New Zealand has long been a popular holiday destination with Britons and it has also enjoyed a marked increase in backpacker visitors in more recent times.

However, as with any planned trip, holidaymakers should take a number of precautions before travelling to ensure they make the most of their time in the country.

Perhaps the most significant of these is to take out private accident insurance, particularly for those who intend to hire a car when they arrive.

Although New Zealand has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, drivers are not legally required to have motor insurance and as such, accident victims cannot claim off a third party.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) offers the following advice: "Instead, the Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) helps pay for your care if you are injured as the result of an accident.

"However, the ACC only covers the cost of treatment in New Zealand and delayed travel or loss of income in a third country is not covered."

Adventurous travellers looking to explore the Cook Islands or the islands of Niue and Tokelau should note that there is no British consular representation in any of these destinations.

Furthermore, it is strongly suggested that anyone planning to travel to some of the country's more remote locations should leave details with friends or family, as weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly.

In terms of crime, the FCO notes that pickpocketing is a threat in some urban areas, while thefts from unattended vehicles have been increasing in tourist hotspots such as Rotorua, Queenstown and the Coromandel peninsula.

As a result, Britons should ensure that they keep their possessions out of such vehicles - even in locked boots - plus keeping their valuables in safe boxes to avoid hotel rooms being targeted.

One of the major characteristics of New Zealand which brings in tourists is its capacity to provide a wide range of extreme sports, such as white water rafting, surfing, bungee jumping and so on.

"There have been a number of tragic accidents involving British visitors, these also include extreme sporting accidents," the FCO explains.

"If you intend to participate in extreme sports you should check that the company is well established in the industry and your insurance covers you."

Around 300,000 Britons visit New Zealand every year, according to figures released by Statistics New Zealand.