Kiwi Collection CEO Erik Haugen offers journey suggestions to travellers based upon his own personal experiences travelling around the globe.

Fly into Auckland, hire car

Stay 2 nights in Auckland at Mollies, located perfectly for wandering around the city’s harbour

Stay 2 nights in the Bay of Islands at the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, an ocean view hotel with stunning views and offering a number of outdoor pursuits

Stay 1 night half way up bay of islands at Matakana

Stay for 2 nights at Huka Lodge near Lake Taupo, a great place to take a helicopter flight to see the nearby scenery, soak in the hot pools or, for the brave, sky dive for the ultimate adrenaline rush

Stay 1 night at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Te Awanga, fitting in a round of golf on one of the most dramatically located courses in the world

Stay 3 nights at Wharekauhau, a coastal hotel on a working sheep station a short distance from Wellington, providing the chance to sample great cuisine in a stunning setting

Take the ferry from Wellington to Picton, drive to Blenheim

Stay 1 night in Blenheim, in the beautiful Art Deco Hotel d’Urville in the heart of Marlborough wine country

Following a beautiful drive from Blenheim,

Stay 2 nights at the Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses near Kaikoura, which is situated in stunning scenery and famed for whale watching

Stay 3 nights in Tai Tapu at Otahuna Lodge, an elegant homestead with outstanding food and wine, offering horse riding, wine tasting and a spa for those looking for pampering

Spend 4 nights at The Spire hotel, ideally situated in central Queenstown to make the most of the activities of the town and take a trip to Milford Sound

Fly out of Queenstown

(Note: this journey would involve a lot of driving, but this is the best way to appreciate the stunning scenery in the country)