High country (New Zealand)

As High Country ( German about: Highland, High Country ) are highly preferred in New Zealand, rural areas respectively. The term is usually only associated with the south-eastern parts of the South Island, in an attenuated way, with the interior of the North Island. This designation can be removed with the Outback in Australia, the High Veld in South Africa and the pampas in Argentina compare and is synonymous with seclusion.

Specifically, are usually meant by " High Country " Central Otago and the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island and partially the Volcanic Plateau in the North Island. All of these areas are characterized by low rainfall, a very thin population density and an altitude of about 600 meters mostly. The former is located in the rain shadow of the Southern Alps and the plateau is preserved by the three volcanoes from high rainfall. There is also, in all these areas, continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Most of tussock grass -covered surfaces are often used to extensive grazing and are similar to the partly hilly ground of a steppe. When cattle are mainly sheep, but lately more and more deer and alpacas.

• Geography (New Zealand)