Overview
Important Clarification
New Zealand is not a state of Australia. It is an independent sovereign nation located approximately 2,000 km south-east of Australia across the Tasman Sea. New Zealand has its own government, constitution, currency (the New Zealand Dollar), passport, and immigration system.
New Zealand was offered the opportunity to join the Australian federation when it was formed in 1901 but declined, and it has remained a fully independent country ever since. While Australia and New Zealand share close cultural, historical, and economic ties — and cooperate closely under the ANZAC partnership — they are entirely separate nations.
If you were looking for a guide to New Zealand the country, we are happy to provide one — it would cover two main islands (North Island and South Island), cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, landscapes ranging from geothermal zones and fjords to alpine peaks, and a rich Māori cultural heritage.
If you were looking for an Australian state, Australia's states and territories are: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory. Please let us know which destination you intended and we will produce an accurate guide.