We've made a start on the northern island of New Zealand with some excellent trips in the central volcanic region and good beaches on the north shore.

New Zealand is definitely very different to its neighbour Australia and has a reserved south pacific Maori feel to the place with British influences. By contrast, Australia is much more brash and influenced by Americanisms in our opinion.

As you can imagine, we're totally wired about doing a trip in the south island which receives most travel and adventure focus given its rugged backbone, Lord of the Rings backyard and probably home to the best snowboarding locations in the Australasia region. Sounds like one trip just won't do it justice. Trekking the Routeburn Track and Milford Track are high on the agenda.

Watch this space!