MIDDLE EARTH - ROSS PAKES, regional MANAGER - ASIA AND OCEANIA

"It's rather a long way to go" tends to be the first reaction I am often encountered with when the suggestion of a holiday to New Zealand is proposed. And, while it's true that you have to sacrifice a full day out of your life to get there, it would be a shame if that was the only thing stopping you. You'd be missing out. Considering the other days I have wasted down the years, spent fruitlessly watching Henman and Murray failing to win Wimbledon, or trying to assemble flatpack furniture, I think sitting on a plane to get off on the other side of the world goes down as time well spent. It's a small price to pay for the chance to explore and experience this spectacular country.

In my mind there are not enough superlatives obtainable to give full justification of why anyone should explore this country. With stunning scenery at every turn, beautiful beaches, fine wines and dramatic landscapes, your day spent on a plane will very quickly become a distant memory.

I began my journey in the South Island flying in from my favourite city in the world, Sydney, to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. It did not disappoint, with adrenaline activities a plenty, bungee, jet boats, sky diving to name a few. In my younger years it would have been these activities that would have drawn to the destination yet this time it was the rugged mountains, majestic lakes and the clear crystal air that captured my heart and imagination.

Like most I have seen the films that show the area in such stunning light, but nothing prepares you for the amazing views and intense alpine energy you experience firsthand. It is an active destination all year round, but for those after a more relaxing time there are award winning vineyards and nearby Arrowtown, a traditional gold mining town, has a quiet charm to it.

Away from Queenstown the Southern Lakes area in the South Island includes Wanaka and the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland, I was fortunate enough to experience a helicopter flight from Queenstown over Milford Sound; landing on a snow capped mountain thousands of feet up, sipping champagne next to untamed waterfalls tumbling into virgin forested valleys with only four inquisitive Kea birds as an audience, it was truly one of the most amazing trips I have ever been on.

Ask any New Zealander their favourite place in the country and the most popular answer will be Wanaka, away from the crowds and with the breathtaking scenery but a more relaxed lifestyle than Queenstown, it is well worth spending time here, unfortunately though, my brief one night stop certainly didn't do the area justice.

From Wanaka I drove to Franz Josef, given most people prefer not to have to drive whilst on holiday, in New Zealand it is a must do. The roads are easy to navigate, with most points to points only offering one choice of route you generally can't get lost! Between these two places you will traverse one of the most spectacular drives in the world, the Haast Pass where the landscape is ever changing; from soaring snow capped mountains to a wild and dramatic coastline, golden hill country to alpine lakes. Franz Josef is in the heart of New Zealand's spectacular Glacier country; here I took a 30 minute helicopter flight over the stunning glacier. Seeing it from the air really gives you a perspective of its size and how it has advanced and then retreated at different stages.

Another beautiful drive took me from Franz Josef through Arthurs Pass National Park, the road winded amongst the dry beech/tawhai forest in the east to the abundant rainforest on the western slopes, across to New Zealand's second largest city, Christchurch. With the recent earthquakes making parts of the city inaccessible, I took to the skies again…not a helicopter this time, but to experience my first ever hot air balloon flight. Flying above the Canterbury Plains the diversity was apparent, to the east the sun was rising out of the Pacific Ocean along the magnificent coastline and to the west was the breathtaking snow covered Southern Alps.

My final days in the South Island took me up the coast from Christchurch to Kaikoura to view the sperm whales on a small flight and then on to Nelson, to spend one of my favourite days in New Zealand in the Abel Tasman National Park. Renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs and world famous coastal track it is a must for any client visiting this area, it was truly stunning.

After having the most amazing adventure in the South Island it was such a shame to be leaving, but I had a strong sense that I would not be disappointed with what awaited me on the North Island, especially given my first day would be on a wine tour around the famous vineyards of Hawkes Bay.

I am the first one to admit I am not a connoisseur of wine, apart from knowing the difference between a red and white I'm a little lost on the different varieties! After learning a few popular phrases I was well on my way to mixing it with the very best sommeliers…..at least so I thought, my confidence was growing with each glass tested! For me the stand out wines were the Pinot Noirs, the Sauvignon Blancs and the Pinot Gris, at least I thought that was what I remembered…….

Next stop on my travels was the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Although the landscapes weren't as dramatic one thing hadn't changed from the South to the North; the drives were still incredibly picturesque with endless photo opportunities.

Widely recognised for its rotten eggs smell because of the hydrogen sulphide emissions, Rotorua often has the nickname Sulphur City, but this shouldn't put you off the beauty of the area. With a seaplane, a helicopter flight and a private cruise I was able to experience Rotorua from every vantage point, visiting one of New Zealand's most active volcanoes, the bubbling hot pools and powerful geysers. I was also fortunate enough to get up-close to the iconic kiwi bird that is endemic to the country at the A&K sponsored Kiwi Encounter.

My last few days in New Zealand were spent in the former capital Auckland. With more people living here than the whole of the South Island it really gives you a perspective of how untouched the South really is. The city's landscape is dominated by volcanic hills, islands and the twin harbours. Taking a short drive from the CBD and I was back amongst the beautiful scenery and indigenous flora and fauna I had become accustomed to in this wonderful country. With spectacular ocean vistas, lush green parkland, black sand beaches and native rainforest you quickly forget you are in this vibrant city.

Before my late evening flight back to the UK I spent the day unwinding in the beautiful serene atmosphere on Waiheke Island………..with a large glass of Sauvignon Blanc and some award winning olives from the local vineyards it was the perfect way to sign off what had been one of the most spectacular trips I have ever been on. How quickly one can forget just how far away this country is……

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