New Zealand consists of two main islands, which are the peaks of the submerged continent of Zealandia, which likes under the south Pacific Ocean east of Australia.New Zealand is the emerged parts of a large continental landmass, now undersea, called Zealandia. This is roughly the size and shape of the Indian sub-continent.Zealandia, has been much changed in shape and position by tectonic forces still quite active. It was formed between a granite landmass (probably Queensland, and an arc of island volcanics, but has never been part of Australia.A couple of Australian islands, Macquarie and Norfolk Island lie on the Zealandia basement, as does New Caledonia. The Tasman Seas mid-ocean ridge between New Zealand and Australia formed some 60 - 85 million years ago.
