I regard New Zealand as my second home. Ever since I travelled there in the 1980s for a short visit (which somehow turned into a few years’ stay!), I’ve returned most years, enthralled by the country’s stunning natural beauty, the wonderful opportunities for outdoor activities and the relaxed friendship of the Kiwis.

New Zealanders are rightly proud of their reputation as world leaders in environmental protection and your groups will enjoy the benefit of this careful stewardship – from walks along well-laid tracks through stunning alpine scenery to boat trips on pristine lakes and lazy days on palm fringed beaches.

The must-see sights on North Island include the Bay of Islands area, where there’s opportunities to take boat excursions out into the warm Pacific waters to view dolphins and whales and to visit the Waitangi Treaty House Reserve, site of the original treaty signing in 1840 between the Maori chiefs and the English Crown. South of Auckland, Rotorua is a fascinating area of thermal activity with its geysers, hot pools and bubbling mud. It is also a centre of Maori settlement and there are many exciting shows to experience their vibrant culture.

For walking, skiing or ‘natural world’ groups, Tongariro National Park, in the centre of the North Island, should always be included in an itinerary. The three volcanic peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe dominate the landscape and there are Park trail walks to suit all types of ability, from short walks to view the Taranaki Falls and Silica Rapids to the more challenging Tongariro Crossing, an eight hour trek described as the finest one-day walk in New Zealand.

Wellington, the capital, has a vibrant downtown waterfront and a funicular ride to the top of Victoria Peak offers wonderful views of the harbour. To reach South Island, you can either cross the Cook Strait by InterIslander ferry, a three hour crossing, or fly from the city airport to your chosen destination.

Scenic highlights of the South Island include the magnificent Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers on the West Coast, Queenstown, the adventure centre of New Zealand and of course, no holiday in New Zealand would be complete without an excursion to the beautiful Milford or Doubtful Sounds.

Christchurch is the obvious starting or ending point for your South Island adventure. It’s a vibrant, multi cultural city boasting an outstanding art gallery, Hagley Park and the majestic Botanical Gardens. From Christchurch your tour group can also take day trips to Kaikoura to view sperm whales, to Akaroa to enjoy the delights of the original French settlement town and to Arthur’s Pass or the West Coast on the Trans Alpine scenic train route.

Walking tour groups have a superb selection of scenic trails in the South Island National Parks to choose from; these can vary from half and full day walks to three to four day treks, either self guided with overnights in well-appointed huts or fully guided and supported with excellent accommodation and meals included. The most famous of the track walks are the Milford, Routeburn and Hollyford Tracks in Fiordland, but I would also recommend the Abel Tasman guided track walk on the north eastern tip of South Island. This is a three day walk along a stunning coastline, particularly suitable for leisurely walkers.

Quite simply the biggest problem with planning your tour of New Zealand …. is what to leave out!