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NZ Towns and Cities Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
NZ Towns and Cities Quizzes, Trivia

NZ Towns and Cities Trivia

NZ Towns and Cities Trivia Quizzes

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Fun Trivia
10 quizzes and 130 trivia questions.
1.
One Day in Auckland
  One Day in Auckland   best quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
In this Globetrot 2 Challenge, here is a visual itinerary if you only have a day to spare, to see as much of Auckland, New Zealand as you possibly can...
Average, 10 Qns, 1nn1, Aug 12 18
Average
1nn1 gold member
Aug 12 18
296 plays
2.
  A-Z New Zealand Towns and Cities   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 25 Qns
New Zealand is one of the remotest, least densely populated countries on Earth. How much do you know about its towns and cities?
Average, 25 Qns, rogerw1nz, May 16 24
Average
rogerw1nz
May 16 24
4492 plays
3.
  Windy Wellington   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A short quiz on New Zealand's capital city.
Average, 10 Qns, Macjaq, Dec 22 10
Average
Macjaq
936 plays
4.
  My Home Town : Auckland New Zealand   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand with a population of 1,600,000 in early 2018. It is situated towards the top of the North Island, and is the economic and business centre of the country.
Easier, 10 Qns, Warrior100, Mar 02 23
Easier
Warrior100
Mar 02 23
186 plays
5.
  New Zealand Towns and Cities    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
More New Zealand towns and cities.
Easier, 10 Qns, MaxWilkins, Aug 26 13
Easier
MaxWilkins
2117 plays
6.
  New Zealand Towns - Through the Alphabet    
Multiple Choice
 25 Qns
Let's make a tour of New Zealand towns going through the alphabet. (Note: All population stats are from the 2006 AA New Zealand Accommodation Guide or the 2001 New Zealand census)
Average, 25 Qns, adeej, Feb 27 24
Average
adeej gold member
Feb 27 24
2914 plays
7.
  Famous Small Towns in New Zealand    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I've been everywhere man! A big part of New Zealand culture and history has taken place in the small towns of New Zealand. How well do you know your 'Kiwiana'? Remember, dont leave home untill you've seen the country!
Average, 10 Qns, sassyangelkiwi, Jun 05 19
Average
sassyangelkiwi
Jun 05 19
2045 plays
8.
  Suburbs Of Christchurch    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is a quiz all about Christchurch suburbs.I hope you enjoy it!
Average, 10 Qns, MaxWilkins, Sep 14 18
Average
MaxWilkins
Sep 14 18
878 plays
9.
  That's Where I'm From - Gisborne, New Zealand!    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
How much do you know about the first city in the world to see the dawn each day?
Tough, 10 Qns, KBNZ, May 03 20
Tough
KBNZ
May 03 20
507 plays
10.
  More New Zealand Towns And Cities    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
This is another quiz about New Zealand towns and cities.
Average, 10 Qns, MaxWilkins, Jul 04 12
Average
MaxWilkins
1197 plays
trivia question Quick Question
What New Zealand town lies on the banks of the largest lake in New Zealand?

From Quiz "New Zealand Towns and Cities"





NZ Towns and Cities Trivia Questions

1. Auckland is situated between two harbors: The Manukau, and The Waitemata. What is the geographical name for this configuration?

From Quiz
My Home Town : Auckland New Zealand

Answer: isthmus

The two harbours provide for a beautiful setting, with large marine areas, plenty of opportunities for boating and fishing, several accessible islands, and many beaches.

2. Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, but it was not the first seat of government in the country. What were its predecessors?

From Quiz Windy Wellington

Answer: Russell and Auckland

Following the negotiation in 1840 of the Treaty of Waitangi between Maori and the British Crown, the first seat of government was established at Okiato (renamed Russell) in the Bay of Islands. Kororareka, at that time the largest European settlement in New Zealand (and sometimes known as the 'Hell Hole of the Pacific'), was also absorbed into Russell. In 1840 the capital was moved to Auckland, which later became one of New Zealand's most populous cities. In 1865, Wellington, close to the geographic centre of the country, became the permanent capital.

3. In which South Island town can a great big monument of a fish be seen when you drive in?

From Quiz More New Zealand Towns And Cities

Answer: Rakaia

Rakaia is located between Christchurch and Ashburton. When you drive over one of the longest bridges in the Southern Hemisphere (the Rakaia River), you drive past a giant fish monument.

