10 Great Reasons To Visit New Zealand

Cinematic landscapes, a pristine coastline and incredible activities mean NZ needs to be on your travel wish list

- Richard Webber

1.Head for Hobbiton

Just outside the town of Matamata on North Island, film producer and writer Sir Peter Jackson found the perfect place to create the village of Hobbiton and The Shire – a region of Tolkien’s Middle-earth from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The area’s lush, green pastures and rolling landscapes epitomised Tolkien’s vision, and the spectacular movie set remains.

2.Relax on Hot Water

Beach At Hot Water Beach on North Island’s Coromandel Peninsula, visitors can create their own jacuzzi in the wet sand during low tide. Buy a spade at the nearby shop and start building a private hot pool with a stunning ocean view. From deep within the earth, naturally heated mineral water bubbles to the surface through the beach’s golden sand.

3.Explore Milford Sound

Fiordland National Park’s jewel in the crown, Milford Sound, was once described as the eighth wonder of the world by Rudyard Kipling. In the south-west corner of South Island, this wildlife lovers’ paradise boasts towering mountain peaks, many waterfalls and ink-dark waters.

4.Wine tasting in Marlborough