New Zealand has got stunning landscapes and friendly locals are closer than you think. Wake up in a place where something new awaits you every day.

Indulging in local food and wine is a must-do for many travellers. If gastronomy and vineyard tours are high on your agenda, New Zealand won't disappoint. Meet native animals such as the kiwi (national symbol of New Zealand), the kakapo, the takahe

Baby seals can be seen playing at Ohau Falls, just north of Kaikoura, from April to October

The tuatara is a unique relic of the past - the only beak-headed reptile left in the world. Every species of this reptile family, except the tuatara, died out around 65 million years ago. Tuatara can live for over 100 years, and are only found on protected offshore islands. Tuatara are not a threat to humans.

New Zealand has abundant and diverse marine life, and whale watching and swimming with dolphins are two of our most highly recommended experiences. The small Hector's dolphin is the world's rarest dolphin and only found in New Zealand waters. Seals, penguins and a whole host of fish and shellfish also thrive in New Zealand's fertile marine environment.

Just south of Auckland lies the Hamilton-Waikato region; a land of lush pastures that was chosen to play The Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.