New Zealand is the youngest country on earth - the last major landmass to be discovered. It has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting both the Maori and European heritage. Amazing Maori historic sites and taonga (treasures), some dating back almost a thousand years, are a contrast to many beautiful colonial buildings.

Although a little further flung than most other travel destinations in Pure Vacations offering, New Zealand abundantly repays the effort it takes to get there – as many surfers are discovering. This beautiful country is now placed firmly on the world surf tourism map and for a very good reason.

Extending just 1,600km (944 miles) from north to south, New Zealand has everything you could possibly want for a completely different kind of holiday. One of the country’s most obvious attractions is the great outdoors: this clean, unpolluted land has 14 national parks, which, along with forest parks and reserves, cover 22 per cent of the nation’s 269,000sq km area (103,900sq miles).

New Zealand's spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforests.

Comparable in size and/or shape to Great Britain, Colorado or Japan, New Zealand has a population of only 4 million - making it one of the world's least crowded countries. It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers.

A temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it an ideal year-round surfing experience destination.

Its as though nature designed the New Zealand coastline with surfers in mind. Tiny coves, long sandy beaches and sandbars and reefs - the diversity and consistency of surfing conditions here is as remarkable the stunning coastline itself. There are no native land mammals, but instead, New Zealand has a range of rare and extraordinary birds, making it a worthwhile destination for birdwatchers. Meanwhile, marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals flourish in the surrounding seas.

Whether you are a complete novice or advanced surfer, New Zealand is the ideal place to search for the perfect wave to match your ability.