The lofty peaks of the Southern Alps are perfect for challenging mountaineering and great skiing , and the lower slopes are ideal for multi-day tramps which cross low passes between valleys choked with sub-tropical and temperate rainforests. Along the coasts there are sheltered lagoons and calm harbours for gentle swimming and boating , but also sweeping strands battered by some top-class surf .

Kiwis have long taken it for granted that within a few minutes' drive of their home they can find a deserted beach or piece of "bush" and wander freely through it, an attitude enshrined in the fabulous collection of national , forest and maritime parks . They are all administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC) , Visitor Information Centre, PO Box 5086, Wellington (tel 04/472 7356, fax 471 2075, www.doc.govt.nz ) which struggles to balance the maintenance of a fragile ecology with the demands of tourism. For the most part it manages remarkably well, providing a superb network of well-signposted paths studded with trampers' huts; operating visitor centres that present highly informative material about the local history, flora and fauna; and publishing excellent leaflets for the major walking tracks.

For some years New Zealand has been addicted to outdoor thrills and spills, and now promotes itself as the adventure tourism capital of the world. All over the country you will find places to go bungy jumping , whitewater or cave rafting , jetboating , tandem skydiving , mountain biking , stunt flying , scuba diving , in fact you name it and someone somewhere organizes it. The New Zealand DIY ethic reigns supreme and it sometimes seems as though every Kiwi in possession of a minibus and a mobile phone runs an adventure-tourism business. While thousands of people participate in these activities every day without incident, standards of instructor training do vary. It seems to be a point of honour for all male (and they are almost all male) river guides, bungy operators and tandem parachute instructors to play the macho card and put the wind up you as much as possible. Such bravado shouldn't necessarily be interpreted as a genuine disregard for safety , but the fact remains that there have been quite a few well publicized injuries and deaths in recent years - a tragic situation that's finally being addressed by industry-regulated codes of practice and an independent system of accreditation .

Before engaging in any adventure activities, check your insurance cover .