4. What is the name of the beachside town located to the west of Kaitaia?

From Quiz New Zealand Towns - Through the Alphabet

Answer: Ahipara

Ahipara (population: 1038 approx.) is at the Southern end of 'Ninety Mile Beach'. The beach is actually only 55 miles long but is one of the most well known beaches in New Zealand. Visitors can visit the beach and enjoy sand surfing down the dunes. 'Ahipara' means 'sacred fire' in the Maori language and the area has a proud history of gum digging and seafaring adventures. For more information on Ahipara, see 'www.ahipara.co.nz'.

5. What is the name of the main seaside suburb of Christchurch?

From Quiz Suburbs Of Christchurch

Answer: New Brighton

New Brighton beach is a popular Christchurch landmark. It has a very modern library on the beach with a great cafe. New Brighton also has a mall and lots of restaurants. Plans are underway for high-rise apartments across the road from the beach.

6. What is the largest city by population on the South Island?

From Quiz New Zealand Towns and Cities

Answer: Christchurch

Christchurch is the second largest city in New Zealand.It is located at the foot of the Port Hills.

7. A: What is the name of New Zealand's largest city, named after an obscure Englishman?

From Quiz A-Z New Zealand Towns and Cities

Answer: Auckland

Auckland was established in 1840, and chosen by William Hobson, Lieutenant-Governor of New Zealand, as the capital of the new colony of New Zealand. He named it for his naval commander George Eden, Lord Auckland. It remained as the capital of NZ until 1865, when Wellington was proclaimed capital. Over one quarter of NZ's four million people live in Greater Auckland. It is sister city to Fukuoka, Shinagawa and Tomioka (Japan), Busan (Korea), Guangzhou (China), Brisbane (Australia) and Los Angeles (USA).

8. What is the name of a Northland town that has the oldest store in New Zealand and the oldest house in New Zealand next door to each other and is also famous for growing oranges?

From Quiz Famous Small Towns in New Zealand

Answer: Kerikeri

The Mission House, built to house the Rev. John Butler in 1821-22, is New Zealand's oldest complete standing European house. The Stone Store was built in 1832-36. It was built to house mission supplies and wheat from a mission farm at Te Waimte. Wheat failed and it served as a kauri gum trading store during the years of the Northland gumdigging rush. From 1929 it was a general store until 1976 when it was purchased by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Keri orange juice; named for Kerikeri (though not produced in Kerikeri) can be found in every supermarket in New Zealand.

9. The international terminal at Auckland Airport has been named after which famous New Zealander - known as a record breaking pilot from the 1930s?

From Quiz My Home Town : Auckland New Zealand

Answer: Jean Batten

Jean Batten was an aviatrix who made many record breaking solo flights in the 1930s. Among these was the first ever solo flight from England to New Zealand in 1936. Lord Rutherford was a New Zealand born scientist from the early twentieth century who specialised in nuclear physics, and won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908. Katherine (Kathleen) Mansfield was a prolific short story writer who achieved an international reputation in the early part of the 1900s. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is a New Zealand soprano well known for operatic and classical singing.

10. Which New Zealand city is home to Hagley Park?

From Quiz More New Zealand Towns And Cities

Answer: Christchurch

Christchurch is the second largest city in New Zealand. In the central city, there is a giant park which is called Hagley Park. It was designed by Christchurch's original town planners back in the 1800s.

11. In which town in the southern half of the North Island are there many signs that make jokes related to the town's name?

From Quiz New Zealand Towns - Through the Alphabet

Answer: Bulls

In the town of Bulls (population: 1755 approx.), many of the offices and stores have names ending in 'bull'. Outside the police station there is a sign that says 'const-a-bull'. There is a local antique store called 'Afford-a-bulls Antique Emporium'. Outside the pharmacy is a sign saying 'Indispens-a-bull'. Bulls is located in the Rangitikei district and is near the Ohakea airforce base. The town was originally called Rangitikei but was changed to Bulls in recognition of the important role that Mr James Bull had in establishing the township. For more information on Bulls (including pictures of some of the signs), see 'www.unforgetabull.co.nz'.

12. What suburb has a popular mall called "The Palms"?

From Quiz Suburbs Of Christchurch

Answer: Shirley

The Palms has recently had updates and a new movie theatre built.

13. B: What is the main town of the Marlborough region of the South Island?

From Quiz A-Z New Zealand Towns and Cities

Answer: Blenheim

Blenheim was named after the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill in England. Balclutha and Bluff are in the Southland, but Bunnythorpe is in the North Island.

