“New Zealand is not a small country, but a large village”, and with a population of only four and a half million spread over two hundred and seventy thousand square kilometres – larger than our own United Kingdom – Peter Jackson’s not wrong. It set ‘Lord of the Rings’ for a reason, after all. It’s described as an ideal Britain, a world still untouched by humans. The ultimate escape from the repetition of modern life. If Britain today gets a bit too much — then step back fifty years, see how you like it then.

A rite of passage
If your ideal holiday consists of adrenaline, free-falling, high-speeds and higher water, then this is your kind of place. New Zealand’s first official bungee was in 1980, but since then it’s been a rite of passage. Join that proud tradition, be it from a platform over the horizon or the All Blacks stadium roof – every rugby fan’s fantasy!

If you’re braver still and find even the one wire a touch constrictive, then why not free fall 12,000 feet at Lake Taupo – the world’s largest commercial drop, eyes darting from volcano to the looming turquoise puddle below. Caving, mountain biking trails at Whakarewarewa Forest – the two islands’ most popular centre – all terrain touring, jet skiing, zip-lining and white-water rafting can all be done away from the coast.

Scuba diving in a shining basin
But, head towards the shoreline for anything from a casual game of sunlight framed golf, to scuba diving in a shining basin amidst waves lapping up sand softer than silk. Kayaking, fishing, sailing… well, anything really – you can do it with a crimson sunset and sea at your back.

If you’re more chill than thrill, then perhaps the Maori culture will suit your style. A real taste of Kiwi life from people who make up fourteen percent of the population. Go off to a marae for a tour and be awakened by war dances, tattoos, arts and language – see who made New Zealand what it is today.

Unforgettable experiences
When you’ve had a hard day trekking or skiing amongst the peaks, nothing calms you like a beach-front drink outside your hostel retreat, perhaps with a fire-lit festival adorned with night rivalling lights to keep you warm. New Zealand government also support a ‘gap year’ scheme with fifty unforgettable experiences. It’s a bold promise, so why take them at their word?

An article like this can only say so much about one of the most diverse countries in the world, but what can be said is that whatever you choose to do there, you won’t forget it in a hurry. For more ideas, visit newzealand.com/us/things-to-do.

With so much to see and try, New Zealand isn’t a place you come to just the once, but then again, you’ve got to start somewhere…