It may be a long way to go (especially if you live in Europe!), but New Zealand is worth every single air mile, and if your idea of the perfect holiday includes breathtaking scenery, stunning vineyards, seaside dining and friendly locals – this could be your dream destination.

A country so beautiful they split it into two islands, New Zealand is the perfect place for a self-drive tour, and whether you decide to rent a camper van and hit the open road with nothing more than a map and a mission to find a Kiwi, or you hire a sports car and drive from hotel to hotel, it’s all possible in NZ!

We had four weeks to uncover New Zealand during our trip around the world, and while our itinerary was somewhat ‘action packed’, we managed to see quite a lot of both islands on our self-drive adventure.

While I love the idea of a campervan, the thought of spending four weeks on the open road with little more than a porta-potty and pull-out bed seemed a bit daunting (perhaps I’m getting old!), and so we went for the more comfortable option, hired a car, and stayed in a mix of hotels and guest houses.

Driving around New Zealand is easy, the roads are un-crowded and well signposted, and if you are worried about getting lost you just need to stick to the coastal ring roads and you will always end up back where you started!  A map, however, is recommended as the only locals you are likely to encounter when you head out of the main villages and towns are sheep… millions of them!

When it comes to wining and dining, well, New Zealand has it covered! With influences from Europe, Asia and Polynesia, the NZ diet is as delicious as it is varied, and if you enjoy seafood, lamb and cervena dishes, home-cooked pies, sweet Pavlova and crisp Sauvignon Blanc wines – you will think you have arrived in heaven!

I could go on all day about how wonderful New Zealand is, but why not head on down and take a look for yourself!