Picturing New Zealand

(All photos courtesy Julian Bassermann.) Unlike destinations where politics and history challenge your intellect, in New Zealand it's the nature that occupies your mind. The landscapes are awe-inspiring and humbling. Their grandeur makes you feel tiny – a blip in the world – but also appreciative of how very precious life is.

Some of the most extraordinary scenics are found around Queenstown, on the South Island, where many scenes of The Lord of the Rings were filmed. (All photos courtesy Julian Bassermann)

New Zealand's luxury lodges are in a class of their own and all of them make the most of their stunning locations. (All photos courtesy Julian Bassermann)

An interior at the acclaimed Matakauri Lodge, located outside Queenstown and overlooking Lake Wakatipu. (All photos courtesy Julian Bassermann)

For outdoor enthusiasts and dare devils, New Zealand is a perfect fit. This is - not surprisingly - where bungee jumping was invented in the 1980s.

The snow-capped Southern Alps stretch almost the length of the South Island and rise up to 12,218 feet in Mount Cook, known locally as Aoraki. (All photos courtesy Julian Bassermann)

New on the New Zealand luxury lodge circuit is Annandale, an innovative villa project on a working sheep and cattle farm. (All photos courtesy Julian Bassermann)

Great food and wine figure largely in a New Zealand itinerary. (All photos courtesy Julian Bassermann)

Marlborough wine region is just one of nine major wine-growing regions in New Zealand, and tasting your way through the so-called "cellar doors" (tasting rooms) here is a great way to explore.

It's true - New Zealand has more sheep than people, and there are massive farmlands on both islands, which makes for extremely scenic road trips. (All photos courtesy Julian Bassermann)

New Zealand has nearly 20,000 acres of protected national parks, including the scenic Abel Tasman, tucked into the northwestern corner of the South Island. (All photos courtesy Julian Bassermann)

A great way to break up a road trip is with lunch in a scenic location. Pegasus Winery, en route from Christchurch to Kaikoura, is one of the loveliest spots for a leisurely meal. (All photos courtesy Julian Bassermann)

On both islands, the luxury lodges are striking - and each has a unique way of celebrating its specific region (from left: Wharekauhau, on North Island; Hapuku Lodge, in South Island's Kaikoura; and the exquisite Edenhouse, near Abel Tasman National Park).

Most U.S. travelers arrive and/or depart from Auckland, the largest city of New Zealand. (All photos courtesy Julian Bassermann)

Chances are, you won't remember the cities and towns you visit in New Zealand, because they are by far less impressive than the great outdoors. Travelers who love to hike, mountain bike, horse back ride and be challenged, inspired and awed by nature should book their trip now.