New Zealand

Fiordland National Park, which takes its name from its glacier-carved coast,

is a wilderness of mountains, ice and beech forests. The scenic climax of

Fiordland is undoubtedly Milford Sound where cruise ships bob toy-like

beneath the shadows of towering mountains and waterfalls. There are classic

alpine walks, including the Routeburn Track (in Mt Aspiring National Park),

the Hollyford Valley and the Milford Track (billed as the 'finest in the

world').

     Otago Peninsula

Otago Peninsula is a significant wildlife area with woodland gardens,

albatross, penguin and seal colonies, plus aquariums, museums and historic

sites. Dunedin, a student city on the peninsula, is a hub for arts and

entertainment, and is famous for producing an eclectic pool of

internationally successful rock bands. Scottish to its core, the city has a

rich architectural heritage with many museums, galleries and castles.

     Southland

There are a series of huge lakes in the area, including Hawea and nearby

Wanaka in Otago, and Lake Te Anau in Southland. Te Anau, gouged out by a huge

glacier, is New Zealand's second largest lake and features caves full of glow

worms, and waterfalls and whirlpools. The Catlins, the largest remaining area

of native forest on the east coast of the South Island, is between

Invercargill and Dunedin. It has reserves of rarefied plants and trees, plus

fauna such as fur seals, sea lions, penguins and ducks.

     Stewart Island

New Zealand's third largest island, Stewart Island is an ornithologist's

delight: tuis, parakeets, kakas, bellbirds, fernbirds and robins abound. The

kiwi, rare in both the North and South Island, is common over much of the

island, particularly around beaches. A good network of walking tracks and

huts exist in the northern part of the island but the south is forgettable,

being undeveloped and isolated. The people (a paltry 450 in all) are hardy,

taciturn and suspicious of mainlanders, the weather is changeable and the

accommodation is basic; there are, however, excellent-value homestays on the

island.