New Zealand lies remotely in the jewel-blue waters of the South Pacific Ocean and forms the southwestern frontier of Polynesia. Compared to its nearest neighbour Australia, it is a tiny speck of a country, with just over five million inhabitants as opposed to Oz’s 26 million. While it might not have size on its side, New Zealand is vast in natural beauty, culture and history – some of which might surprise you.

Click through the gallery to discover the most mind-blowing facts about this fascinating island nation, from a river with human rights to the country’s official wizard…