13. Lets take a closer look at the features of the different climatic zones …
14. High Alpine Zone Very cold temperatures, high precipitation, often covered in snow or ice, no soil, all rock, between 1800metres and 3700metres above sea level, very few birds and insects
16. Alpine zone Often cold and wet, maybe covered with snow for part of the year, between 900 metres and 1800 metres above sea level, some soil, few plants, no trees, few birds and insects
18. Temperate Zone Average to high precipitation, moderate to cold temperatures, some snow, some dry areas, between 400 and 900 metres above sea level though this varies depending on its proximity to the glaciers, reasonably good soil, some forests, birds and insects
20. Sub Tropical Zone Warm climates, rarely frosty, closer the ocean, mostly coastal North Island and small part of Northern Westland, good soil, great diversity of plant and animal life
22. Coastal Zone The unique coastal regions of New Zealand containing, sand dunes, estuaries, river mouths, coastal forest, ranging in temperatures and rainfall depending on the location in the country.