Flashcards on New Zealand: Geography, History, Politics

New Zealand: Geography, History, Politics Summary for Students

1 / 25

Where are New Zealand's two main islands located relative to Australia?

Southeast of Australia in the South Pacific.

Tap to flip · Swipe to navigate

New Zealand (Geography and History)

25 cards

Card 1

Question: Where are New Zealand's two main islands located relative to Australia?

Answer: Southeast of Australia in the South Pacific.

Card 2

Question: Name two major landscape features found in New Zealand.

Answer: Active volcanoes and the Southern Alps (mountain range).

Card 3

Question: Why do the majority of people live on the North Island?

Answer: For its mild climate and economic potential, and because the capital Wellington and largest city Auckland are there.

Card 4

Question: What is New Zealand's largest natural lake and where is it located?

Answer: Lake Taupo, located on the North Island.

Card 5

Question: What is the highest peak in the Southern Alps and its height?

Answer: Mount Cook, 3,754 metres.

Card 6

Question: Approximately how many glaciers are in the Southern Alps?

Answer: More than 360 glaciers.

Card 7

Question: When did the first settlers (ancestors of the Māori) arrive in New Zealand and from where?

Answer: Around AD 800 from Eastern Polynesia in the Central Pacific.

Card 8

Question: Who was the first European to reach New Zealand and in what year?

Answer: Dutch sailor Abel Tasman in 1642.

Card 9

Question: Which European explorer really explored New Zealand and encouraged colonists and tradesmen to follow?

Answer: British naval officer James Cook.

Card 10

Question: How did Great Britain establish control over the South and North Islands?

Answer: The South Island was taken by right of discovery; the North Island became a British colony in 1840 when the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by Māori nor