If your farming spouse is dairy mad and fascinated by New Zealand, it’s in your best interest to nurture the idea of a nice, long holiday to the land of the All Blacks. Even if your idea of a holiday isn’t trekking around dairy farms, you’ll be more than rewarded by what New Zealand has to offer.

But what is it about New Zealand that so many people fall in love with?

The beauty of the country is that, within a relatively small area, there is a huge variety to see, particularly in terms of natural landscapes. We’re talking glaciers, mountains that look like the Alps, fjords, lakes, waterfalls, stunning beaches, volcanic terrain, geothermal attractions, and labyrinths of caves complete with sinkholes and underground rivers.

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In fact, on the South Island, in particular, it seems that with every twist and turn in the road comes another stunning lake/mountain/waterfall – you’ll never put the camera down.

Fly into Christchurch (although, unfortunately, the city is not what it was pre-earthquake) and take the TranzAlpine (known as one of the world’s most scenic train route) across to stunning Franz Josef, which is home to a glacier. You can trek on the glacier and the memories we have of this area are the beautifully clean and clear streams and rivers that are icy green and turquoise in colour.

Down South

Your next stop should be the very picturesque Queenstown, which sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is overlooked by the snow-capped Remarkables mountains. The town itself is a backpackers paradise, not only because it is arguably the adventure-sport capital of the world, but also thanks to the very lively nightlife which is at its peak during ski season.

In this neck of the woods, Fiordland, which provided the majestic and grand setting for some Lord of the Rings scenes, is a must-see. Milford Sound is the best-known fiord here. It is a narrow, deep inlet with waterfalls cascading down its high rock cliffs. Doutbful Sound is also worth a visit.

Nearby is New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook, which is located close to my favourite place in New Zeland; Lake Tekapo. The water lapping on to the grey rocks of the shore is an electric, iridescent blue and in winter the white breaks of the tiny waves match the snow-covered mountains around the lake.

Travel North

It’s now on to the North Island and it’s probably a good idea to start in windy Wellington (it lives up to its name), the most southerly located capital city in the world. You’re not going to find a Paris or Rome or anything like it in New Zealand’s cities, so get out of them quickly.

Everybody says New Zealand’s North Island looks exactly like Ireland (they’re right) which would be reason enough for you to dismiss visiting it (why go somewhere that looks like home), however, there is plenty to do and see there that you won’t get at home.

For example, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 20km trek across volcanic terrain and it is said to be among the best one-day treks in the world. In Lord of the Rings it is the setting for Mordor, the strong hold of the dark Lord Sauron.

From here, head up to Lake Taupo (do not miss Huka Falls) where you can spend a night and then make your way to Rotorua, one of smelliest place you’ll ever visit. This smell is thanks to the hydrogen sulphide emissions and deposits in the town that are a result of the geothermal activity there; Rotorua is home to geysers, hot, bubbling mud pools and the breathtaking Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland. Rotorua is also a good place to enjoy Maori cultural experiences and see the haka.

Dairy farm visits

Hamilton is an ideal base for dairy farm visits and there is plenty for the non-farming spouse to do too. Hobbiton Movie Set is in the area and Raglan (a surfing town with black sand beaches) is also nearby. You can also visit the Waitomo Caves, which are located deep beneath hilly farmland grazed by sheep.

As you continue up the North Island, bypass Auckland and head for Paihia in the Bay of Islands. This is a beautiful, romantic, chilled-out beach town in an area that is tropical and balmy in comparison to the rest of the country. It is also a great place to check out Kiwi history as you can visit the meeting house where the Maori people signed the Treaty of Waitangi with the British. You can also travel across the bay to Russell, New Zealand’s first city, which is no bigger than many Irish villages.

And so, your trip comes to an end as you can travel from Paihia to Auckland and fly home from there. And we haven’t even mentioned the Kiwi national religion – rugby and the All Blacks. There is much more to say about New Zealand than can be fitted on a single page. But the bottom line is, if you are in a position to go, take your cue from Nike and just do it.

NZ Fact box

When: Summer: Dec-Feb. Winter: June-Aug.

Flights: A number of airlines fly from Dublin. Prices average €700 to €900 each way depending on airline and dates. Trips, at these prices, are 28 hours.

Where to stay: Pullman Hotel in Auckland. Novotel in Hamilton. There are great hostels with private, en suite rooms.

Duration: If possible, go for a month or six weeks.