It wasn’t as if New Zealand’s tourism industry was even in need of a pick-me-up, but in the years following the shooting of Lord of the Rings, the country has experienced the boom of all booms. It’s a stunning corner of the world that combines British and Australian influences to give birth to a unique charm the likes of which is enchanting and intoxicating. Property prices in key regions of New Zealand have been climbing for quite some time – Wellington experiencing 7 per cent growth in 2013, Auckland 10 per cent and Nelson an impressive 14.6 per cent. Rental returns are also heading skywards, having tipped the 9 per cent mark in Auckland and 7 per cent in Wellington. High taxes are to some extent augmented by very low buying costs, while year-round demand solidifies New Zealand’s position as one to watch for investment.