While Karen Hardy gave a good overview of the attractions of New Zealand, I was a little disappointed that she did not mention my favourite place, New Zealand's third island - Stewart Island. Admittedly, off the beaten track, but that is part of its attraction, and accessed by ferry (no vehicles) from Bluff at the very bottom of the South Island. Small cars, mountain bikes and motor scooters are available for hire otherwise Stewart Island is a walker's paradise with lots of walks (short or more strenuous). While it is possible to do a day trip, I would recommend at least one night on the island and it would be advisable to book your accommodation in advance -motel, hotel, bed & breakfast, backpacker, self-contained units etc. are all available and there is a beautiful restaurant in an old church atop a hill for evening dining. A highlight of your visit would be cruise of Paterson Inlet and a visit to Ulva Island, a bird sanctuary where you can sight some of New Zealand's rare and endangered birdlife. The cruise includes a walk on Ulva Island with a nature guide. The same company that operates trips to Doubtful Sound so highly recommended by Karen now operates the ferry service between Bluff and Stewart6 Island and also a range of attractions on the island. Incidentally, a tip to avoid crowds at Milford Sound is to spend a night on an overnight vessel which provides dinner, bed (in cabins with ensuites)and breakfast, an opportunity to explore by kayak or in a tender vessel with a nature guide. Milford Sound is a truly majestic and awe-inspiring place and those people who overnight on a boat are privileged to have Milford Sound to themselves when all the day visitors have gone - magic!