In New Zealand - South Island:
Scenery is the order of the day here - huge panoramas of ocean or mountains, great sweeps of pastureland and massive amounts of sky. South Island is home to New Zealand's highest point, the spectacular Aoraki Mount Cook (Aoraki is Maori for Cloud Piercer) and also its lowest - the submarine trenches off the coast of Kaikoura provide an ideal environment for the whales, dolphins and seals there.
In a nutshell
Christchurch, the largest city on South Island, is in some ways as English as it sounds - great care has been taken to preserve its colonial heritage. Take a tram ride around the city centre and go punting on the Avon River. Find out what it's like in the middle of an Antarctic storm at the International Antarctic Centre and come face to face with the Southern Hemisphere's most exciting marine life in the Southern Encounter Aquarium.
From Christchurch, the Alpine Pacific Triangle takes you to the gourmet area of Waipara, the spa delights of Hanmer Springs and the marine mammals of Kaikoura, where whale watching is a year-round delight. Between destinations, enjoy the beautiful country scenery. Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world, with adrenalin-stirring exploits aplenty, including bungee jumping, hang-gliding and skiing, depending on the season. The amazing national parks of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring are also within easy reach.
Dunedin is a treat for nature lovers and Nelson is the perfect place to access the Abel Tasman National Park.
Those who like to relax, fear not - Queenstown is also famous for its golf courses, luxury spas and relaxing lake fishing.
Sightseeing ideas
- For breathtaking scenery, journey on the TranzAlpine train over the Southern Alps.
- Enjoy wine tasting and gourmet food in the famous Marlborough winery region.
- Head to Abel Tasman National Park to see the Tonga Island seal colony, or Dunedin for its colonies of yellow-eyed penguins and New Zealand fur seals.
- Take a trip to the alpine village of Hanmer Springs and relax in the hot thermal pools.