New Zealand

Comparable in size to the UK, but with a population of only four million, New Zealand is one of the world's least crowded countries. That even after the huge increase in tourism since that thinly-disguised tourist board promotion known to some as The Lord of the Rings films. The country’s spectacularly beautiful landscapes - mountain ranges, huge lakes, active volcanoes, glacier-carved fjords, sweeping coastlines and pristine forests - were the perfect backdrop to the action in the movies, and often stole the show completely from acting that was sometimes more wooden than the scenery. Sorry, Orlando.

After several research trips in recent years, Original Travel feels pretty well qualified to talk you through the highlights. With more than a third of the country protected by National Parks, New Zealand is a playground for action men and women (and elves), and we can recommend and organise the best outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, abseiling, rafting, sailing, skiing and climbing. Original Travel’s New Zealand team can also arrange tastings at some of the countries’ outstanding wineries for the less action-orientated.