New Zealand: New Zealand is a delight for nature lovers. The landscapes are varied and perfectly preserved. The country offers dream beaches, a rich Maori culture, a passion for rugby and huge flocks of sheep.

New Zealand is made up of two large mountainous islands stretching 1600 km from north to south. The majority of the population is concentrated on the North Island. Auckland and Wellington, the two main cities, are also on the North Island. The North enjoys a pleasant climate. It also boasts the country's largest beach, 90-Mile Beach. Some of its volcanoes are still active. Almost the entire length of the South Island is crossed by the New Zealand Alps. In the north, you can swim and surf. In the south, you'll have a completely different programme: skiing, whale watching, glacier climbing and sailing in the fjords. The landscapes and climates are totally different between the North and the South.

New Zealand also has thermal springs. The best known are in Rotorua. During your stay, you can treat yourself to a day of fitness at the Polynesian Pools spa complex. You can also take an unforgettable walk in the valley of the Waimangu thermal baths, 25km south-east of Rotorua. After an hour's walk, you'll be able to admire boiling lakes and glowing craters. Don't miss the Bay of Islands. Located to the north, this bay of 150 islands is a must-see, and you can spot dolphins in its turquoise waters. The small coves are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. If you love marine life, head to Kaikoura. Located in the north of the island, you can swim with seals and dolphins or watch albatrosses. Kaikoura also has some excellent restaurants where you can sample the local speciality, lobster. And don't miss Milford Sound, a fjord 16 km long. Here you can kayak over beautiful waterfalls and spot dolphins. It's one of New Zealand's most visited sites.

New Zealand is also renowned for its vineyards. So put together a wine route that includes the estates of Te Kauwbata and Hawkes Bay on Noth Island, and those of Marlborough and Canterbury on South Island. You'll pass through some splendid regions, and what's more, you'll be in for some tasty surprises. A team of French people living in New Zealand run a website featuring travel stories, ideas and tips for travelling or working there.

New Zealand lamb is famous the world over. Lamb is cooked a lot and in all kinds of sauces. Some recipes may surprise you, such as lamb with mint, kiwi or camembert. You'll also find lamb chops with redcurrant jelly. Shellfish lovers will be delighted. New Zealand mussels are among the best in the world. Maori specialities are also worth trying. These include hangi, a meat and sweet potato stew traditionally cooked in an oven dug into the ground, and muttonbird, a variety of smoked and roasted shearwater. As for desserts, there's pavlova, a meringue dessert topped with whipped cream and covered with fruit and a coulis named after a prima ballerina; hockey pokey ice cream, an ice cream with sweets made in syrup; and a wide range of fruit, including the inevitable kiwi. New Zealand produces a variety of cheeses. Local cheeses include Kikrangi blue, Kapiti goat, Linkwater cheddar, saragota (fresh goat) and hipi iti. Other New Zealand specialities include the Anzac biscuit made with oatmeal, molasses and coconut, and Manuka honey.