GETTING THERE & AROUND

Air New Zealand, Qantas, Etihad Airways and Singapore Airlines all fly from Heathrow to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown with one or two stops. airnewzealand.co.uk qantas.com etihad.com singaporeair.com Average flight time: 23h30m.

Car rental outlets can be found in all major towns and a comprehensive network of camping sites mean there are ample places to park a campervan. An equally scenic alternative is the country’s reliable train service. jucy.com railnewzealand.com

WHEN TO GO

High season is December to February, when long, sunny days offer average highs of 24C. Spring and autumn attract fewer crowds, while winter offers skiing in the Southern Alps.

MORE INFO

Tourism New Zealand. newzealand.com

HOW TO DO IT

First Light Travel creates customisable self-drive tours catering to divers, bikers, hikers and families. Its 21day Ultimate New Zealand Driving Adventure package includes heli-hiking on Franz Josef Glacier and sailing the Bay of Islands. From NZ$5,820 (£3,050) per person. firstlighttravel.com

G Adventures offers a 22-day, smallgroup, multisport tour that includes caving in Waitomo and mountain biking in Rotorua. From NZ$8,000 (£4,200) per person. gadventures.com Haka Tours offers a snow safari package that involves skiing on six mountains in seven days and visiting Queenstown, Christchurch, Lake Takapō and Wanaka. From NZ$2,249 (£1,180) per person. hakatours.com All excluding flights.