New Zealand is a country lying 1600 km off the south-east of Australia in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of two large islands and several smaller ones, and covers an area of roughly 270,500 sq km. Its population of almost 4 million are an eclectic mix combining European culture with a deeply rooted Maori ancestry that is still apparent in many aspects of life here, resulting in a peaceful, resourceful and friendly nation of people. The geological features of the two main islands differ significantly; the North Island is volcanic in nature with a number of thermal hot-spots and the still active Mount Ruapehu, whereas the South Island boasts the Southern Alps - an impressive mountain range that runs almost the entire length of the island. One common feature across the whole of New Zealand is the number of rivers and lakes that are distributed throughout the country's diversity of habitats, notably Lake Taupo and the Whanganui River. The landscape is breathtaking whichever way you turn; glacial mountains cut through by white-water rivers, deep, crystal lakes, spouting geysers and bubbling mud; acres of indigenous forest, fields of alpine and sub-alpine flora, scrub land and miles of deserted beaches.

This is the vacation destination dreams are made of and top quality holiday homes on the North Island or South Island of New Zealand are easy to find as long as you book in plenty of time. The weather patterns vary between the two Islands, but the whole country is subject to a prevailing and continuous westerly wind that strengthens from a gentle breeze in summer to a howling gale in winter. The Southern Alps in the South Island act as a barrier to the moisture-laden wind creating a wet climate to the west of the mountains and dry to the east. Without such a weather block, the North Island has more evenly distributed rainfall and slightly higher overall temperatures, and snow can fall in winter anywhere across the whole country, particularly at altitude. Winter falls between June and August when skiing holidays are popular in the Southern Alps and the summer months can become busy at lower levels, particularly around Christmas when holiday homes in the South Island of New Zealand are in demand as people prepare to spend the festive season in a hot and sunny environment.

Opportunities for activity holidays in New Zealand are immense, with many revolving around the coastal regions and inland lakes and water courses. From swimming with dolphins or sailing, to wind-surfing or white-water rafting, the choices are endless during the heat of the summer, and with the prospect of skiing in winter being a very serious option, a trip to New Zealand can hold as much promise at any time of the year. This fascinating country boasts such unique flora and fauna it really is like being in another world. About 15% of New Zealand is covered by native species of flora, most of which is protected by the many regions of national park land and reserves. Offshore waters are home to a vast array of fish and marine mammals, including tuna, marlin, shark, dolphins, seals and whales, and many people enjoy days spent fishing or whale-watching in the clear blue waters of the Pacific or the Tasman Sea. In all there are 14 national parks, 20 forest parks, 3 maritime and 2 marine parks in New Zealand, and two World Heritage Areas, one on each of the main islands. With such outstanding accolades in conservation and nature, and with so much potential for a family vacation, renting holiday homes in New Zealand for a few weeks will make you want to stay there forever.

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