The 2009 edition of Lonely Planet has ranked New Zealand as a top destination for travellers and tourists alike, according to the New Zealand Visa Bureau.
The guide, particularly popular amongst backpackers and people travelling on a budget, praised the country for its sustainable tourism and for its stunning natural beauty. New Zealand is internationally renowned for its extreme sports culture, with Queenstown in the South Island offering activities such as white-water rafting and bungee jumping, while whale-watching and hiking are also popular.
The guide comments: "There are few countries on this lonely planet as diverse, unspoiled and utterly, utterly photogenic."
Only Australia contributes more visitors to New Zealand than Britain, and the guide recommends destinations such as Auckland, Rotorua and Lake Taupo as some of the best places to visit.
Thousands of working holiday visas are issued every year to people looking to earn money while they travel, and visitors are encouraged to seek
cheap travel insurance when they book their trip.
Downunder, experts for
great travel insurance when travelling to the land of the long white cloud.