New Zealand: flag, capital, currency and history
New Zealand is a country in Australia and New Zealand, Oceania. Its capital is Wellington. The currency is the New Zealand dollar. Languages spoken include English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language.
Quick facts about New Zealand
- Official name
- New Zealand
- Capital
- Wellington
- Region
- Oceania, Australia and New Zealand
- Currency
- New Zealand dollar (NZD, $)
- Languages
- English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
- Calling code
- +64
- Internet domain
- .nz
- Area
- 270,467 km² (104,428 sq mi)
- Land borders
- None (island or surrounded by water)
- Demonym
- New Zealander
- National day
- Waitangi Day, February 6
Flag of New Zealand
Download the flag of New Zealand as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇳🇿.
History of New Zealand
Polynesian voyagers reached the islands in roughly the 13th century and developed Maori society. Dutch navigator Abel Tasman sighted the coast in 1642, and James Cook charted it from 1769. European whalers, traders and missionaries followed. In 1840 many Maori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown signed the Treaty of Waitangi, and the country became a British colony. Conflicts over land, known as the New Zealand Wars, followed. It became a dominion in 1907, and has since developed as a fully independent parliamentary state within the Commonwealth, with Wellington as its capital.
Key dates
- c. 1300Polynesian settlers reach the islands, from which Maori culture develops.
- 1642Abel Tasman becomes the first European recorded to sight New Zealand.
- 1769James Cook begins his first detailed charting of the coastline.
- 1840The Treaty of Waitangi is signed, and British sovereignty is proclaimed.
- 1893New Zealand becomes the first self-governing country to grant women the vote in national elections.
- 1907New Zealand is granted the status of a dominion within the British Empire.
- 1947The country adopts the Statute of Westminster, confirming its legislative independence.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of New Zealand
New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar (NZD, $). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in New Zealand
Celebrations observed in New Zealand, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of New Zealand?
The capital of New Zealand is Wellington.
What currency does New Zealand use?
New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar (NZD, symbol $).
What languages are spoken in New Zealand?
Languages used in New Zealand include English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language.
What is the calling code of New Zealand?
The international calling code of New Zealand is +64. Its internet domain is .nz.
Which countries border New Zealand?
New Zealand has no land borders and is surrounded by water.
On which continent is New Zealand?
New Zealand is in Oceania, in the region of Australia and New Zealand.
What is the national day of New Zealand?
New Zealand marks Waitangi Day on February 6.
More countries in Australia and New Zealand
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).