New Zealand is a country of rare seismic beauty: glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, deep, clear lakes, hissing geysers and boiling mud. There are also abundant native forests, long, deserted beaches and a variety of fauna, such as the kiwi, endemic to its shores. Any number of vigorous outdoor activities - tramping (hiking), skiing, rafting and of course, that perennial favourite, bungee jumping - await the adventurous. You can swim with dolphins, gambol with newborn lambs, whale-watch or fish for fattened trout in pristine streams and rivers. English and Maori are the two official languages. English is more widely spoken, though the mellifluous and poetic Maori language, for so long on the decline, is now making a comeback thanks to the revival of Maoritanga.

New Zealand society is sophisticated and multi-cultural, and the honesty, friendliness and openness of the Kiwis is likely to impress you. Another great advantage of New Zealand is that its diverse physical, cultural and artistic landscapes are all relatively close to each other. Auckland is the largest city with 1.1 million people; Christchurch is next at 350,000. Wellington is the capital.

A compact city ideal for walkers, Wellington also boasts a lovely harbour, which is encircled by green, towering hills. The city offers a satisfying blend of arts and culture, dining delights, shopping and scenic beauty, making Wellington an ideal urban destination. Its central business area is divided into four quarters, all within walking distance of each other: The concentrated shopping and indulgence of Lambton Quarter, the intellectual centre at Willis Quarter, the innovation and community of Cuba Quarter and the entertainment of Courtenay Quarter.

Wellington maintains 50 museums and galleries. Its pride is Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand. Located on the waterfront, this internationally acclaimed museum combines leading-edge technology with traditional exhibits that tell the stories of New Zealand's unique land and people.

New Zealand is ideal for travelling in the backpacking style. And more and more people are now choosing this kind of holiday thanks to not just the stunning landscapes but also the huge variety of excellent accommodation and activities available: from basic to luxurious and sedate to exhilarating.

The country consists of two main islands and several smaller ones a thousand miles from the coast of Australia. In size, it's comparable to Great Britain. Yet with a population of only 3.8 million, it's one of the world's least-crowded countries. That makes it alluring to those seeking peace and relaxation - as well as couples who adore thrills and adventures. More than a third of the land has been set aside in national parks, reserves, and heritage sites that preserve the country's ecological treasures. New Zealand has 13 national parks with relatively untouched landscapes that are home to ancient forests, rare birds and creatures that have survived since prehistoric times.

New Zealand's most famous bird and national symbol, the kiwi, has been described as the most "unbirdlike" bird in the world, with its nostrils at the end of its beak and loose hair-like feathers and whiskers. You'll also hear New Zealanders referred to as Kiwis. New Zealand is home to the world's only flightless parrot, the rare kakapo, and the world's only alpine parrot, the kea, as well. Horseback riding trips are a popular way to see New Zealand's scenery and get close to nature. Tour operators lead guided treks on beaches, farms, forests and high country.

New Zealand's indigenous Maori people have a language and culture all their own. The Maori first arrived in canoes from their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki more than a thousand years ago. Their traditional arts such as carving, weaving, kapa haka (group performance), whaikorero (oratory) and moko (tattooing) are practiced throughout the country. Today Maori culture also includes art, film, TV, poetry, theatre and even hip-hop music. Visitors to New Zealand become quickly aware of the Maori language; the majority of destination names are of Maori origin.

New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere's. The warmest months are December, January, and February; the coldest are June, July, and August. In summer there's plenty of sunshine, and activities in and around the water include rafting, snorkelling, canoeing and kayaking. There's snow on the mountains in winter and excellent skiing. Away from the mountains, New Zealand winters are fairly mild.

With the country surrounded by sea, wrinkled by meandering rivers and lakes, covered in native bush and with a central spine of magnificent snow-capped mountains, there's something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors and the sense of freedom a sparsely populated land provides. Extreme activities include bungee jumping, jet boat riding, rafting and heli-skiing. Couples also enjoy hiking and water-skiing, mountain climbing and caving.