Travel New Zealand and you’re in for an awesome trip. The two main islands North Island and South Island are both quite different. North, which is far less mountainous, has the expansive views across Auckland; the dramatic displays of Maori culture in Northland; or the brooding and colourful thermal features in and around Rotorua. South Island, however, is said to offer the ‘true essence’ of New Zealand. Endless mountain ranges blanketed in snow and rainforest; pristine lakes, waterfalls and fiords; giant glaciers; vast limestone caves and arches, natural springs and Christchurch.