New Zealand is situated on a significant geological feature known as the Indian Ocean plate, which is somewhat surprising given its distance from the actual Indian Ocean. This highlights the complexity of tectonic plates and how they can extend over vast distances, impacting regions far removed from their namesake.

Bill Bryson, in his book "A Short History of Nearly Everything," points out this intriguing fact to illustrate the surprising geological connections that exist around the globe. New Zealand's position on the Indian Ocean plate serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the Earth's crust and the unexpected links between different geographical areas.