Posted 26 Feb 2009

The travel guide publisher is offering on gap years and volunteering abroad projects in New Zealand the opportunity to become better acquainted with the country’s South Island.

A new guidebook for the area will be launched in April 2009 by the publisher and is to contain information on the Island’s best activities, locations and amenities.

It is also lighter on the gap year travellers’ pocket than the full New Zealand book.

Errol Hunt, Australasian commissioning editor for Lonely Planet, explained: "This is something that our readers have been crying out for and we’re pretty excited to be finally bringing it to them."

The South Island sees more than 61,000 Brits, 320,000 Australians and 43,000 Americans fly from the mainland annually to enjoy what Lonely Planet describes as "the best of the Kiwi adventure".

Gap year travellers who want to skip between the hot climes of both New Zealand and Australia may be pleased to learn that the countries are trialling a system which will allow travellers easier access between the nations.

Category: Australasia