The spectacularly beautiful landscape of vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforests, are why New Zealand is such a special and unique destination.

It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers. A temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it an ideal year-round holiday destination.

Most of New Zealand's 3.6 million people reside on the mellow green North Island, the region that also has the strongest Maori presence.

Auckland, the largest urban area in the country, packs a wallop of cosmopolitan flavour, cultural appeal, scenic beauty and outdoor lures. Sparkling harbours, 60 volcanoes (no worries, the last one erupted 200 years ago), two mountain ranges, dozens of offshore islands and thousands of hectares of green space coexist with art galleries, museums, performing arts, cafes, trendy restaurants, a healthy nightlife scene, Victorian architecture, great shopping, and a rich Maori, Polynesian, Asian and European presence.

Kayaking, sailing, swimming with dolphins, scuba diving and game-fishing are all popular aquatic diversions in the transparent waters of Northland, though you might be equally at home simply kicking back on a peaceful blonde beach between dips.

On land, explore waterfalls and ancient forests on bush tracks, visit wineries, and take in the native culture while you're at it, as this area has a large concentration of Maori. Southeast of Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula provides a more rugged coastal experience, and farther south, Rotorua is a hit-list spectacle for every visitor.

In a land of magnificent alps, glaciers, fjords, mountain lakes, rivers and remarkable coastline, it's no wonder outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers swoon over New Zealand's South Island.

If you're a thrill-seeker, by all means, make a beeline for Queenstown and its adrenalin-pumping pursuits, and if you have some boots to break in, head for the world-renowned tracks. But don't miss the rest of South Island's countless gems.

Many international visitors fly into Christchurch, but if you're coming from North Island, take the three-hour Interisland Ferry ride from Wellington across Cook Strait, and watch it nose through the rocky entrance of the peaceful Marlborough Sounds, landing in the harbor town of Picton.