On its own down near Antarctica, New Zealand is a sparsely populated and exciting backdrop for extreme sports and extreme socialising as well as for solitary confinement. A laid back Kiwi welcome is extended both to adventure seekers using the islands as their own private obstacle course and culture-istas coming to hang in the hip towns never far from the action.

New Zealand seems boundless with vast empty space, perfect for escaping on your own, for bungee jumping, rafting, mountain biking, parasailing or snow sports, maybe? And when your trail leads you into pockets of civilisation you’re much more likely to run into easy going locals than tourist hoards in the airy sidewalk cafes with the nice views. Post adrenalin adventure there might even be time to pop into a gallery or museum to appreciate some of the Maori culture which weaves its way though island life, or take in the sights, sounds and smells of a festival – where better to get down with the locals?

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Selected places to go in New Zealand

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