14. In what town was the Tiriti O ________ signed?

From Quiz Famous Small Towns in New Zealand

Answer: Waitangi

The founding document of New Zealand as a nation, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between February and May 1840 between the Crown, represented by Governor William Hobson, and around five hundred Maori chiefs, mainly from the North Island of New Zealand. On 6th Febuary 1840, the first of 46 chiefs, one Hone Heke, signed the Treaty of Waitangi. The Treaty was then carried around the country so that over 500 Maori tribeleaders could sign the document. On 21st May 1840, the treaty was complete and Hobson became the first governer of the whole of New Zealand. Also to note, prior to that event, in 1832 twenty-five northern chiefs and Europeans met at Waitangi to choose New Zealand's first flag.

15. The Auckland landscape is dotted with approximately 50 hills which range in height from 10 to 200 metres. What are these geographical features, many of which offer stunning views across the city?

From Quiz My Home Town : Auckland New Zealand

Answer: extinct volcanic cones

Auckland is located in the centre of a dormant volcanic field - resulting in numerous volcanic cones. Some of these have been lost to quarrying for scoria and rock - but many are visible today and can be easily visited and climbed. The age of the oldest volcano has been estimated at over 250,000 years, but the most recent eruption which created Rangitoto (an island in Auckland's Waitemata Harbour) happened just 600 years ago!

16. What magnitude on the Richter scale was the earthquake which struck the lower North Island on 23 January 1855, permanently altering the landscape of the Wellington region?

From Quiz Windy Wellington

Answer: 8.2

This figure is an estimate for what was the most powerful earthquake to have struck New Zealand in recorded history up to the early 21st century. One resident counted 250 aftershocks in the first 11 hours. Aftershocks continued for several months. Major alterations to landscape features included the raising of the Basin Lake by 1.8m, changing it from a lake into a swamp. This was subsequently drained and became the Basin Reserve, Wellington's principal cricket ground. A significant piece of land along the shoreline was also raised and later drained so that the former waterfront, Lambton Quay, is now between 100-200m from the harbour. The Hawke's Bay earthquake of 1931 measured 7.8 on the Richter Scale. The city of Napier, on the east coast of the North Island, was largely destroyed and was rebuilt, almost entirely in the Art Deco style. In 2010 an earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck Christchurch in the South Island. (www.teara.govt.nz)

17. Just days before Christmas of 2007 a disaster struck the region. Many businesses were forced to close at their busiest time of the year and many people had a big cleanup on their hands. What happened?

From Quiz That's Where I'm From - Gisborne, New Zealand!

Answer: An earthquake

On the 21 December 2007 at 9pm, Gisborne was shaken up by a 6.1 magnitude earthquake centered off the coast. Not uncommon for the area, the quake and its smaller aftershocks resulted in damage to many of the city's old buildings, some of which had to be condemned. It was a frightening experience for me and something that those involved in will never forget. Incorrect answers: After the earthquake many people feared a tsunami might have been triggered. Fortunately that did not happen but there was a small one in 1947 which destroyed the Tatapouri Hotel outbuildings. In March 1988, Gisborne and the east coast were struck by Cyclone Bola which caused devastating floods. I was only 3 but I remember helicopters carrying huge monsoon buckets. There have been stories of small tornadoes or water spouts around the east coast but none have been major.

18. What is the town which held the world record for the biggest jersey (sweater)?

From Quiz More New Zealand Towns And Cities

Answer: Geraldine

Geraldine is located between Ashburton and Timaru. One of the biggest jerseys in the world took two weeks to make. It hangs up on the wall of the creator's pure wool shop.

19. Which town had to be moved when the original location of the town was partially flooded to create a new lake (for hydro-electricity purposes)?

From Quiz New Zealand Towns - Through the Alphabet

Answer: Cromwell

Cromwell (population: 2667 approx.) is in the heart of 'stone fruit country' and there is a statue commemorating this outside the town. In the peak picking season, visitors can readily purchase nectarines, plums & peaches from roadside stalls. The new lake that was created through the flooding is Lake Dunstan. The location of the original town of Cromwell is now under Lake Dunstan. As a part of the flooding, several of the most historic buildings were moved to higher ground for future generations to enjoy. For more information on Cromwell, see 'www.cromwell.org.nz'.

20. Which suburb has a wetland with lots of native trees/scrub and birds?

From Quiz Suburbs Of Christchurch

Answer: Burwood

It is called Travis Wetland because it's on Travis Road. It has a nice scenic walking track which runs through the wetland.

