This true-colour NASA image shows New Zealand’s two main islands – the North and South islands. In Māori tradition the North Island was a fish hauled up by the demigod Māui, and is called Te Ika-a-Māui (the fish of Māui). The South Island is sometimes called Te Waka-a-Māui (Māui’s canoe) – or Te Wai Pounamu (the greenstone waters).
This photograph, taken in July 2003 (winter), shows the South Island’s main mountain ranges covered in snow. The pale green areas are grassland, mostly used for farming, and the darker green parts are mainly forest.
Using this item
NASA Visible Earth, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC
Photograph by Jacques Descloitres
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.
Add new comment