Prepare for massive national parks, vibrant Mori culture, and world-class surfing and snowboarding. New Zealand can be relaxing or exciting, but it is always epic. There are just 4.8 million New Zealanders spread across 268,021 square kilometers: larger than the United Kingdom with one-fourth the population. The exquisite woods, mountains, lakes, beaches, and fiords that have made New Zealand one of the top hiking (locals call it ‘tramping’) destinations on the planet fill in the gaps. Take on one of the epic ‘Great Walks,’ such as the Heaphy and Milford Tracks, or spend a few hours meandering along a beach, paddling a canoe, or mountain biking through the easily accessible wilderness.