New Zealand's South Island

New Zealand's South Island, as seen by ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti aboard the International Space Station for her Minerva Mission. She shared those images to her social media on 15 September 2022 with the following caption: "Like Italy, New Zealand's distinct shape & features are usually easy to spot from space. But this mission it's been hiding under rain clouds so this is my first glimpse."

From Te Waipounamu, the South Island, to Te Ika-a-Māui, the North Island, it's a land full of rivers, mountains and valleys – including Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe aka Mount Doom.

Visit Minerva mission page to learn more about Samantha's mission.