Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Geography

General knowledge quiz NZ: Test your New Zealand knowledge

Quick, free NZ trivia quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Dale SchafferUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art showcasing elements related to New Zealand Trivia Quiz.

This New Zealand quiz helps you test what you know about Kiwi places, people, and landmarks in 15 quick multiple-choice questions. If you want a different challenge, try the nz trivia quiz, or dive into NZ sports trivia. Love maps and places? Check out geography trivia questions.

What is the capital city of New Zealand?
Christchurch
Auckland
Dunedin
Wellington
Wellington is the political and administrative capital of New Zealand. It houses the New Zealand Parliament and many government offices.
Which is the largest city in New Zealand by population?
Wellington
Auckland
Christchurch
Hamilton
Auckland is New Zealand's most populous city, with over 1.6 million residents. It is a major economic and cultural hub.
What flightless bird is a national symbol of New Zealand?
Kea
Kiwi
Kĝkĝpŝ
Tūī
The kiwi is a flightless bird native to New Zealand and serves as an iconic national symbol. Its name is also used to refer to New Zealanders.
Which famous glacier is located on the West Coast of the South Island?
Fox Glacier
Tasman Glacier
Perito Moreno Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier, also known by its Mĝori name Kĝ Roimata o Hine Hukatere, is situated in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the South Island. It is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world.
What is the name of the traditional Mĝori greeting involving the pressing of noses?
Haka
Karakia
Hongi
Poi
The hongi is the traditional Mĝori greeting that involves the pressing of noses and foreheads. It symbolizes the exchange of the 'breath of life' (ha) between people.
On which island of New Zealand is Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity?
Stewart Island
Chatham Island
North Island
South Island
Rotorua is located in the Bay of Plenty region on the North Island. It is famous for geothermal features like geysers, hot springs, and mud pools.
What is the name of the treaty signed in 1840 between Mĝori chiefs and the British Crown?
Treaty of Waitaki
Treaty of Wellington
Treaty of Aotearoa
Treaty of Waitangi
The Treaty of Waitangi was first signed on February 6, 1840, at Waitangi. It is considered New Zealand's founding document, establishing British law while recognizing Mĝori land rights.
Which mountain is the highest peak in New Zealand?
Mount Taranaki
Mount Aspiring
Mount Ruapehu
Aoraki/Mount Cook
Aoraki/Mount Cook stands at 3,724 meters and is New Zealand's tallest mountain. It is part of the Southern Alps range on the South Island.
What is the name of New Zealand's only endemic small dolphin species?
Bottlenose Dolphin
Spinner Dolphin
Orca
Hector's Dolphin
Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) is the world's smallest dolphin and is found only in New Zealand waters. It is classified as endangered.
Which tree, native to New Zealand, is known for its bright red flowers around Christmas?
Mangrove
Kauri
Pŝhutukawa
Rimu
The pŝhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) blooms bright red around December, earning it the nickname "New Zealand Christmas tree." It grows along coastal areas.
What is the Mĝori war dance performed by the All Blacks before matches?
Poi
Haka
Karakia
Hangi
The haka is a traditional Mĝori war dance involving rhythmic movements, stamping, and chanting. The All Blacks perform it to display strength and unity.
Which cave system in New Zealand is famous for its glowworm displays?
Waipu Caves
Ngarua Caves
McLean's Cave
Waitomo Caves
The Waitomo Caves on the North Island host colonies of glowworms (Arachnocampa luminosa), which illuminate the caverns with their bioluminescence.
In which region is Milford Sound/Piopiotahi located?
Canterbury
Otago
Fiordland
West Coast
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi is a fiord in Fiordland National Park, located in the southwest of the South Island. It is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and waterfalls.
New Zealand was the first self-governing country to grant which right in 1893?
Universal healthcare
Child labor prohibition
Maximum work hours
Women's suffrage
In 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing nation to grant women the right to vote in parliamentary elections. This was a landmark in democratic history.
Which extinct flightless bird, once native to New Zealand, was hunted to extinction by the 1600s?
Tūī
Kĝkĝpŝ
Kea
Moa
Moa were large, flightless birds endemic to New Zealand. They became extinct by around 1600 due to overhunting by Mĝori and habitat changes.
Which volcanic zone is home to Lake Taupŝ, New Zealand's largest lake?
Taupŝ Volcanic Zone
Southern Alps Volcanic Zone
Northland Volcanic Zone
Canterbury Volcanic Zone
Lake Taupŝ occupies the caldera of the Taupŝ Volcanic Zone on the North Island. It formed from massive eruptions over the last 26,000 years.
The Treaty of Waitangi was first signed aboard which ship?
HMS Endeavour
HMS Beagle
HMS Discovery
HMS Herald
The initial signing of the Treaty of Waitangi occurred on February 6, 1840, aboard HMS Herald in the Bay of Islands. Governor William Hobson represented the Crown.
Which reptile, often called a living fossil, is endemic to New Zealand?
Tuatara
Gecko
Skink
Monitor Lizard
The tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) belongs to an ancient lineage distinct from lizards. It retains features from reptiles of over 200 million years ago.
What is the term for the traditional Mĝori practice of temporarily restricting the use of a resource?
Nohoanga
Tapu
Whakapapa
Rĝhui
Rĝhui is a customary restriction placed on land, sea, or resources to conserve or restore them. It is lifted once environmental balance is restored.
Where is the only known mainland breeding colony of the Northern Royal Albatross located?
Kaikŝura
Taiaroa Head
Muriwai
Cape Kidnappers
Taiaroa Head, on the Otago Peninsula near Dunedin, hosts the world's only mainland breeding colony of the Northern Royal Albatross. It is a major conservation site.
0
{"name":"What is the capital city of New Zealand?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"What is the capital city of New Zealand?, Which is the largest city in New Zealand by population?, What flightless bird is a national symbol of New Zealand?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify key landmarks and regions across New Zealand
  2. Analyse cultural symbols and traditions unique to New Zealand
  3. Evaluate historical events shaping New Zealand's development
  4. Apply geographic knowledge to pinpoint New Zealand's major cities
  5. Demonstrate understanding of New Zealand's flora, fauna, and wildlife

