and Games

Want a fun way to explore a new country with your group? Choosing a destination and diving into its people, geography, history, and culture is a fantastic way to learn.

Let's center your next event around New Zealand, a tropical paradise with a warm, welcoming heart and a culture that stretches back thousands of years. I’ve gathered key facts about the islands, and beyond the basics, I've put together a collection of games, activities, and resources to make your learning session both fun and educational.

This content is ideal for printing and use as a display or for sharing directly with your group. The games and activities below will bring these facts to life!

Did you know? The name New Zealand is a Dutch legacy, but its Māori name is Aotearoa, which translates to "Land of the Long White Cloud." New Zealand is actually the visible part of a 94% submerged continent called Zealandia.

Geography of New Zealand:

• New Zealand is located in the Southwestern Pacific Ocean and consists of two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island—along with over 600 smaller islands.

• The capital is Wellington, the southernmost capital city in the world, while the largest city is Auckland.

• The terrain is incredibly diverse, featuring the Southern Alps in the south and volcanic plateaus in the north. The highest point is Aoraki (Mount Cook) at 3,724 meters (12,218 feet).

• Because it is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed: July is the coldest month, and January is the warmest.

Where are the people?

• The population of New Zealand is approximately 5.3 million. Interestingly, there are about five times as many sheep as there are people!

• The society is a blend of indigenous Māori (who arrived over 1,000 years ago), European settlers, and Pacific and Asian communities.

• New Zealand has a 99% literacy rate and was the first country in the world to give women the right to vote in 1893.

• The culture is guided by Manaakitanga—a Māori value emphasizing hospitality, kindness, and respect for others.

Nature and Conservation:

• About 20% of the country is protected land within national parks, including the famous Fiordland National Park, home to the stunning Milford Sound.

• It is a sanctuary for unique wildlife like the flightless Kiwi bird and the Kea, the world’s only alpine parrot.

• New Zealand is home to the Tuatara, a prehistoric reptile often called a "living fossil" because it has remained unchanged for 200 million years.

Government and Economy:

• New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. It recognizes King Charles III as the head of state.

• The official currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).

• The economy is driven by dairy farming (it is the world’s largest dairy exporter), tourism, and the famous kiwifruit industry.

Language and Culture:

• There are three official languages: English, Te Reo Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language.

• Rugby is the national sport. Before every game, the national team (the All Blacks) performs the Haka, a powerful Māori posture dance.

• The Silver Fern is the country's most iconic symbol, appearing on everything from military uniforms to the jerseys of world-champion athletes.

Food and Traditions:

• A Hāngī is a traditional Māori method of cooking food (like sweet potato and meat) by burying it in an earth oven with heated stones.

• Famous local treats include Hokey Pokey ice cream (vanilla with honeycomb pieces) and the Pavlova, a meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruit.

• A common tradition is the "Kiwi Bach" (pronounced 'batch')—small, modest holiday homes by the beach or lake where families gather to relax and enjoy nature.