There's something hugely appealing about New Zealand.
The small country boasts a culture that's not unlike that of Ireland, their sense of humour isn't a million miles from our own, and the landscape is just quite literally awesome.
It's no wonder that the fantasy world of The Lord Of The Rings was recreated here because it really is hard to believe that this is a real place.
To show you what we mean, we've taken a look at some of the most spectacular locations across the country. Now get yourself a map of New Zealand, stick some pins in it, and start hitting these destinations at the earliest possible opportunity.
1. Fox Glacier
Located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on New Zealand's South Island, this is the West Coast's longest glacier. Here you can do tours of the glacier, heli-hikes and ice climbing.
2. Abel Tasman National Park
This wilderness reserve can be found on the South Island and it's known for its beaches, fur seal colonies, little blue penguins and bottlenose dolphins.
3. Nugget Point Lighthouse
You'll find this lighthouse along the Otago coast, where you'll have an excellent view of the distinctive scattering of rocky islets known as 'The Nuggets'.
4. Queen Charlotte Track
Known as one of the best walkways in New Zealand, this is a long, gently sloping track that boasts stunning seaside views.
5. Rotorua
Being within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, this area experiences gethermal activity like spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and crater lakes.
6. Cathedral Cove
This enormous arched cavern passes through a white rock headland to form one of the most photogenic features on the North Island.
7. Te Mata Peak
A major part of the Maori history of Hawke Bay, this peak is 399 metres high overlooking the breathtaking Heretaunga Plains.
8. Tasman Glacier Lake
This proglacial lake was formed by the retreat of the Tasman Glacier and you can see the marvellous sight of icebergs on its surface in summer.
9. Milford Sound
With its rainforests, waterfalls and the staggering Mitre Peak, this fiord is chockablock with sensational sights and sounds.
10. Lake Te Anau
The largest lake on the South Island, this body of water covers an area of 344 km² .
11. Franz Josef Glacier
It's a 20-minute walk to the terminal face of this wonder and it's in close proximity to other natural features like rainforests, waterfalls, and lakes.
12. Castle Hill
This hill takes its name from the limestone boulders strewn around the area which look a bit like an ancient, ruined castle.
13. Bay Of Islands
These 140 subtropical islands, located next to the country's North Island, are known for their undeveloped beaches.
14. Waitomo Glowworm Caves
This world-renowned attraction is brimming with arachnocampa luminosa, a species of glowworm that can only be found in New Zealand.
15. Lake Wanaka
Whether you're into water sports, skiing, climbing or just love looking at beautiful things, Lake Wanaka won't let you down.
Did we miss any spectacular New Zealand sights? Let us know in the comments.
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