From Cape Reinga, where the swirling waters of the Tasman and Pacific crash together against an eerie landscape steeped in Maori legend to the culture capital of Wellington, the North Island is a place where nature approaches the supernatural.

The North Island invites visitors year-round with an agreeable subtropical / temperate climate. It is very easy to get around thanks to excellent roads and public transport. Highlights of the North Island range from natural wonders to social and cultural extravaganzas. Be sure to visit takes the steaming heart of the island and its astounding thermal activity replete with geysers, mud pools and hot springs. Underground exploration activity is found in Waitomo, where caves offer adventure and fascination. Immerse yourself in the folklore and culture of the original inhabitants-the Maori. These Pacific islanders journeyed over vast expanses of ocean in waka (large canoes) many centuries ago to arrive on these shore where they developed a unique society. You'll find references and tributes throughout New Zealand, but Rotorua is particularly renowned for its Maori cultural experiences.

No visit to this country is complete without setting foot in the magnificent old growth forests. Having evolved in isolation for millions of years, many of New Zealand's plants and birds are unique. You can trek through the forests yourself but a professional guide will be better able to reveal mother nature's charms and mysteries. The North Island is also a panoramic festival of beaches, bays and dramatic coastlines.

When you're done with the countryside and ready to absorb the latest in New Zealand culture, head for the bright lights and big cities of the North Island. Auckland, the trend setter for the nation, features more restaurants, cafes and bars per capita than New York. It enjoys a unique setting on two harbours and has been described as 'a sophisticated, cosmopolitan city that offers an abundance of activities for the adventurer, the nature follower, the backpacker or the pleasure seeker'. Set on its own harbour and backed by rolling hillsides, Wellington is justifiably proud of its position-this is where New Zealand's politicians go about their business. The city is also a place for fashion, art, cafes, museums and a culture that embraces the spirit of individualism. From one end to the other, New Zealand's North Island embraces a diversity of natural and cultural elements that is simply astounding.

What is it that makes the South Island so incredible? Perhaps it is the seamless transition of pastoral countryside with rocky windswept coasts and snow-capped peaks. Renowned for natural beauty, the South Island is a paradise of rugged landscapes and bucolic panoramas brimming with contrast. From the north, where thick forests ramble down to the seaside, to the southern croplands, the South Island offers countless opportunities to enjoy yourself in the great outdoors. There's no need to "rough it" unless you want to because South Islanders like to balance the natural surroundings with the best of food, wine and accommodation. The region is served by an efficient network of public transport options but if you choose to do the driving, the roads are a delight because you'll feel like you have them all to yourself.

Within a couple of hours of Christchurch International Airport you can ski, play golf, bungee jump, go rafting, mountain biking, wind surfing, whale watching, visit world class wineries and gardens, or enjoy the delights of a cosmopolitan city. Every part of the island takes a different slant on outdoor adventure activities. In the northern region of Marlborough and Abel Tasman, sheltered coves provide safe havens for swimming and kayaking, and the forests along the beaches are ideal for walking. The sun-filled Blenheim region is renowned for producing wine. The coastal town of Kaikoura is the base for whale-watching and other adventures. Christchurch features a bevy of fantastic cafes and restaurants amid the historical character of the South Island's largest city. The Aoraki Mount Cook and Mackenzie region is dominated by wild mountains and deep blue lakes. In Otago, enjoy the lakeside resorts where you can dine in a classy restaurant with the lake and soaring mountains as a backdrop. In winter, these samemountains propose super skiing conditions to all who venture to the slopes.

Dunedin is set on a stunning harbour where wildlife thrives in harmony with civilization. This is a city steeped in tradition and well worth a visit. Further on along the coast, at the tip of the mainland, you will come to Bluff, the jumping-off point to Southland Island. To truly experience the untamed beauty of New Zealand's South Island, a visit to the West Coast is a must. This is the region to rival all others when it comes to the power and scenic beauty of a nature so pure and splendid it will take your breath away.