Sitting 2,000km to the east of Australia is the South Pacific Ocean are the two main islands (and many smaller islands) that make up the country of New Zealand. Known for its outstanding natural beauty and the incredible feelings of serenity it can cast over a person, the country has carved itself something of a reputation as a perfect hideaway for those looking for a spot that bit out of the way. The land of the Kiwis - both the odd little bird and the colloquial term for the people of the islands - is one that is sure to provide entertainment for anyone that visits. The nation is known to draw as many thrill seekers participating in more extreme activities as it does those looking for the historical and cultural aspects of New Zealand, and any visitor to the country is sure to be surprised by just how naturally friendly the people are; something of an offshoot of native Maori culture. Off plan investors looking for property for sale in New Zealand are likely to be pleasantly surprised - it's a country that everyone already knows about, so it isn't a hidden gem, but it still remains shockingly undiscovered.

The discovery of New Zealand did not come about until 800AD and was credited to the Polynesian navigator Kupe, whose wife named the islands Aotearoa ('Land of the Long White Cloud'). Settlement of the islands was slow over the next few centuries, but by the time the Dutch arrived in the 17^th century the Maori people and culture was firmly established - and they didn't take kindly to the interlopers, killing and eating a number of the crew. The same treatment awaited Captain Cook when he navigated to the islands in 1769, but he managed to be impressed by both the spirit of the defending Maori people and the potential of the lands he had 'discovered', claiming them in the name of Britain. Over the coming decades, the country saw visits from European and North American trading, whaling and sealing ships, all of which interacted with the now somewhat placated Maori people, trading and introducing them to western culture and religion, as well as muskets. 1840 saw the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and the effective creation of New Zealand as it is known today, with the treaty forming the backbone on which the nation is based to this day. The treaty was meant to cede governance of New Zealand to the British, whilst guaranteeing protection for the Maori people, their rights and their land claims. Things didn't play out as smoothly as the Maori had hoped, however, and a number of wars were fought over disagreements about land rights (among other, more complex reasons) - though there were no definitive winners of any of the five conflicts, the fighting died down and the Pakehas (the European New Zealanders) claimed victory. Self governance, a self-sufficient economy (based largely on sheep farming and the discovery of gold), women's suffrage (the first country in the world to grant it), child care services and social security came in the years that followed, and helped to cement New Zealand's position as an independent, successful and progressive nation. Dominion status in the British Empire was granted in 1907, autonomy followed in 1931 and full independence was officially recognised in 1947. The latter half of the 20^th century saw the Maori people flocking to the major cities around the islands, leaving behind their more traditional rural homes and involving the people more directly with the politics and governance of the country. It wasn't long until protest groups were set up and tribunals were held, both relating to how the Waitangi Treaty had allegedly not been honoured as it should have been - while these arguments do still exist, the New Zealand government has followed a path away from Eurocentrism, and the New Zealand of today is one that preaches biculturalism: no culture is above or below each other in how it is represented, and each way of life, integrated or not, is celebrated. Recent years have seen a boom in the popularity of New Zealand as a tourist spot, thanks in no small part to the popularity of NZ native Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

New Zealand has long been a popular spot for British ex-pats, though it has often - oddly - lived in the shadow of Australia, even though the country lies thousands of kilometres away. Potential off plan investors looking at properties for sale in New Zealand are likely to be greeted by some great prices, a stunningly beautiful country and some of the most genuine, friendly people in the world. Combined with the relatively undiscovered nature of the country as an investment target, New Zealand is certainly one to keep an eye on. There are a number of laws dictating who can invest in the country, who can move there for certain amounts of time and the like, and all up to date laws should be checked before embarking on an investment project.

The standards of healthcare in New Zealand are generally of a very high standard. A reciprocal agreement exists between New Zealand and the UK, meaning British nationals are entitled to free hospital treatment - some other charges may still apply, however. As a result, health insurance - including emergency evacuation cover - is essential.

Mobile phone coverage is good across the country. Landlines are available and lines are of a good standard. Internet cafes are widespread.