OtterKnow Kids EncyclopediaNew Zealand is a small country made up of two main islands in the Pacific Ocean. The capital city is Wellington. People speak English and Maori there. New Zealand also has tall mountains, deep lakes, and volcanoes that are still active.
The Maori people were the first to live in New Zealand. They have a special dance called the haka, which includes stomping feet and chanting. New Zealand’s rugby team performs the haka before every game. New Zealanders call themselves “Kiwis” after their favorite little bird.
- New Zealand has more sheep than people – about five sheep for every one person!
- The kiwi is a small, round bird that cannot fly.
- It is New Zealand’s national animal.
- Kiwi birds are about the size of a chicken and come out mostly at night.
