Highlights

Abel Tasman National Park- Hike the popular Coastal Track along one of the most beautiful coastlines in New Zealand. This easy three- to five-day hike offers a mix of native forest, coastal bush walking, gentle climbs to lookouts and walks across idyllic secluded beaches. Climb the dramatic karst landscape of Takaka Hill or at Te Pukatea Bay, a crescent of golden sand; follow the track up to Pitt Head to explore the terracing of an ancient Maori pa (fortress) where the views are awesome. Listen to birdsong from tuis and bellbirds in the forest; watch cormorants, gannets and blue penguins dive for food along the coast; and see fur seals lounging on the rocks Tonga Island. The Coastal Track is open throughout the year, but to escape the summer crowds it's a good idea to hop into a kayak and paddle the pristine shoreline of sandy beaches, secluded coves and rocky headlands that hikers can't easily reach. For company, look out for the local friendly seals and dolphins. It's easy to hire a kayak for a day or a week or you can join a guided sightseeing tour from Motueka, Marahau or Kaiteriteri for a mix of hiking and kayaking.

Marlborough Sounds- Explore one of the most beautiful unspoilt regions of New Zealand on a mountain bike ride along the Queen Charlotte Track - one of the longest single-track bike rides in New Zealand, stretching 71km from Ship Cove to Anakiwa. Cycle through lush coastal forest, across streams, along skyline ridges and around historic bays with awesome views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru sounds. Experienced cyclists should be able to complete the track - open to mountain bikes from 1 March to 30 November - in around 13 hours. At other times of the year, mountain bikes are only allowed on the Kenepuru Saddle to Anakiwa section of the track, which is a little more than 40km long. Depending on where you join the track, hikers can expect to take from two to four days on this unmissable adventure. Water transport to the start at Ship Cove can be organised from Picton, while commercial operators can carry your pack between overnight stays.

Nelson Lakes National Park- Escape the crowds and head to the Nelson Lakes area, a charming alpine park of rugged peaks, forests and glacial lakes full of long and short hiking trails to suit walkers of all abilities. The park is renowned for its honeydew beech forests, which feed a variety of nectar-eating native birds, lizards and insects. See the stunning landscape on a variety of tracks including the five-day Travers-Sabine Circuit and the D'Urville Valley Track, which offers stunning views from Mount Cedric across the Southern Alps. Or take a short stroll through the beech forest surrounding the serenely beautiful Lake Rotoroa, well known for its excellent brown trout fishing. In winter, Rainbow Skifield, located about the charming village of St Arnaud, offers every type of terrain for skiers and snowboarders.

Heaphy Track- Located in the Kahurangi National Park, the second largest national park in New Zealand, the 82km-long Heaphy track offers a huge diversity of scenery with a mix of sub-alpine tussock grasslands, lush rainforest, rugged mountains and palm-fringed surf beaches. The park contains the largest cave system in New Zealand and has yielded New Zealand's oldest fossil at 540 million years old.

Fox and Franz Joseph glaciers- Be inspired and humbled on a guided walk across the stunning Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. Located on the west coast of the South Island, these glaciers are among the few left in the world that continue to grow, flowing almost to sea level. The 300m-thick Fox Glacier plummets from 2600m in height along a river valley for 13km. Fed by high annual snowfall, the frozen landscape is scarred with dramatic and potentially dangerous fissures and ravines. Take an easy walk to the foot of the glaciers or be adventurous: land on the glacier on a ski plane or helicopter and take a professionally guided tour among the frozen ravines. From here, enjoy panoramic views of New Zealand's highest peaks, Mount Cook (Aoraki) and Mount Tasman.

Southern Alps- Discover a breathtaking alpine playground among New Zealand's highest mountains and largest glaciers. Aoraki - Mount Cook National Parks boasts more than 140 peaks over 2000m including Mount Cook, the highest peak in Australasia. Perfect for hiking, mountain biking, climbing or skiing. For an adventure to remember, climb Mt. Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, at 3,754m. Or strap on a pair of skis and explore glaciers and snow headwalls while skiing among mountain peaks. Take a day tour on telemark or alpine touring equipment or heli-ski the Tasman Glacier, with powder snow from July to early September and spring snow until November.

