New Zealand

New Zealand's spectacularly beautiful landscape has breathtaking scenery with rocky coastlines, extensive golden beaches, verdant forests, snow-capped mountains, gurgling volcanic pools and glacier-fed lakes and is a haven for those seeking peace and rejuvenation as well as those wanting a playground filled with thrills and adventure.

Flying time: 25 hours to Auckland.

Time difference: GMT +12 hrs.

Getting there: Daily services from London with Air New Zealand, via Los Angeles; and with additional services available with other carriers, such as British Airways via Hong Kong; Emirates, via Dubai; and Singapore Airlines, via Singapore.

Currency: New Zealand Dollar.

Vaccinations: Precautions for tetanus are recommended -please contact your doctor for up-to-date information.

Visas: British passport holders do not require visas for stays of up to 6 months. All other nationals please check visa requirements with the embassy.

Best time to visit: New Zealand is sub-tropical in the north and temperate in the south. The north has no extremes of heat or cold, but in the south, winter can be quite cool with snow in the mountains. The eastern areas often experience drought conditions in summer; the west, particularly in South Island, has more rain.