Strongest impression of all is that New Zealand is an extraordinarily beautiful country. Coupled with the facts that there are only 4.5 million inhabitants and that they enjoy a pretty good standard of living and you have a recipe for a great time if you enjoy open space and stunning landscape.
Of course I've really only seen the North Island so far (they say the South Island is even more dramatic) but my impressions divide the country into about 6 categories.
First, there's the lush and productive rolling hills and pastures - with sheep, cattle, even deer and alpaca, everywhere.
Probably the most iconic representation of this type of countryside would be Hobbiton, where you just can't help but say "wow" out loud when you first see the film set.
Secondly, you have the coastline and beaches. On the west coast the beaches seem to go on forever - they're even often used as roads. Surfers, wake boarders, dog walkers and whitebait fishermen share these quiet and well cared for spaces - and many locals give their time as members of the surf rescue association or as volunteers on "clean up days".
On the east coast the coastline is more dramatic and the beaches are often to be found in coves. The terrain is steep and sometimes a tough cycle ride or walk is rewarded by a breathtaking beach, as in the case of New Chums Beach.
Thirdly, you have the bush. Dense forest and vegetation which stretches for mile after mile, often concealing beautiful high lakes.
Sometimes you'll need to cover a lot of ground on gravel roads, but when you get there it'll be worth it!
Fourth "category" is the high mountains and particularly volcanoes. Dramatic terrain where the views can change as quickly as the weather.
But whether you're driving, tramping or cycling you'll find it difficult to avoid countless photo stops.
Fifth on my list are the towns and cities. Generally speaking New Zealand has been built quite "flat". Most buildings are only one or two storey, due I'm sure to the threat of earthquakes. In the case of Napier the whole town was wiped out in 1931, but what they replaced it with has been lovingly preserved.
Then there's the country's biggest city, Auckland, with it's very "kiwi" initiative - a skyscraper you can jump off of.
Sixth is the "forgotten inlands". Deserted or sparsely populated towns, villages and farms where industrialisation came and went, in the case of mining and the railways, or took away the jobs in the case of the small local dairies and farm services.
North Island - thank you and goodbye!
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