Around South Island in a fortnight

The scenery there is amazing, with a combination of snow capped mountains, volcanic coastlines and endless grass carpeted meadows, and there are plenty of activities that will keep any visitor occupied and busy for at least two weeks.

If you love wine and food, Marlborough is the place to visit. There are many vineyards, including the famous Cloudy Bay winery and vineyard, which is open to the public. They conduct regular tasting of wines for visitors and wines can be bought by the crate at a discount from the vineyard.

Besides wine, Marlborough is also famous for its seafood, especially salmon and mussels.

The Nelson region, about a three-hour drive from Marlborough, is known for its many outdoor adventure activities that will thrill the young and the young-at-heart equally, like sailing, diving, kayaking and boating.

Do take some time out to check out the Abel Tasman National park with its coastline of turqoise waters and golden beaches, or the Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes National Parks which boast rugged mountains scenery and enchanting native plant and bird life.

THrill seekers will love Queenstown, which is the home of bungee jumping, jet boating, white water rafting and paragliding.

However, the more leisurely inclined can also find plenty to do here. The area has great rainbow trout, brown trout and quinnat salmon fishing for those with the patience and skill.

Wine tasting is fast becoming one of the more popular ways to see the greater Queenstown region.

You may choose to join a wine tour that will bring you to Gibbston Valley, Chard Farm or Peregrine Winery - just three of a number of top class boutique wineries here.

For something different, step back in time at the historical Arrowtown with its quaint, tree-lined streets, miners’ cottages and shops. They have been preserved as they were during the 19th century gold rush era for that authentic experience and feel. Arrowtown is a 20 minute drive from Queenstown.

If you tire of the countryside, check out Christchurch, South Island’s biggest city, which boasts theatres and modern art galleries.

For a breathtaking view of the city, go on the Christchurch Gondola, which takes visitors up 500m bove sea level to the summit of an extinct volcano.

Another popular destination is the International Antartic Centre, which allows visitors to experience the South Pole without braving the cold and long travel.