Central Otago is a powerful landscape, sunny, dry and brown with weathered ancient mountains, alpine herb fields and fast flowing rivers.

In the 1860s this was a place of gold; you can still pan for it amongst the miners' old trails, stone cottages and relics of mine machinery. But the gold today in Central Otago is wine. Pinot Noir, that most fickle of grape varieties, excels in these southernmost vineyards and most of the wineries offer tours and tastings.Many Central Otago visitors hire a motorhome or mountain bike to explore the region at their own pace. This way you can see some of the region’s more remote sites, taste the seasonal flavours and absorb the incredible scenery that you will often have all to yourself. The area is known for its cycle trails. The 150 km Otago Central Rail Trail follows the route of the old railway; cycle from station to station staying in places little touched by modern hustle and bustle. The Roxburgh Gorge Trail and Clutha Gold Trail also offer unique experiences deep in the heart of Central Otago. The newest Lake Dunstan Trail(opens in new window) between Cromwell and Clyde incorporates vineyards, spectacular views, impressive clip on boardwalks and bridges along the way. If you're not up for cycling, you might like to go wildflower walking in Alexandra, wander through the Cromwell Historic Precinct, take a cruise on Lakes Dunstan and Roxburgh or go curling in Naseby.At night, Central Otago becomes one of New Zealand's premier stargazing destinations. With minimal light pollution and expansive, clear skies, it provides exceptional spots for viewing the Milky Way and distant galaxies. For a memorable stargazing experience, Naseby Night Sky Tours(opens in new window) offers you to explore the wonders of the night sky. Accommodation in Central Otago ranges from the luxury lodges set in inspiring locations through to character B&Bs, historic backpackers, country pubs, motels and camping grounds. Wherever you stay you will be welcomed by the locals.

The Marlborough region is about world-famous Sauvignon Blanc, delicious fresh seafood and diverse landscapes, from valleys of vines to sheltered waterways.

Marlborough is about world famous Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand’s largest winegrowing region, and the soils and enviable climate that create it. It’s about fresh seafood sought by the world’s finest chefs. It’s about diverse landscapes, from valleys of vines to sheltered waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. Join a guided tour or hire a bike, and choose from more than 30 cellar doors, tasting award winning wines along the way. Indulge in a leisurely lunch at a vineyard restaurant, and pair the wine with local produce to create the ultimate match made in Marlborough.  Drive 20 minutes to the Marlborough Sounds, where 1500km of winding coastline is home to secluded bays, historic sites, marine reserves and precious island sanctuaries, which foster kiwi and other native species. Cruise or kayak your way through the Sounds, home to dolphins, whales, seals and seabirds. Walk or cycle over bush clad ridgelines of the 70km Queen Charlotte Track starting at Ship Cove, Captain Cook’s favourite NZ landing site. Don’t miss a visit to the internationally acclaimed Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, with its theatrical displays of WWI and WWII aircraft and memorabilia. At night, take a star gazing tour with Omaka Observatory, which offers bus pick-up from Blenheim railway station. Enjoy the night sky with minimal light pollution, guided by professionals, and experience the star clusters through telescopes. Marlborough is one of New Zealand’s sunniest places, so why not choose to stay for a weekend or a week, summer through winter, in a vineyard villa or a hideaway on the water’s edge, and discover why Marlborough is Brilliant Every Day.

Christchurch was founded by the Canterbury Association, which was formed in 1848 largely through the efforts of John Robert Godley and planned to establish a model Church of England settlement. The original immigrants arrived on five ships in 1850–51. Their settlement, known as Canterbury, was renamed for Christ Church, Oxford, the college Godley had attended. Proclaimed a city in 1862 and made a borough in 1868, Christchurch was expanded in 1903, and it is now the most populous city on South Island and the second largest city (after Auckland) in New Zealand.

Once dependent primarily on its rich agricultural environs, Christchurch expanded in the latter half of the 20th century to become New Zealand’s second most important industrial centre, aided by good transportation facilities, adequate supplies of artesian water, and plentiful, inexpensive hydroelectric power. To its traditional meat-freezing works and woolen and agricultural-implement production have been added the manufacture of clothing, carpets, rubber, wood and cork goods, transportation equipment, tires, soap, fertilizers, glass, footwear, and flour.

Nelson Tasman is an extraordinary, vibrant region where art and businesses thrive together among a stunning natural landscape.

Nelson Tasman is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, with diverse geography capturing everything from long golden beaches to untouched forests and rugged mountains.Perhaps it’s the sun, perhaps it’s the location, but Nelson Tasman has long been a magnet for creative people. With one of the largest numbers of working artists and galleries in the country, you’ll find an array of craftspeople living in the region; traditional, contemporary and Māori. Visit their studios, explore the weekend craft markets, taste the delicious locally made artisan products and find something extraordinary to take home with you.Walk the sun-drenched sands of Golden Bay or head inland to Tākaka and see the impossibly clear waters of New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs. Walk the three-to-five day Abel Tasman track or, for a different view, take a sea kayaking tour around the coast and see a seal colony and little blue penguins bobbing in the water. Taste your way around the region by bicycle on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail or get your daily dose of adrenaline with a visit to one of the region’s world-class mountain bike parks. Or just relax... Sit in the sun, sip a wine from one of the local vineyards, and dine on the famous Nelson Bay scallops.Accommodation options in Nelson Tasman range from basic backpacker lodges to luxury spa retreats, and everything in between.

Queenstown is a year-round destination, with each season offering a unique expierience. For skiing and winter sports enthusiasts, June to August is ideal, when the surrounding mountains are blanketed with snow.

Spring (September to November) is perfect for milder weather and blooming landscapes, making it a beautiful time for hiking and scenic tours. If you love warm weather and outdoor activities like boating or cycling, the summer months from December to February are perfect, with long sunny days and temperatures averaging around 20-30°C. Autumn (March to May) brings stunning colours to the region, with golden trees lining the lakes and a relaxed vibe in town—a favourite for photographers and those seeking a quieter getaway.