The location of New Zealand, wedged between the two continental plates - the Pacific Plate and the Indian-Australian plate, gives the country its unique landscape of glacial mountains, thermal springs, volcanoes, verdant plains, swift rivers with steep rapids, still, deep lakes, rich forests and golden beaches. New Zealand consists of two main islands, North Island and South Island, with a number of smaller islands scattered along the coastline. Due to its relative isolation from other landmasses, most of the country's flora and fauna species are indigenous in nature. The very nature of the country's terrain and climate makes New Zealand a natural lover of the outdoors. Apart from Rugby, which is a national obsession, New Zealanders indulge in outdoor activities, which range from the tamer ones like trekking (known locally as tramping), fishing, biking to the more challenging ones like skiing, rafting, diving, mountain climbing and bungee jumping. Being extraordinarily friendly and helpful New Zealanders have the knack of making strangers feel at home in their country and are very open and generous hosts. The culture of New Zealand is a unique blend of Maori and Pakeha (as the white settler was originally known) both cultures exist side-by-side, and is constantly evolving into interesting new forms that are unique to the nation.