New Zealand

New Zealand is a stunningly beautiful land at the far edge of the world — soaring Southern Alps, fjords and glaciers, volcanoes and geothermal wonders, endless green hills and empty beaches, all packed onto two islands and steeped in Māori culture. It's the home of the great outdoors: hiking, skiing, bungee and every adventure sport going. Its biggest city, Auckland, spreads across a sparkling harbour dotted with volcanic cones and sailing boats — a laid-back, multicultural gateway to it all.

What things cost: New Zealand is fairly expensive — rooms, dining, activities and car hire add up, and the remoteness shows in prices. The magnificent nature, hikes and beaches are largely free, and the campervan-and-cook culture keeps budgets down. When a zone below says 'low', that still means dear.