Just like the UK, but half a world away, is one way to describe New Zealand but nowhere here has the natural phenomenon that the Kiwis have. From geysers, bubbling mud pools and subtropical sandy beaches in the North island to amazing glaciers and deep fjords on the South island, the 'land of the long white cloud' is truly a place of contrasts. We have relatives here so we have been twice. The weather was kind both times especially on the South Island where Milford Sound, one of the wettest places on the planet, presented itself with clear sunny days both times we visited. The thermal areas around Rotorua are fascinating, with themed parks full of geysers, sinter terraces and maori artifacts. The main cities Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch have different characters and should be visited.