New Zealand

Bungee jumping is undoubtedly the most prominent sport in Queenstown, and it takes place from four of the world's most scenic bungee sites. Visitors can choose to throw themselves off a bridge or a gondola, or there are milder options that include cable swinging or the Bungee Rocket that shoots people into the air while strapped into a cage-like device on the end of a bungee cord. The first commercial bungee jump site in the world is on the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge, situated 140 feet (43m) above the river, with viewing platforms for spectators. The urban option is Hackett's Ledge, situated at the top of the gondola, and it is open even at night. The second highest is the Pipeline Bungee, operating from a suspension bridge across Skippers Canyon on the site of the 1864 gold-sluicing pipeline. The engineering masterpiece is the highest bungee jump, and the world's first gondola jump, a pod suspended terrifyingly 440 feet (134m) above the riverbed, spanning a remote gorge. A glass-bottomed cable car takes the jumpers out to the gondola.

Many of the travellers who visit the faraway land of New Zealand are in search of one thing and one thing only: some of the best trout fishing in the world. Both the North and South Islands offer their fair share of world-class fishing spots. A first stop for many is the world renowned Lake Taupo and its tributaries on the North Island, which is rated one of the world's premier trout fishing destinations with some of the fattest and feistiest trout, best fished with dry, nymph, and streamer flies. The best time to fish Taupo is between October and April as there is something suited to all levels of ability and style. Other great fishing spots in the area include Lakes Kuratau, Otamangakau, and Rotoaira which all provide high quality fly fishing and are less crowded than Lake Taupo. Head east towards Rotorua and the aptly named Bay of Plenty, also renowned for saltwater fly, big game fishing, and yellowtail kingfish. At Rotorua, fishermen will be forgiven for thinking they have discovered trout heaven in the small clear streams awash with massive trophy trout. Anglers should note that the catch and release of all wild fish is encouraged. Further south, Rangitikei District is also a popular spot for brown and rainbow trout, while Hawkes Bay on the east coast is the perfect place to stalk these elusive fish. Head to the South Island to where some fantastic brown trout fishing abounds in the Mataura River, while the Mount Cook - Mackenzie region is also a popular region. Head west to trek along the shores of the Waitaki River in the south-east to the Tekapo catchment further north where some of the world's most experienced guides will share their wealth of knowledge, guaranteeing one of the most memorable and unique fishing trips in any travelling angler's life.

The scenery alone is worth walking 18 holes for, but New Zealand also has great golf along the way. The country is only now becoming a popular golf holiday destination, and its anonymity is to the great advantage of those who visit. Many of the country's courses don't require an advanced booking, and despite cheap greens fees, visitors strike golf gold at the top courses. In the north, Kauri Cliffs Golf Club fringes the picturesque New Zealand coastline. Its fairways stretch along the seashore and striking cliffs. Inland, Wairakey International Golf Course is a richly forested and difficult course. The density is contrasted to Cape Kidnappers. Here expansive views follow fairways created atop ridge lines with holes that start and finish at the water's edge.While the North Island's courses are made picturesque by coastline, the South's are made equally impressive along the base of snow-crowned mountains. Top courses such as Terrace Downs, Clearwater, and Millbrook have views of the Southern Alps. While many quality municipal courses dot any area around cityscape the best courses are often quite removed. Staying in their resorts is worth it for the scenery alone and custom tours can link golfers to resorts all around the country. For shorter stays it is a good idea to tour only one island at a time.

The area around Queenstown offers some excellent hiking, known locally as tramping. Some of the country's excellent multi-day hiking trails start from nearby, including the spectacular Routebourne Track, one of the best in the country for its variety of countryside and scenery. The Rees-Dart Track is a rugged circular track, while the Greenstone Caples Track is a less challenging option. All the tramps have well maintained paths and comfortable mountain hut accommodation.

It's no wonder that hurtling up and down the rivers around Queenstown in jet boats is a very popular activity. The Shotover River surges through Skippers Canyon, the narrowest and deepest section and trips include heart stopping 360-degree spins, last minute turns away from the canyon edges, and high speed boating on either the Shotover or the Kawarau Rivers. It is an exhilarating experience that continues to draw the crowds.

New Zealand may not be the first destination that springs to mind when one thinks of holidays in the snow, carving down the slopes, and catching a snow tan but, much to many people's surprise, there is a great ski scene. The Southern Alps are a range of mountains 342 miles (550 km) long, and the ski season runs from mid-June to October. There's plenty of snow fun to be had for all levels of ability. Beginners and children should head straight for resorts like Roundhill in the Mackenzie area on the South Island, Tukino on Mount Ruapehu on the North Island, or North Canterbury's Mount Lyford for beginner and intermediate-friendly slopes.Head to Queenstown to marvel at the Remarkables' three sunny bowls and enjoy the north-facing sunny slopes for a great day on the slopes, while Coronet Peak is where the locals head for a good time. Wanaka, a lakeside town that serves four world-class ski and snowboard resorts is also worth a visit, or for some of the longest and most exhilarating runs in New Zealand, take a trip to Treble Cone where non-stop fun and adventure abounds, while experienced skiers will love the heli-ski option to play on the remote slopes and glaciers that most never get to see.