The environment of New Zealand is characterised by endemic flora and fauna which has evolved in near isolation from the rest of the world. The main islands of New Zealand span two biomes, temperate and subtropical, complicated by large mountainous areas above the tree line. New Zealand has abundant resources of coal, silver, iron ore, limestone, and gold. You’re never more than 130 km from the sea in New Zealand, which has up to 18,000 km of coastline. It’s also a land of mountains, lakes and rivers, native forests, and farmlands. Because the country was isolated for millions of years, unique native flora and fauna, such as flightless birds, have evolved.