New Zealand is famous for its breathtaking scenery and the North Island, with its volcanic mountains and sweeping valleys, is a wonderful place to go for a walking holiday. When it’s autumn in the UK, it’s spring in New Zealand giving you a chance to sample two different seasons and compare two climates. This fantastic self-drive deal includes return airfare to Auckland and 10 days’ car hire, from £875 per person.

The Atlas Mountains extend about 1,500 miles through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, with terrain to suit everyone from the intrepid hiker setting out on their own, to inexperienced walkers under the tutelage of a local guide. Holiday includes return airfare, return airport transfers, seven nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation with four nights’ gite and 3 nights’ hotel, all transport on tour with private bus, tour leader and selected meals from £617 per person.

Over the past decade or so, the Pyrenees and surrounding region have been steadily building a reputation as an alternative to the well-known Alps. In fact, the Pyrenees are older than those more famous mountains and the three long-distance paths through their hills and valleys give the intrepid walker the chance to take in the breathtaking, ancient scenery. Holiday includes return airfare, 8 days' car hire and seven nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at the 3* Residence Foch from £339 per person.

The Dolomites Mountains are a section of the Alps, well known for activities such as skiing, base-jumping and mountain climbing. But for those looking for a more leisurely holiday, why not stay in Italy, soaking up the laid-back atmosphere and then taking a walk in the foothills of the Dolomites to work off all that pasta and red wine? Holiday includes return airfare to Verona, 7 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at the 4* Grand Hotel Trento and seven days’ car hire from £475.