Fiordland, in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island, is the wettest part of the country, but don't be deterred . . . that rain makes for spectacular landscapes.

Take a cruise on the luxurious Fiordland Navigator along the remote Doubtful Sound. This locally booked tour will whisk you there via Lake Manapouri, while you may spot fur seals and rare penguin.

Why go? This is an outstanding and luxurious cruise, professionally operated by genuine Kiwi outdoor enthusiasts.

ContactReal Journeys (00 64 3 249 7416;www. realjourneys. co. nz) offers two-day packages to Doubtful Sound for 210.

SAVE THE WHALE IN S COTLAND

Mull and its sister islands are the best places to see minke whales, harbour porpoises and common and bottlenose dolphins. If you are interested, sign up for one of the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust's research projects, based on board the trust's 60ft sailing yacht, the Silurian.

Why go? A chance to get close to whales, and you don't need scientific knowledge.

ContactThe Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (0044 1688 302620;www. hwdt. org ) offers one-week from 680, including accommodation.

SAIL FROM A MALDIVES ATOLL

A 30-minute flight from the capital Male will deliver you to Ari atoll, the home of Dhoni Mighili, a collection of six luxurious traditionally hand-crafted Maldivian sailboats, known as dhonis. The fully airconditioned 65ft vessels operate with both traditional ivory sail and motor. Each is anchored by an adjacent beach bungalow with outdoor bathroom and waterfall showers. A dedicated 'thakuru' . . .

Maldivian butler, captain and crew . . .

offers a 24-hour personal service.

Why go? Put simply, this is one of the world's most luxurious boating experiences.

Contact Seasons in Style (www. seasonsinstyle. co. uk) offers seven nights at Dhoni Mighili from 7,000, on an all-inclusive basis, including flights.

GET CLOSE TO THE CORAL REEF

The Asian tsunami highlighted the role coral reef plays in coastal protection.

Anyone with snorkelling experience can join Thailand's Colourful Reefs project, run by Earthwatch. If you join the project, which is based in the Gulf of Thailand, you will collect data that will help shape conservation plans while bumping into sea turtles and whale sharks.

Why go? The project offers a valuable insight into why Asia's coral reefs matter more than tourists.

Contact Earthwatch (www. earthwatch. org ) has 10-day placements at 1,450, including transfers, accommodation and meals but not flights.

FIND PEACE ON HOME TERRITORY

Navigating from north to south has been made possible by the reopening of the Shannon-Erne Waterway. The Erne, which winds its way from Co Fermanagh, is far less travelled than the Shannon.

Upper Lough Erne is dotted with hundreds of islands while the Lower Lough Erne, which stretches from Belleek to Enniskillen, has spectacular cliffs rising up 900ft. From Tully Bay, it takes a couple of days to reach the Shannon-Erne waterways, a series of 16 locks.

Why go? A relaxing way to explore one of the country's lesser-known gems.

ContactCarrickcraft (048 3834 4993;www. cruise-ireland. com) offers a seven-day cruise, starting in Tully Bay in Co Fermanagh and finishing in Carrick-onShannon, on the motor boat 'Kilkenny', which sleeps four people with two additional pull-down beds, from 1,400.