Time for a NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURE?

If the Land of the Long White Cloud isn't already on your travel bucket list, here are four major reasons why it should be in 2026

-  IAN BELCHER

The cinematic scenery

In a footprint only slightly larger than the UK's, New Zealand's scenery mixes subtropical coasts with alpine mountains, glaciers and mighty fjords. In between it has otherworldly hot springs, volcanic lakes and geysers, surf-lashed beaches and bucolic hills carpeted in vineyards. No wonder the likes of The Lord of the Rings and Avatar trilogies have been filmed here.

Mother Earth was feeling generous when she created North Island's beaches. West of Auckland, guarded by forest, Piha has black sand, rolling waves and Lion Rock's distinctive volcanic monolith. Meanwhile, breathtaking Karekare starred in Jane Campion's movie, The Piano. Head east for volcanic Coromandel Peninsula's Hot Water Beach and walk on warm, toffee-coloured grains. To the south, you'll find Gisborne's soft, golden Wainui sands; and north the epic white sweep and silica dunes of Great Exhibition Bay. Just a few miles west, at Northland's tip, you'll stare down the vast swathe of Ninety Mile Beach.