Mmmmm..... You are a keen outdoors person, a vegetarian and you dream of waking up to warmer temps. You want my advice on a dream trip to New Zealand.

Many people will disagree with me but my first suggestion would be spend three to four weeks, during November/December, before the schools break for Christmas, in the South Island. Why I suggest that time of year is because the weather has a very settled look about it, the winds that sometimes create havoc on the east coast of the South Island have not really started and in my humble opinion it is not too hot for tramping. Also the West Coast and Fiordland, both notorious for their wet weather, tend to have more sunshine hours during this time. I would split my time between the national parks at the top of the South Island, Fiordland National Park, Mount Cook National Park, the Catlins, the South Island lakes and the West Coast of the South Island. While in Fiordland I would also suggest a trip to Stewart Island where some of the best tramping in the whole of New Zealand can be had. Another suggestion would be, not to rely on public transport but to hire a car. Should you wish for me to go into more detail on these areas I will be than happy to do so.

Regards, Richard Bloomfield(New Zealand)