Oceania
New Zealand
vital statistics
- Wellington
- 4.7 million
- English
- New Zealand dollar
While we love to diss their accents and make bad sheep jokes, the land of the Kiwi is blessed with scenery so otherworldly you’d think you were on the set of a Lord of the Rings film. Which is probably because you are.
For a snow or adventure sports holiday, New Zealand comes up trumps for affordability and quality. For those less enthused with getting among the cold stuff, there is hiking to be done in the tranquil mountains. Go ga-ga over a gaggle of glaciers – if you are ever going to splash out on a hell ride, this is the place to do it.
The indigenous Maori culture has been maintained, preserved and respected better than pretty much anywhere else in the world, and spending some time on a cultural tour is well worth the effort. You’ll also find the live music scene worth a look and, if you are really, really desperate (we jest), check out the national obsession, rugby. Best of all, at the end of every day, you can indulge in a tipple of a world-acclaimed sauvignon blanc or ale at one of the plethora of vineyards or microbreweries while munching on some world-class grub. Choice eh, bro?