Intriguing Maori culture, adventure sports that’ll have you rethinking your life choices, and natural beauty that puts postcards to shame await you in the heart of Middle Earth.

Between its North and South Islands, New Zealand has a lot to offer. Start with the charming city of Auckland and then set off south through the Waikato region to the Waitomo glow worm caves for a dreamy boat ride with thousands of glow worms twinkling overhead. Pay homage to the world of Tolkien at Hobbiton before disappearing in a puff of geothermal smoke in Rotorua.

Marvel at the scenic beauty of Lake Taupo and hold on to your hat in windy Wellington, before setting off down the Cook Strait and into the sparkling waters of the Marlborough Sounds. In the coastal town of Kaikoura look out for the famous local pods of sperm whales.

Up the ante in Queenstown, renowned for its adventure sports, and in the nearby glacier region, drive through spectacular native forests to the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, where you can rest your weary bones with a soothing soak in a hot pool.

For an epic finale to your holiday travel north to Greymouth and climb aboard the famous Tranz Alpine train to the spectacular Southern Alps.