Growing up in New Zealand – surrounded by sea, snow and space – has had a huge influence on Hayley Westenra’s impressive international career.

New Zealand writers often invoke the familiar landscapes and culture of their homeland, and their words have inspired many armchair travellers to take off on a real holiday of discovery.

The Māori story of creation.

Anzac Day – 25 April – is observed in New Zealand as a day of commemoration for those who died in the service of their country, and to honour returned servicemen and women.

Some classic examples of Kiwi ingenuity, inventions and entrepreneurs.

At 84, Queenstown man Les Brough clocks in as one of New Zealand’s oldest skiers but when he takes to the slopes each day, he’s just one of an exclusive club with “one ski in the grave”.

The Queenstown region has always been a magnet for adventurers and entrepreneurs, and these pioneers became the mainstay of New Zealand’s adventure tourism industry.

New Zealand chef Josh Emett is rated amongst the best in the world but the country boy from Hamilton has never forgotten his roots.

Kiwi golfing legend Sir Bob Charles KNZM CBE – the first New Zealander to be admitted to the World Golf Hall of Fame – has been winning tournaments around the world for more than 50 years.

With the arrival of autumn in New Zealand, the temperature has settled and the landscape is a perfect picture of startling golds and warm reds, making it the ideal time for international tourists