New Zealand is slightly bigger than Britain but it has fewer than four million people. New Zealanders like to spread out and enjoy plenty of space. Most live in detached, three-bedroom, single-storey wooden houses, each built on a 'section' of land, which is usually between 300 and 800 square metres in size. There is usually a terrace or vegetable garden at the back and a flower garden or lawn in front. In poorer districts the houses are smaller and older. The few high-rise apartments that exist are often luxurious and expensive.

Many New Zealanders also have a holiday cottage at a beach, on a lake or a river. In the north, they call it a 'bach' (pronounced batch) and in the south of the South Island, a 'crib'. Those without a 'bach' may go camping. It is always easy to find an empty beach or a mountain track. Most New Zealanders have a car and are prepared to travel long distances.

"In the English-speaking World"