New Zealand is an island country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia. It comprises two main islands and several smaller islands. The North Island is more populated and smaller, while the South Island is larger and known for its beautiful scenery. Some key features of New Zealand's geography include mountains, lakes, glaciers, farms, and beaches. The capital is Wellington and the largest city is Auckland. The culture was originally formed by the Maori people and later influenced by British colonization in the 1800s. Traditional Maori practices like the haka dance remain an important part of New Zealand's cultural identity today.