Wanaka- Located on the neck of two turquoise lakes - Lakes Wanaka and Hawea - this lively haven is renowned for its rock climbing, bungy jumping, canyoning, kayaking, horse trekking, paragliding, mountain biking, mountaineering and skiing. Head 20km out of Wanaka to the Matukituki Valley on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park to find around 150 climbs across a wide range of grades, from absolute beginners to 'rock jocks'. Join a guided climb with gear, instruction and safety equipment supplied, or take a one-, three- or five-day rock climbing course. Hikers can find numerous trails along the southern edge of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea that wander the hillsides through native forest. Try the walk up to Mount Iron or to Mount Aspiring, at 3027m in height.

Wanaka also offers a winter sports wonderland, with classic downhill skiing at nearby Cardrona and Treble Cone and heli-skiing in the Harris Mountains. Treble Cone, at 550ha, is the largest ski area in the South Island and a mecca for the more adventurous skier, with steep runs, tight chutes, big drop-offs and superb powder. Cardrona features 320ha of terrain with both gentle wide-open slopes and exciting ski trails, plus terrain parks, pipes and a thrilling 800m gravity cross-course run of curves, bumps and berms. The Waiorau Nordik ski area is the first all-mountain terrain park in Australasia and features 55km of groomed cross-country ski trails as well as untracked routes. The ski season typically lasts from June to September/October.

Queenstown- Known as the 'Adventure capital of the world', Queenstown offers numerous adrenalin-pumping adventure activities: go skydiving, river surfing, whitewater rafting, jet-boating or bungy jumping, or take a scenic flight or lake cruise. Hike the Rees-Dart Track, a 70km hike trough alpine saddles, across native bush and wild rivers. Jump from a cliff-top mounted platform 109m above the spectacular Shotover River, then freefall 60m before ropes (attached to a body harness) smoothly swing you into a giant arc of 200m at speeds of up 150kph. Bungy jump from the Kawarau Bridge, the world's first and most famous bungy, 43m above the Kawarau River. This is the only bungy in Queenstown where you can choose to bob above the water, touch it or get fully immersed. Run rapids, surf standing waves, ride whirlpools and body board the 7.9km-long 'dogleg' section of the Kawarau River, NZ's longest Grade 4 white water rapid, perfect for the ultimate adventure. Relax with a scenic tour into the rugged mountains, lush beech forests and golden hill country around Queenstown and be reminded of Middle-Earth scenes from the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The Banks Peninsula- Discover a region of bush-covered hills, high cliffs and small bays with tranquil beaches formed by volcanic eruptions. Take two to four days to tramp from the seaside village of Akaroa through pastureland, the Hinewai Reserve and along a spectacular coastline where you can easily spot yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and dolphins. Or discover the dramatic scenery on quarter horses along tracks that take you through serene pastoral land with spectacular views over native bush and the Akaroa Harbour. Cross streams and ride through native forest past ancient matai and totara trees.

Fiordland- Experience cascading waterfalls, ancient rainforest, shimmering lakes and granite peaks on foot, from a kayak, a fjord cruise or from above on a scenic flight. Paddle beneath the mist of a tumbling waterfall in the iconic 22km-long Milford Sound and spot resident bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand's deepest fiord. From the lakeside towns of Te Anau and Manapouri, discover a range of great hiking tracks including some of the best walks in the world - the Milford, Hollyford, Kepler and Routeburn tracks.