Cheat Sheet

  1. UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Dive into the magic of Tongariro National Park, Te Wĝhipounamu and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands, each bursting with epic landscapes and fascinating cultural stories. Learning about these hotspots will supercharge your appreciation for Aotearoa's incredible diversity.
  2. Southern Cross Constellation - Spot the four bright stars of Te Punga ĝ Taonui shining on our flag, guiding you to New Zealand's spot on the globe. Recognizing this celestial cluster will give you a fun cosmic connection to our Southern Hemisphere home.
  3. Kiwi Bird - Meet the fuzzy, flightless kiwi that comes out at night to snack and explore - a true emblem of Kiwi spirit. Learning about its unique habits helps you understand why we're affectionately nicknamed "Kiwis."
  4. Haka - Feel the power of the traditional Mĝori haka, a fierce dance once used in battle and now a proud challenge at sports matches or special ceremonies. Discovering its moves and meanings will give you a front-row seat to Mĝori culture.
  5. Treaty of Waitangi - Unpack the 1840 agreement between Mĝori chiefs and the British Crown, the founding document that shaped modern New Zealand. Understanding its articles and debates helps you appreciate our nation's journey toward partnership and justice.
  6. Major Cities - Explore Auckland's buzzing waterfront, Wellington's artsy vibes, and Christchurch's creative rebuilds after the quakes. Getting to know these urban hubs paints a vivid picture of Kiwi life on the move.
  7. Silver Fern - Admire the iconic silver fern, whose bright fronds unfurl to symbolize growth and resilience across sports jerseys and national logos. Learning about this plant portrait connects you to New Zealand's botanical pride.
  8. Auckland War Memorial Museum - Step inside one of the country's richest cultural archives, where Mĝori taonga (treasures), Pacific collections, and war stories collide in immersive exhibits. A visit here is like flipping through the ultimate New Zealand history book.
  9. Koru Motif - Spot the spiral of the koru, inspired by a young silver fern frond, signifying new life, growth and harmony in Mĝori art. Recognizing this swirl in jewelry, carvings and tattoos gives you insight into the heart of Kiwi creativity.
  10. European Colonization Impact - Examine how settlers introduced new species and reshaped habitats, forever altering New Zealand's unique flora and fauna. Understanding these ecological shifts is key to grasping conservation efforts today.
Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Entertainment Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker