It’s a long way down-under to New Zealand, beyond even Australia. But what a wonderful destination awaits after the 24-hour flight from the UK.

If you’ve been before you’ll understand New Zealand’s appeal. If not, it’s time to discover this Antipodean gem where there are seven times as many sheep as people! There’s rugby too, with New Zealand co-hosting the Rugby League world championship between October and December this year.

Packed like an Antipodean ‘Tardis’
New Zealand looks tiny on maps, but its two main islands form a surprisingly big country. In fact, it’s packed, like an Antipodean ‘Tardis’, with rewards for visitors. Anyone who has been will tell you that to see New Zealand properly demands weeks or months. It’s true: but for a start, you could do worse than pair North Island’s cosmopolitan Auckland with the entrancing alpine mountains and lakes of South Island.

Cheltenham Beach, Auckland
So fly into Auckland and check-in to one of many well-rated hotels such as the Langham, Grand Millennium or Eden Park B&B. Then grab a bite to eat – maybe local lamb, seafood, New Zealand’s famous Hokey-Pokey ice cream and a glass of L&P (Lemon and Paeroa). That should set you up to explore the city and surrounds. In Auckland, that means starting with the Sky Tower, Cornwall Park, Tiritiri Matangi Island or volcanic Mt Eden’s marvellous city and harbour views. There’s even nearby Cheltenham Beach, in case you miss Gloucestershire!

Fly south to Fiordland
After a few days, catch a two-hour flight to Queenstown or make the 1,900km drive (with an eight-hour ferry trip across Cook Straight) in your hire car or camper. In Fiordland, TripAdvisor is your friend again, starting with accommodations such as Millbrook Lodge, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel or Milford Sound Lodge. Thereafter, opportunities to explore this stunning world of sea and mountains are only limited by your budget and time available.

So will you hike Milford Trail, go sea kayaking, enjoy plane or helicopter sightseeing or visit Lake Te Anau and other ‘Lord of the Rings’ locations? Or chill out with a great New Zealand wine as you tuck into delicious Mt Cook Salmon and world famous bluff oysters?

It’s your call and all await when you head to the land of rugby’s All Blacks, Maori culture, Crowded House and so many other amazing sights and memory-inspiring experiences. See you down under!