New Zealand enthrals a traveller with its outlandish scenery, fabulous festivals, superb food and wine, and magical outdoor experiences. Equally impressive is the country’s potent, mainstream Maori culture. This is a country that recognises and celebrates its indigenous people – the world is a kinder, gentler, more respectful place down here! Christchurch is a beautiful city, where you can cycle alongside the river, indulge in fine sophisticated dining, and where, just 15 minutes from the centre you can scramble up mountain bike tracks or ride a wave at a surf beach. Queenstown sits on the shore of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic ranges. Auckland’s blend of harbour, islands, Polynesian culture and modern city environment has created a lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world. Rotorua is the city, on the Volcanic Plateau, which has one of the world’s most lively fields of geothermal activity.