Pack your bags and head for the southern hemisphere. New Zealand is the place!

Why New Zealand
Simple! All the natural attractions of the world converge here. Mystical landscapes replete with abundant greenery, vast mountain chains, volcanoes and sweeping coastlines, lush rainforests, amazing wildlife, great weather all year around. Plus, one of the world's least crowded countries. Thus, a perfect retreat for those seeking rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers. We rest our case.

Things To Do
Self-driving: One of the best ways to enjoy NZ's landscape. Grab a map. Get going!
Cycle or mobike around the countryside.
Swim with the dolphins, go whale, fur seals or penguin watching.
Hydro massage: In Rotorua. Don't miss it!
Try your hand at bungee jumping or white water rafting. Go canoeing or kayaking on the numerous lakes and rivers.
A helicopter flight over a South Island glacier. Better still, do the glacier walks through the rainforests. Visit a Kiwi House and watch the kiwis under special 'nocturnal' lighting.

Shopping
Pick some Maori carvings in wood, bone and 'pounamu' (greenstone or jade), jewellery and ornaments made from the iridescent 'paua' shell (abalone), treasured by Maori for centuries. Make space for pottery and works of art in stone, wood, glass and metal. Pick handknitted wool sweaters, wall hangings, homespun yarns and top-quality sheepskins. Try NZ's own fashion labels - NomD, Karen Walker and World.

Food And Nightlife
New Zealand style cuisine includes lamb, pork, salmon, crayfish, Bluff oysters, mussels, scallops, kumara (sweet potato), and kiwi fruit. Do not miss pavlova, made from meringue and lashings of fresh cream topped with fresh fruit or berries. 'Pacific Rim' cuisine is a favourite. Try the wines - Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Also, New Zealand enjoys a vibrant nightlife - pubs, casinos, shows... options galore!

Where To Stay
Wide choice for every budget types - luxury hotels, country lodges, motels, guest houses, and farm or homestays, holiday parks and backpacker hostels. One exciting option - a campervan. Two, four or six-berth vans are available on rent with all the comforts of home including a shower, refrigerator and microwave.

Getting There
Air New Zealand flies to Auckland from Singapore. A return ticket to New Zealand would cost approximately Rs 46,200.

Currency
New Zealand dollar (NZ$). 1 NZD = Rs 31 approximately. All major credit cards, travellers cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. For more information visit www.purenz.com; www.newzealand.com

Trivia And Tips
• 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy was filmed throughout New Zealand and you can explore the regions where the epic adventure occurred.
• Farm and homestays: An ideal way to experience New Zealand rural life. You may get the chance to share home cooked meals with your hosts and join in with whatever is happening on the farm.
• The Kiwi (New Zealand's national emblem) is a flightless bird, found only in New Zealand.
• Kiwis: New Zealanders are referred by this term. Also a short form for the famous kiwi fruit. On the stock exchange, the New Zealand Dollar is also referred to as 'the kiwi'!
• English is the everyday language, but Maori is the official language of New Zealand.
• Cricket is a passion. The Kiwis are said to have a tenacity and passion for the game second to none.

Some Famous New Zealanders
Peter Jackson: Director, 'The Lord of The Rings' Trilogy
Stephen Fleming: Easily New Zealand's most successful ever test cricket captain.
Yvette Williams: The Olympic gold medalist at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics for the long jump event.
Russell Crowe: Need we say who this is?
Edmund Hillary: The first man in the world to climb Mount Everest also features on NZ$5 note.
Kate Sheppard: The key figure in the suffrage movement in New Zealand - the first country in the world to grant universal adult suffrage to men and women equally.