Flags of the World | New Zealand

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The flag of New Zealand is based on the British maritime Blue Ensign – a blue field with the Union Jack in the corner. Together with four red stars centred within four white stars, representing the Southern Cross constellation.

New Zealand sea lion

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The New Zealand sea lion, also known as Hooker's sea lion, is a species of sea lion that primarily breeds on New Zealand's subantarctic Auckland and Campbell islands and to some extent around the coast of New Zealand's South and Stewart islands.

The New Zealand sea lion is the rarest and currently most endangered of the five species of sea lion in the world.

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The New Zealand Sub-antarctic Islands encompasses five island groups: Snares Islands, Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands and Campbell Island including the islands surrounding it.

Rangitoto Island | New Zealand

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Only a short scenic ferry ride across the harbour from downtown Auckland, the island of Rangitoto is a favourite destination for hikers and day-trippers. Emerging unexpectedly from the sea some 600 years ago, it is the youngest and largest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field.

Stewart Island | New Zealand

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Stewart Island is New Zealand's third largest island, situated 30 kilometres south of the South Island.

Over 85% of the island is National Park, and most people come here for the hiking and birdwatching. About 400 people inhabit this island permanently.

Mount Cook | New Zealand

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Mount Cook is New Zealand's highest mountain, with a height of 3,754 metres. The park is located on the country’s South Island.

Mount Cook National Park is part of Unesco World Heritage site “Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand”. The other three national parks that comprises this site are Fiordland, Mount Aspiring and Westland. 

Tongariro National Park | New Zealand

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Tongariro National Park in New Zealand has active and extinct volcanoes, a diverse range of ecosystems and some spectacular landscapes.

Mt Ruapehu is one of New Zealand's most active volcanoes, and the highest mountain on the north island. It last erupted in 2007. The majestic slopes of Mt Ruapehu accommodate New Zealand’s largest and most developed ski areas. Skiing on an active volcano! Not for the faint of heart I guess.

Stamps

(left) Round Kiwi stamp, issued 2011.The kiwi is a national symbol of New Zealand.

(right) Maori Crafts, Taniko Embroidery. Part of a set of 6 stamps, issued in 1996. Aotearoa is the Maori name for New Zealand.

Te Waipounamu | New Zealand

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Te Waipounamu is the official Māori name for New Zealand's South Island, meaning "the place of greenstone". Named after the (green) Jade-like stones that can be found in this part of the world.

Te Waipounamu is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The site incorporates four national parks: Mount Cook, Fiordland, Mount Aspiring and Westland. Milford sound is a fjord is Fiordland National Park. Its highest peak is Mitre Peak with 1,695 metres.  

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Mount Taranaki is an active stratovolcano on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island. The stamp is part of a set of 5 definitives, issued 2014. 

The Silver Discoverer | New Zealand

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Silver Discoverer is a small, yacht-type cruise ship operated by Silversea Cruises as the third member of its Silversea Expeditions fleet. The ship is deployed in remote regions of the world including Micronesia, Melanesia, Polynesia, the Russian Far East, Southeast Asia, New Zealand and Australia.

The card was sent by Rod who travelled with this ship to Australia’s Macquarie Island. But the card has a New Zealand stamp.

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The stamp is part of New Zealand’s Chinese Year of the Goat issue. But it could be the year of the sheep or even the year of the ram. This confusion is caused by Mandarin Chinese character yang: 羊 Its apparent meaning is 'horned animal'.

Thank you very much Rod!

Motu Kōkako or Piercy Island | New Zealand

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It is easy to see why Piercy island or Motu Kōkako in Māori language, is also known as The Hole in the Rock. The small island is located off the north coast of New Zealand’s North Island. The 64 meters hole at sea level was created over centuries by wind and waves.

 

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Ross Dependency is New Zealand’s claim to a part of Antarctica. New Zealand Post issues special Ross dependency stamps. This 2014 issue features the Macaroni penguin (what’s in a name), one of five unique breeds of penguin that calls Antartica home.

White Island | New Zealand

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White Island is New Zealand’s only active marine volcano. It was named White Island by Captain Cook, the first European to sight the island in 1769. White Island has been in a near continuous stage of smoking since then.

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(right) The Antipodean albatross is a large albatross that breeds almost exclusively on the Auckland and Antipodes Islands.

The bird silhouette disappears if you warm up the stamp with your finger! 

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand

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Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. The city is Situated at the southern end of the North Island, one of the two main islands of New Zealand.

 

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The stamp on the left depicts the Franz Josef glacier located on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island.

The stamp on the right shows Cape Reinga, the most northern point of New Zealand 

A whale cruises off Kaikoura coastline, New Zealand

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The seaside settlement of Kaikoura, situated midway between Christchurch and Picton on the rugged east coast of New Zealand's South Island, is overlooked by majestic mountains, which are snow-capped for many months of the year.

It is a special part of New Zealand, imbued with powerful natural energy. A place where tectonic plates collide, towering peaks fall to the sea and ocean currents converge. Such rare combinations lure an abundance of marine life, the most famous being the Sperm Whale.

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New Zealand, mount Maunganui

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Mount Maunganui is New Zealand's favourite summer holiday destination with its white sandy surf beach on the ocean side, and a safe sheltered inner harbour beach. Mount Maunganui is also the name of the extinct volcano which rises above the beautiful Mount Maunganui surf beach.

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50 years of Christmas stamps.