New Zealand

New Zealand is a country that neatly falls into two halves, with a pair of main islands in the South Pacific.

I’ve already introduced you to my view of the North Island, where most of the population reside.

The south is more rural and rugged, studded with mountains and shimmering blue lakes. Its few cities include Dunedin and Christchurch, which continues to recover following the devastating earthquake of 2011.

For a British traveller, both islands have a comforting familiarity among the peace of fewer people. Overall South Island just edges it for me, while New Zealanders definitely have an affinity with north or south. Which side wins it for you?…

Click first image to view gallery

: Lake Tekapu

: Milford Sound

: Christchurch

: Moeraki

: Mirror Lakes

: Dunedin

: Te Anau

: Queenstown

: Christchurch

: Kaikoura

: Christchurch

: Dunedin

: Walter Peak

: Lake Wakatipu

: Queenstown

: Lake Pukaki

: Oamaru

: Dunedin

: The Chasm, Fiordland

: Gore

: Milford Sound

: Moeraki

: Lake Wakatipu

: Picton

: Dunedin

: Picton

: Dunedin

This is a country that may be geographically distant from Britain, but feels a lot like going home.

I made that long journey from Manchester to New Zealand and toured the Pacific island nation from south to north.

The upper half of this land is its population and urban powerhouse, home to largest city Auckland and administrative capital Wellington.

But it’s still an island of wilderness, boasting volcano peaks, geothermal wonders cared for by the Maori people, and vast beaches.

It’s also a rich place for photography with vast, electric blue skies, varied landscapes and intriguing detail. New Zealand is definitely worth the hike.