Milford Track- Little has changed since New Zealand's Milford Track was described as “the finest walk in the world” by the London Spectator in 1908. The track winds up steep mountains, along narrow valleys, across suspension bridges, beside torrential waterfalls and through the lush vegetation of Fiordlands National Park, a World Heritage area. From Lake Te Anau, a river walk through beech forests and open meadows leads to a series of challenging switchback ascents to 1073m at McKinnon Pass, the hike's highest point, providing spectacular views of Mount Eliot and the Jervois Glacier. The path descends to Roaring Burn and the three-leap, 579m Sutherland Falls, the fourth highest waterfall in the world. The last leg of the hike descends alongside the Arthur River to finish at Milford Sound, where a ferry ride takes you to buses that will shuttle you back to Te Anau or Queenstown. You must complete the Milford Track in four days and three nights and only 40 hikers are allowed on the track per day. Or you can take a guided one-day excursion to the Clinton Hikers Hut and enjoy a cruise on Lake Te Anau.

Hollyford Track- Open all year round, the Hollyford Track offers a 56km adventure that lasts four days and journeys through some of Fiordland's most diverse scenery. The track follows the Hollyford River beneath the steep rock walls of the Darran Mountains, past Fiordland's two highest peaks, Mount Tutoko (2746m) and Mount Madeline (2537m). It then trails around two beautiful lakes - Alabaster and McKerrow and the roaring cascade of Hidden Falls before ending at the old port of Martins Bay. Look out for fur seals and penguins along the coastal section of the track.

Kepler Track- Climb through moss-draped beech forest, through tussock high country, across mountain ranges, past cascading waterfalls and glacier-carved valleys to the snow line. The 67km circuit starts from the shore of Lake Te Anau, heads up the side of Mount Luxmore, crosses the Kepler Mountains, descends to the Iris Burn Valley then finishes along the shore of Lake Manapouri. Along the route, admire stalactites and stalagmites inside Luxmore Cave and enjoy breathtaking views from the summit of Mount Luxmore at 1471m on this custom-built track. The track is designed to showcase the best of Fiordland's flora and fauna. Don't miss the prolific bird life, from yellowheads and robins along the Iris Burn valley to yellow-crowned parakeets along the Waiau River. Tomtits, grey warblers, fantails, chaffinches and keas are common along the track.

Routeburn Track- Trek through the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area between the Hollyford and Dart valleys, located at the base of the Southern Alps. Along the route, which can take up to three days, hike past large trees and delicate sub-alpine herbs. Spot native fantails, parakeets, bellbirds, yellowheads and robins and enjoy panoramic views of the Alps and the Tasman Sea from the top of Conical Hill. The Routeburn Track can be walked in either direction from Glenorchy or Te Anau.

Milford Sound- Take a cruise or paddle a kayak along New Zealand's iconic fjord beneath 1500m-high glacial cliffs, plunging waterfalls, past seals lounging on rocks and relish the moody, misty tranquillity of this stunning 22km-long fjord. Or drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound along one of the most scenic drives in the world - the Milford Road. Allow a minimum of two hours driving (in each direction) without allowing for stops for the 240km return trip. Enjoy lunch overlooking stunning Mitre Peak.

Stewart Island- Discover a bush-clad rugged island scarred with deep gullies and ridges and ringed by a 755km-long coastline of long golden beaches and idyllic bays. The island is traversed by more than 220km of well-maintained hiking tracks and is a paradise for hikers and birdwatchers, with the most diverse bird population of any region in New Zealand and one of the only places where hikers are likely to see New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi, in the wild. Don't miss the off-shore Ulva Island, a predator-free bird sanctuary that is accessible by water taxi. Hike the three-day 36km Rakiura Track or the longer 125km North-West Circuit, a 10- to 12-day hike famed for its mud and wetlands, its unspoiled isolated beaches and bird life.

Lake Matheson- Famous for its reflective mirror images of Mount Cook (Aoraki) and Mount Tasman. Take an hour to stroll around the lake through native rainforest, visit the nearby historic gold mining settlement of Gillespies Beach and, further along the coast, enjoy the sight of fur seals basking in the sun.

