New Zealand: The little country that could

"There's far too much to see in both countries," advises New Zealand expert Jeff McDonald from Carlson Wagonlit Travel's Waterloo, ON office. After all, it's almost like trying to tour the U.S. and Canada in one trip.

This "little country that could" – well respected on the world stage of wine and cuisine – has made its mark as a great tourist destination. With seasons the reverse of ours, it offers sunny summers from December through March and, on the South Island, great skiing and winter sports during our summer months.

Stunning scenery

The scenery is stunning, but for the pure "gasp" element take a flight-seeing trip along Milford Sound (then hike it for the full experience) on the South Island. Your base will likely be Queenstown, the lively Southern capital, from where you can visit a High Country sheep station, take a Jet Boat ride on the Shotover River, and if you're a Lord of the Rings fan, tour the film location.

Train buffs will love the TranzAlpine journey, a 4 1/2-hour trip between Christchurch and Greymouth, crossing the South Island from one coast to another viewing the Canterbury Plains, spectacular gorges, river valleys, and the Southern Alps.

Both islands have wine tours and the regions of Marlborough (north end of the South Island) and Hawke's Bay (across the Straight on the North Island) are among the most popular.

Auckland, with its year-round mild climate, is the perfect base for many activities including wine country touring, extreme sports (Kiwis invented most of them, not the least of which is bungee jumping), golfing, sailing, and more.

Book any New Zealand, Australia or South Pacific Island package with Anderson Vacations, and receive a free upgrade to a 5 star hotel, as well as one complimentary breakfast. Contact your Carlson Wagonlit Travel consultant at 1-800 CARLSON (227-5766) for more details or to book, or visit cwtvacationclub.ca/carp for more tempting offers!

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Robert Churchill