New Zealand, previously known for its sheep farming tradition and its rugby team, has boosted its popularity among Irish people, thanks in part to picturesque scenery displayed in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

The desire to avoid constantly bumping into people from "back home" in Sydney, as if you had never left Ireland, and hanging round in the inevitable Irish-themed pubs, has also focused more attention on the two islands.

Many young Irish people also use up their visa entitlements in Australia, but still don't want to return home.

At the end of last year, places on the Ireland-New Zealand working holiday scheme were so in demand they ran out, according to Visas Australia. But the Irish allowance was doubled from 1,000 to 2,000 places, solving the problem. A new batch of places will be available from July.

Applicants for a 12-month working holiday visa must be 18- 30 years of age and must not be accompanied by any dependent children on the visit.

On arrival in New Zealand, you must have a return or onward ticket and be able to show proof of funds for 4,200 New Zealand dollars (€2,050). This can be in the form of cash, travellers' cheques, a letter from your bank or confirmation that the funds have been transferred to New Zealand.

Applications take around three weeks and it is recommended that you don't book a flight until your visa has been granted and your passport has been returned to you.

To apply for permanent residence in New Zealand, you must be under the age of 56.

Points are granted to applicants on the basis of age, qualifications and work experience - a total of 29 points is currently needed to secure residence.

For example, people who are aged 25-29 receive 10 points. From the age of 30, points begin to drop off.

Someone with a primary degree from an Irish university will receive 10 points, while those with master's qualifications receive 12.

Applicants can make up the remainder of the points needed through work experience - for example, three points for six years' work experience. They will also score more points if they have savings or assets exceeding NZ$100,000 (€49,000) or if a close family member already lives there and offers family sponsorship.

As with Australia, people can avoid the points system if they are married to or live with a New Zealand resident.

Further information is available on www.immigration.govt.nz.