What do a surfing cow, a guitar-playing fish and a penguin waiter all have in common?

From today, they are the newest characters to appear on New Zealand stamps. But it doesn't stop there.

The Tiki Tour edition of 20 unique stamps also includes icons such as the lion rock in Piha, on Auckland's west coast, the Cape Reinga lighthouse, pohutakawas on the east cape and grapes - albeit dancing - in Marlborough.

The stamps have a face value of 70 cents and can be purchased individually as well as on a sheet, which depicts the North and South Islands, and various characteristics that define certain areas.

The surfing cow belongs to Taranaki, a guitar-playing fish to Southland and a penguin waiter to Wellington.

The newest stamp collection follows the Matariki edition, Queen's jubilee and the Air Force's 75th anniversary.

"We've gone for a light-hearted take on the landmarks and activities that make our country such a great place to explore," New Zealand Post sales and marketing manager of stamps Simon Allison said.

"The tiki tour is a New Zealand tradition  - whether it's towing a caravan or throwing your camping gear in the back of the car, we can all appreciate the sense of freedom and fun that comes from taking the scenic route to your holiday destination."

The collection went on sale today and will remain on sale at NZ Post shops for about four weeks, and online for a year.

This competition has now closed. The five winners of the Tiki Tour stamp sheet and poster will be notified by email.

- © Fairfax NZ News