New Zealand

A primordial playground with truly spectacular scenery on the grandest scale, outdoor adventure activities galore, colourful and compelling Maori culture and terribly nice Kiwis.

A stupendous fjord of spectacular scenery, surrounded by rainforest, surrounded and crowned by the Mitre Peak. One of New Zealand’s signature experiences – by boat, kayak, helicopter or hike.

See the world’s largest toothed predator, the sperm whale, close up on these Maori-run tours, boasting a 95% success rate. You can whale-watch on kayaks too.

Swim amongst hundreds, if not thousands, of wild dusky dolphins, surrounded by the jaw-dropping scenery in Kaikoura’s bay, Tours are responsibly operated and educational.

The largest geyser in the southern hemisphere, it reliably ‘erupts’ up to twenty times per day, sending hissing jets of sulphurous steam up to 30m (100 feet) into the air.

Adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting for scaredy cats and daredevils, with guaranteed thrills and spills aplenty. Choose either the grade 2-3 rapids of the Kawarau River, or the grade 3-5 rapids of the Shotover River.

New Zealand’s largest, prettiest and most celebrated wine region boasting over 80+ intimate, welcoming wineries.

The original bunjy jump, from a 43m-high bridge over the Kawarau River, plus valley swings and human catapult experiences alongside. Adrenaline rush guaranteed and spectacular scenery to boot.

A brilliantly unique via Ferrata course that requires you to climb to the top of a free-flowing waterfall. Three levels suit different ages and abilities.

New Zealand sits on a geothermal fault line, making it prime country for bubbling, geothermal hot springs ­known in Maori as waiariki. Although found across both islands, the Central Plateau region of the North Island, underlain by the Taupo Volcanic Zone, is particularly good, especially near Rotorua.