Between the culturally rich North Island and the dramatically scenic South Island, New Zealand is rich in majestic, magnificently varied beauties and enchantments. Our travelers take in Tauranga, a fine mix of mountains and seaside delights centered around the well named Bay of Plenty. It’s only a short hop to Rotorua, with its fascinating and delightful thermal springs and its rich Maori culture. Nestled among dramatic alps (Sir Edmund Hillary, perhaps the country’s favorite son, trained here before climbing Mount Everest), the ever charming towns of Christchurch and Queenstown evoke an England of days gone by. Traversing two national parks, the famous Routeburn Track is one of the world’s classic hikes. The list of New Zealand’s charms is long and tempting, but high on that list is the chance to enjoy its passion for great food and wine, served up in some of the most delightful small hotels and lodges on earth.