Newzealand Holidays
Similar in size to the British Islands and situated right at the opposite side of the world is the fabulous holiday destination of New Zealand.
With a population of just four million, a quarter of whom live in the North Island city of Auckland, the nation is a largely unspoilt dream for nature lovers.
And as you go further south, particularly to the more sparsely populated South Island, the wilderness becomes even more of an adventurous treat.
The capital of New Zealand is Wellington, situated at the southern tip of the North Island.
From here you take a two to three hour ferry ride across Cook Strait to reach the top of the South Island.
Alternatively you can take advantage of the capital's airport and take a half hour flight across the sea to Picton or fly further down to Christchurch.
Although the beautiful scenery is one of the primary attractions for visitors, it is also a thrill-seekers' paradise with plenty of adrenalin-fuelled activities.
Nature lovers can enjoy invigorating countryside walks, go whale watching or relax in hot natural springs or on sandy beaches.
Alongside these attractions you can find activities such as white-water rafting, skiing, bungee jumping and mountain climbing.
On top of this are the fascination Maori culture to explore, museums, ancient crafts and the modern Tolkien-inspired world of Lord of the Rings.
With all this choice it is hard to know where to start.
Toby Walne is an award-winning national journalist who has enjoyed travelling extensively around the world, including visits to New Zealand.
News
Brits long to leave work for travel
A new survey reveals that 54 per cent of Britons would love to take a break from their job in order to travel abroad or volunteer.
The research by the One Life Live exhibition, which is taking place between March 2nd and the 4th at London's Olympia, found that while 7.5 million people want to take time out from their career to travel, just 1.2 per cent actually manage to do it.
Despite this, director of gapadvice.org Phil Murray said that the gap year market for adults was seeing the fastest growth of all of the travel industry sectors.
He commented: "Career breaks are a very real option for thousands of workers as more companies recognise the benefits of allowing staff to spread their wings, learn a new skill and keep motivated."
It is not just young workers that are heading off on gap years abroad either, with research from
American Express Travel Insurance last summer revealing that more than half of British gap year travellers are aged over 25.
The USA was found to be the top destination for travellers polled by the insurer, followed by New Zealand and then South America.
Welcome the new year during New Zealand holidays
Tourists on New Zealand holidays who want to explore the fascinating culture of the islands' native people may want to time their visit to coincide with Maori New Year.
The Matariki festival takes place from June 15th to July 15th 2007 and offers many ways to learn how the Maori commemorate their tradition within contemporary life in Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland.
A range of artistic performances and exhibitions are on display during the festival, including a textile show, glass sculptures, wood carvings, music and storytelling.
Visitors can also learn how to carve a traditional Maori fish hook and the customs regarding gathering food and using plants.
Matariki was traditionally a mid-winter celebration that gave the Maori a chance to bid farewell to the dead, acknowledge successes of the past year and greet the new year.
The festival's name comes from the Maori word for the Pleiades star cluster, which served as an important navigational aid, as well as a way of predicting the weather for the upcoming season.
Those taking their New Zealand holidays during June and July may want to be aware that temperatures typically range from 11 to 15 degrees Celsius during that time of year.
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