Lying in the south-west Pacific, New Zealand consists of two main  islands the North Island & the South Island. In addition, Stewart Island & many smaller islands lie offshore. 

From Long Sandy Beaches to Wild, Rugged Coastlines New Zealand has over 15,000km of beautiful coastline. 

The Far North & East Coast of the North Island has long sandy beaches for swimming, surfing &  sunbathing. The North Island's West Coast has dark sandy beaches, with sand  heavy in iron. 

The top of the South Island has some beautiful sandy beaches, while the rest of the coastline of the South Island tends to  be more rugged.  

New Zealand's Southern Alps have a number of glaciers, the largest Tasman glacier, can be viewed by taking a short walk from Mount  Cook village. 

New Zealand's most famous glaciers are the Franz Josef & Fox on the South Island's West Coast. Gouged out by moving ice over  thousands of years, these spectacular glaciers are easily accessible to  mountaineers & hikers. 

New Zealand has mild temperatures, high rainfall, & lots of sunshine. You can also enjoy hot summers, beautiful spring & autumn colours, & crisp winter snow. 

The north of New Zealand is subtropical & the south temperate. The  warmest months are December, January & February, & the coldest June,  July & August. 

In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30*C & in winter between 10-15*C. 

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