In New Zealand, one of the priority areas of research during the early stages of the development of geographical studies has been to clarify the country's natural and regional features after the settlement of Europeans. The local scope of geographical studies, characterized by detailed descriptions and systematic analyses of local phenomena continued well into the 20^th century. Excellent works, masterpieces of regional geography published in New Zealand between the 1960s and the 1970s were based on extensive fieldwork and firmly grounded in the conceptual framework of traditional regional geography.
 Since the 1980s, geographical studies in New Zealand have been characterized by an increasing openness to global perspectives, although informed by local viewpoints and anchored in the traditional framework of New Zealand regional geography. Such an evolution from local to global perspectives in geographical studies has been stimulated by active exchanges between the association of New Zealand Geographers and foreign geographical associations. Particularly productive have been exchanges between New Zealand and Australian geographical societies (such as the Institute of Australian Geography), resulting in innovative approaches and new perspectives in systematic fields of geography such as geomorphology, climatology, and agricultural and rural geography.
 Such valuable contributions of geographical research in New Zealand have gained international recognition, and are expected to continue providing inspiration in various fields.