The Catlins Coast- Explore the stunning wilderness from Nugget Point in South Otago (just south of Balclutha) to Waipapa Point in Southland (north-east of Invercargill). Along the way, pass through dense rainforest, open scrub, waterfalls, deep valleys, rocky bays, inlets and estuaries. Nugget Point is best for wildlife viewing: watch fur seals, Hooker's sea lions and sea elephants coexisting, as well as colonies of yellow-eyed penguins and blue penguins. At Porpoise Bay, scan the waves for Hector's dolphins. Don't miss the track to Purakaunui Falls, a magnificent 20m-high three-tier waterfall. And in Curio Bay discover a 180 million-year-old fossilised forest. Do a self-drive tour or take a guided tour and allow three days to enjoy it all properly.

Kaikoura- Swim with dolphins and watch sperm whales. Plane and helicopter rides over the sea offer an additional thrill.

Christchurch- Cruise down the meandering Avon River past English gardens and parks, tree-lined avenues and Gothic-style churches. The 'Garden City' is alive with colour and atmosphere and is just perfect for a wedding renewal destination.

Adventurous activities in the South Island

Driving- Drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound along one of the most scenic drives in the world - the Milford Road. Allow a minimum of two hours driving (in each direction) without allowing for stops for the 240km return trip. Enjoy lunch overlooking stunning Mitre Peak and take a cruise on scenic Milford Sound. Or try the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, which winds its way from Hawke's Bay in the North Island to Marlborough in the South Island. Along the way discover scenic highlights and encounter indulgent food and wine experiences. Another great scenic drive is the Southern Scenic Route starting in the historic city of Dunedin: this route follows Southland's wild coast down to Invercargill, then continues north-west to Manapouri and Te Anau.

Hiking- Hike the famous Routeburn Track, one of four tracks in the Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage area. Tramp through forested valleys rich with birdlife and spectacular mountain scenery. Or tramp (as the Kiwis call hiking) the famous Milford Track “the finest walk in the world”, as described by the London Spectator in 1908. The track winds up steep mountains, along narrow valleys, across suspension bridges, beside torrential waterfalls and through the lush vegetation of Fiordland National Park. Don't miss the famous Heaphy Track in the Kahurangi National Park, which crosses a range of landscapes, over tussock downs to the lush forests, nikau palms and roaring seas of the West Coast. The Abel Tasman Coast Track in the Abel Tasman National Park is another not to be missed: explore beautiful beaches and remarkable rock formations.

Biking- Experience the best of New Zealand's South Island on a 23-day, 1200km (approximately) bike ride that includes four national parks and ventures through mountains, crystal lakes, geysers and forests. Cycle around the Marlborough Sound's coastline, through the Nelson Lakes National Park and down the spectacular Buller Gorge to the wild West Coast. See the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Paparoa National Park, pedal past stunning West Coast Glaciers and lakes, over Haast Pass and down to scenic Wanaka and Queenstown. Ride south to Milford Sound, cycle through towering mountains, beside lakes and past numerous waterfalls to finish at Larnach's Castle on beautiful Otago Peninsula, close to the city of Dunedin. Or pick a region and peddle off for a day's adventure.

Fly fishing- Cast a line in New Zealand's 'gin clear' waters home to both lunker brown trout and rainbow trout. Murchison is one of the best areas, surrounded by literally hundreds of rivers, streams and lakes in a region easily accessible by road, boat or helicopter. The location is spectacular, with magnificent mountain backdrops, forests and a mild climate to boast about. Nearby rivers include the Gowan, Matiri, Matakitaki, Maruia and the Buller, all world-renowned for fly-fishing.

Horseback riding- Choose from a day-long horse trekking adventure to overnight and longer treks. Saddle up for a ride through tussock high country, native beech forest and river valleys among the foothills of the Southern Alps. Or head for the dramatic scenery of Banks Peninsula on quarter horses along tracks that take you through serene pastoral land with spectacular views over native bush and the Akaroa Harbour. Cross streams and pass native forest with ancient matai and totara trees.

