It’s no wonder New Zealand is rapidly becoming one of the most revered travel destinations in the world - thanks to its untarnished, colourful and amazing landscapes, fantastic cities and endless range of activities.

A fly/drive holiday is the only way to take in New Zealand’s various provinces, which is aided by the fact that the country prides itself on having some of the best roads and tourist friendly signposting on the planet to aid its many independent visitors.

Begin in the famous city of Auckland and take in the Sky Tower to gaze out at the panoramic views of rugged landscape that await, or have an unforgettable meal in its revolving restaurant. To take in the city’s vast array of sites, hop on the Explorer Bus, which visits Mission Bay’s picturesque beach promenade and Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and the Auckland Museum, which gives insight to the Maori culture of the country. The bus will also take you to the Victoria Park Market for shoppers, the city’s Botanic Gardens and ornate Parnell Village.

Catch the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island and use your hire car to discover its wineries, olive groves, spectacular unspoilt beaches and the numerous little bays dotted along the coast. On the island, visit Whittakers Musical Museum and eat at the one of the many fine restaurants serving up local cuisine before catching the beautiful sunset.

Alternatively head south to see the spectacular sights of the Thermal Attractions of New Zealand; Waimangu and Waiotapu, where you will find geysers and volcanoes, plus mineral pools and hot springs. Take a guided tour of Ohinemutu - an original Maori village on the lakefront. If you are feeling energetic, stretch your legs among the Whakarewarewa Forest redwoods, before enjoying a traditional Maori performance at Tamaki Village.

The capital city of Wellington is a five-hour drive from Auckland, but worth every moment. The journey is broken up as you round the beautiful Lake Taupo, which is surrounded by heartland farming provinces, before heading through the staggering beauty of the Rimutaka Hills and onto your final destination of Wellington.

In Wellington itself, Te Papa is another museum dedicated to Maori culture and well worth a look, whilst the amazing cable cars which stretch from Lambton Quay’s main shopping area to the risen suburb of Kelburn, offering beautiful views of the whole city. Stop off at the Botanic Gardens at the top of the city and drop into Parliament, where the public are able to sit in on a session. Art lovers won’t go disappointed either, thanks to the City Gallery.

Before your trip takes you to Christchurch, a great expedition is to be had by catching the ferry to Picton as it passes through the Queen Charlotte Sound passage, where you can catch the Tranzcoastal train that takes you on a scenic adventure through vineyards and along the coastline, towered by rugged mountain range. When the train reaches Kaikoura, get out and go one of the unforgettable whale-watching trip.

Christchurch is a city of culture and regeneration. After passing through the top of Port Hills with its amazing views of Lyttelton Harbour, it’s the modern architecture that is the most striking about approaching Christchurch’s centre, noticeable in the brand new Christchurch Art Gallery, as well as the Canterbury Museum.

One last must-do journey is the five-hour drive towards Queenstown where you’ll pass by the awesome, deep blue, Lake Tekapo that sits beneath the world famous and staggering dominance of the impressive Mount Cook and the beauty of the Lindis Pass. An impressive and picture perfect way to end one of the most astonishing landscapes and countries on the planet.

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