First place - Nelson - New Zealand from Anne

Entry for Competition operated by Globelink International Travel Insurance Consultants

I knew it was possible, but I didn't expect to find it right on my doorstep. As I ambled from the dense bush onto a golden sand beach beside turquoise water, I caught myself for a second, there was definitely something missing; throngs of tourists. In fact the beach was completely empty bar the odd seagull. As a frequent traveller I have become used to battling it out with other like-minded individuals for the best spot on the beach, or trying to aim the camera above people's heads to capture the most picturesque sunset.  This for me was a breath of fresh air and I was baffled as to why I had not made the visit before now.

The place in question is Abel Tasman National Park situated at the top of New Zealand's South Island and is comprised of 23,000 hectares of natural coastline, wide crescents of golden sand set against lush green forest. The real beauty of the place lies in the fact that the park is in the majority inaccessible by car, which means excluding the entrance points, one must walk, kayak, or catch the ferry between the numerous camping grounds and idyllic beaches which stack up favourably against those I have experienced in Thailand, Australia or the Mediterranean.