New Zealand, a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean consisting of two main islands, is situated some 1,500 km (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea. Aotearoa ("land of the long white cloud") is the Maori name for New Zealand.

The South Island is the largest landmass of New Zealand and is the 12th largest island in the world. It is divided along its length by the Southern Alps with 18 peaks over 3,000 metres (9,800 ft). The North Island is the 14th largest island in the world and is less mountainous but is marked by volcanism. The highly active Taupo Volcanic Zone has formed a large volcanic plateau that hosts the country's largest lake, Lake Taupo, in the caldera of one of the world's most active super-volcanoes.

The country's diverse scenery and compact size, have encouraged filming movies in New Zealand, including Avatar, The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, King Kong and The Last Samurai.