New Zealand holidays

To get the most out of your visit to this bicultural nation, seek out its Māori heritage sites. At Waitangi Treaty Grounds, learn about the nation’s founding document, signed in 1840. Take a Māori-led tour of Te Puia to see the southern hemisphere’s largest natural geyser. Admire Māori art, cultural objects and historical exhibits at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, the nation’s capital.

As the birthplace of the world’s first commercial bungee jump, New Zealand has adrenaline in its DNA. Experience this heart-pounding activity where it all began at AJ Hackett Bungy near Queenstown. There’s also skydiving above Lake Taupō and skiing on the active volcano Mount Ruapehu. For awesome views of the country’s tallest building, harness up and walk on the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower.

Start by getting a bird’s-eye view of Auckland from the Sky Tower, whose panoramic observation deck rises 220 metres above street level. Or delve into JRR Tolkien’s fantasy world at Hobbiton, two hours south of Auckland. And you can’t leave New Zealand without ticking Milford Sound off your bucket list. Book an overnight cruise to see the fiord at its most tranquil.

The beaches in New Zealand are as diverse as its landscapes. They range from the volcanic black sands of Piha Beach to the stunningly remote beaches of the South Island’s West Coast. Northland’s Ninety Mile Beach (which isn’t actually 90 miles long) is a seemingly endless stretch of sand with epic sunsets and surf. Pack some high SPF — the New Zealand sun is strong.

You’ll discover natural beauty everywhere you look in New Zealand. Cruise or kayak through Milford Sound’s glacier-carved fjords with cascading waterfalls. Marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, where you can gaze at some of the world’s clearest night skies. Explore pristine wildernesses on multi-day ‘Great Walks’, from Stewart Island’s ancient forests to Fiordland’s misty valleys and Abel Tasman’s stunning beaches.

One of the best museums in New Zealand happens to be the country’s national museum, Wellington’s Te Papa Tongarewa. You’ll learn about everything from native plants and wildlife to disasters and Māori culture. ‘Lord of the Rings’ fans shouldn’t miss Hobbiton, home to the iconic Middle-earth movie sets. To hear the stories of survivors of the 2010 Canterbury Earthquake, visit the Quake City special exhibition at the Canterbury Museum.

You’ll eat some of the world’s freshest seafood in the restaurants in New Zealand. Local delicacies include meaty Bluff oysters, Northland scallops and ‘pāua’ (sea snails). For a classic Kiwi snack, pick up a savoury pie from a roadside cafe or local bakery. And don’t miss sampling the country’s internationally renowned wines — try a glass of Central Otago pinot noir or Marlborough sauvignon blanc.