Imagine a unique land of breathtaking scenery: craggy coastlines, sweeping golden beaches, verdant forests, snow-capped alpine mountains, gurgling volcanic pools, flashing fish-filled rivers and glacier-fed lakes, all beneath a brilliant blue sky.

New Zealand is spread over two islands, North Island and South Island, with modern and efficient transport, quiet roads, plenty of flights and two stunningly scenic rail journeys. Friendly, English-speaking people, a low crime rate, and a trio of rich cultural influences – adventurous Polynesian navigators (Maori); pioneering European settlers (Pakeha’s) who followed a thousand years later and modern Pacific Rim immigrants.

The plant and animal life offer opportunities to see the varied birdlife (including kiwis), seals, dolphins and whales. Explore two of the richest New World wine regions on the planet, taste wonderful cuisine, stroll on moody beaches, tramp through the national parks or over alpine passes. Try bungee jumping, caving or whitewater rafting, ski or snowboard on world-class slopes, scuba dive in unique colour-filled marine reserves and sail on exciting waters.

New Zealand is the world’s best kept secret. It is a country where the only stress is that taken on wilfully by the adventure-minded tourist (in the form of extreme sports). You can walk for miles in New Zealand without seeing another soul, accompanied by rustling trees, running water and unusual birdsong, but perhaps the country’s greatest asset is its warm, friendly and hospitable population.

But you don’t talk rugby! It is more than a religion. It is more than a way of life. It is life unless you are a sheep farmer! Dick Best, the Lions forward coach in 1993, worked with us at that time. He recounted a wonderful story that just before the third and final test, the maid came in to his room. Just as he was about to open the door, she said: “Your second rows are too high!”. Take it from there.

• Air New Zealand ~ From London Heathrow to Auckland, either via Los Angeles or Hong Kong, both routes on a daily service.  Daily services also to Wellington and Christchurch, also via Los Angeles.
• British Airways/Qantas ~ From London Heathrow, via Australia (Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane) to Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington.  Most of the above services operate daily to New Zealand from Australia.
• Emirates ~ Daily services from London Heathrow and London Gatwick, via Dubai,  with a choice of three onward routes from Dubai to Auckland, and via Sydney to Christchurch.  Services are also available to Auckland via Dubai from Glasgow (once weekly only), Manchester (daily) and Birmingham (daily).

His employee, Hamish Morison, took over in the late 80’s and he is still looking after us. He organised my tour when I took my Richmond U17’s in 2001. We beat both opponents who entertained us royally, although one was not great at coming second...." - Edwin Doran