The geography of New Zealand encompasses two main islands (called the North and South Islands in English, Te-Ika-a-Maui and Te Wai Pounamu in Maori) and a number of smaller islands, located near the centre of the water hemisphere. New Zealand varies in climate from cold and wet to dry and to subtropical in some areas.
The dramatic and varied landscape of New Zealand has made it a popular location for the production of television programmes and films, including the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the Last Samurai. Neighboring countries include Australia to the northwest and Tonga and Fiji to the north.