21. What is the largest city in New Zealand?

From Quiz New Zealand Towns and Cities

Answer: Auckland

Auckland has a total population of over one million people. It is located on the North Island. Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is the second largest city and is also located on the North Island.

22. C: What is the name of the largest city in the South Island?

From Quiz A-Z New Zealand Towns and Cities

Answer: Christchurch

Christchurch was the host city of the Commonwealth Games in 1974 and the Eisenhower World Amateur Teams Golf Championship in 1990. Canterbury is the name of the province in which Christchurch is situated. Culverden is a small town in Canterbury, and Cromwell is in the province of Otago.

23. What is the name of the coastal Otago town that shares its fame with the Plunket movement started in Dunedin on 14th May 1907 by a local town resident Truby King?

From Quiz Famous Small Towns in New Zealand

Answer: Karitane

Truby King believed that "scientifically formulated doctrines" on nutrition and infant care were the key to the future health of the nation. The Karitane Home for Babies first opened in Dunedin, taking babies and children under two years who were not treated under the general hospital system. The hospital's first patients were malnourished infants that had been previously residing at Truby Kings own cottage in Karitane. The Plunket philosophy became a part of New Zealand parenting culture. Dr King's books, 'The Expectant Mother' and 'Baby's First Months' were handed out to every applicant for a marriage licence!

24. The first wave of European settlers made Auckland their home in 1840, but it has been determined that the land was originally settled by Maori tribes around which year AD? (Hint : Just about the same time as the 100 Year War started in Europe)

From Quiz My Home Town : Auckland New Zealand

Answer: 1350

At least six Maori tribes (or Iwi) settled in the Auckland region about the time that many settlers from Polynesia in the Pacific emigrated to New Zealand. The area attracted these early migrants because of the fertile, volcanic enriched soil, abundant fresh water, and temperate climate. The Maori name for the region is Tamaki Makaurau - which means Tamaki of 100 Lovers.

25. Who was Baron von Alzdorf? He's associated with the 1855 earthquake.

From Quiz Windy Wellington

Answer: The only earthquake fatality in Wellington

Across the region, the total number of deaths caused by the earthquake was between five and nine. Austrian Baron von Alzdorf, the only casualty in Wellington itself, died when a brick chimney in his hotel collapsed. The official death toll of the Hawke's Bay earthquake in 1931 was 256, though the real figure may have been slightly higher.

26. Where is the suburb Mount Maunganui?

From Quiz More New Zealand Towns And Cities

Answer: Tauranga

Tauranga is located on the banks of the Bay Of Plenty. It is one of the few cities which has a population over 100,000, other than the five main cities of Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton and Dunedin.

27. What is the northern-most town in New Zealand?

From Quiz New Zealand Towns and Cities

Answer: Kaitaia

Kaitaia lies at the top of the North Island, close to Ninety-Mile Beach.

28. D: Which city is known as the "Edinburgh of the South" and is the second largest city of the South Island?

From Quiz A-Z New Zealand Towns and Cities

Answer: Dunedin

Settled by Scots in the 1830's, Dunedin is Otago's main centre.

29. What town is the only place in the world where you can find a hot natural thermal soda water geyser, AND the oldest pipe organ in the Southern Hemisphere?

From Quiz Famous Small Towns in New Zealand

Answer: Te Aroha

Te Aroha is located in Waikato in the Coromandel Peninsula region, near Matamata. Spraying about four metres into the air every forty minutes, the Mokena geyser is a one of a kind. The world's only HOT soda water geyser. The world's only cold soda water geyser can be found in Japan. Other highlights include the Domain which houses *The Te Aroha Mineral Pools and the world's only naturally flowing hot mineral Soda Spa Baths. 'A history of Health and Vitality since 1883'. *The Wyborn Leisure Pool complex which is heated. *The historic Cadman House Museum - New Zealand's original sanitorium. There one can see the Queen Ann Pipe Organ built in 1712 the oldest pipe organ in the Southern Hemisphere.

30. What is the origin of the name Auckland?

From Quiz My Home Town : Auckland New Zealand

Answer: The Earl of Auckland - the Viceroy of India in 1840

New Zealand's first Governor, William Hobson, chose the settlement between the harbours as the site of the country's first capital in 1840. Hobson subsequently named the settlement Auckland after his friend and supporter George Eden, then titled Earl of Auckland, from County Durham, England.

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Last Updated Dec 21 2024 5:55 AM
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