Kayaking- Paddle along some the world's most unspoiled coastlines, past golden sand beaches, tranquil lagoons and wild surf or head inland to a remote wilderness river. Explore the Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson, one of New Zealand's premium sea-kayaking locations. Or paddle your way along the Clutha River, Lake Dunstan and Roxburgh Gorge in Central Otago. Venture to Stewart Island and kayak Paterson Inlet to Ulva Island: circumnavigate its beautiful coastline and enjoy a walk in this predator-free sanctuary, home to endangered birds and plants.

Rafting- For great rafting experiences, head to Queenstown, Christchurch or to the West Coast. Perhaps consider combining a helicopter and rafting experience for extra thrills. Paddle the big volume 'Earthquake Slip' rapids of the mighty Buller River, one of the most reliable and exciting Grade IV white water in the country. Or try the Shotover and Kawarau rivers in Queenstown: the Kawarau is best for first timers while the Shotover offers the thrill of conquering the 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel to shoot the Cascade Rapid, one of the best rafting experiences in New Zealand. From Christchurch, raft the Rangitata River through the exciting Rangitata Gorge, passing through some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery, seen only by those who raft the river.

Jet boating- Sit back, buckle in and feel the thrill of rapid acceleration in a New Zealand invention. Power through narrow river gorges, almost brushing against sheer rock faces, or skim across the surface of water channels that weave through the shingle banks of braided rivers. Some of the most exhilarating rides are available near Queenstown and Canterbury. Other areas include the Buller and Makarora regions. Speed deep into the Waimakariri Canyon through the foothills of the Southern Alps and experience the spectacular scenery of the inspiring Dart River Valley and of Mount Aspiring National Park, a World Heritage Area.

Golf- Choose from more than 400 golf courses around the country and you can play in any season. Don't miss the best, including: Queenstown's Millbrook Golf Resort, designed by Sir Bob Charles and without question one of the finest alpine golf courses in the world, with a wide-open and trouble-free 6412m par 72 and the awesome Remarkables mountain range as backdrop; Christchurch's Clearwater Golf Resort, a 6526m par 72 golf course built around a series of man-made lakes, with neatly manicured bent grass fairways and greens; and Terrace Downs High Country Golf Resort in Canterbury, a 6406m par 72 championship course featuring four different tee positions for the enjoyment of players of all abilities, 11 lakes and 70 bunkers, with something to test even the most experienced golfer.

Skiing- Discover Treble Cone, the largest ski area in the South Island, located in the heart of the scenic Southern Alps overlooking Lake Wanaka. Choose from any of the numerous trails, from long and well-groomed beginner and intermediate trails, to natural half-pipes, chutes, ungroomed powder and challenging black runs on the upper mountain. There's more intermediate and advanced terrain here than any other South Island ski area.

Or head to Coronet Peak, the South Island's most popular ski area, just 25 minutes from Queenstown. Try the M1-Big Easy, the mountain's longest run at 2.4km, the Fruju half-pipe or the Dirty Dog terrain park. The Remarkables ski area, just 45 minutes from Queenstown, offers 220ha of terrain spread across 700ha of reserve in three sunny bowls. Check out the UP&GO Terrain Park or go off-piste. Try the 150m superpipe or the 'Homeward Bound' run, widely considered New Zealand's best backcountry trail inside a ski area. Ski season starts around mid-June and generally finishes early October.

Bungy jumping- While you can bungy jump at various locations throughout New Zealand, why not jump from the original site of the first commercial AJ Hackett bungy venture? The Kawarau Bridge, spanning the Kawarau River, is located between Queenstown and Cromwell.

Best time to visit

Any time. New Zealand has a maritime climate: generally warm from November to April, with an average temperature of 15C to a high of 22C in summer from December to February; and an average of 5C to a low of -10C in winter from June to August.