Places to see in South Island

Days 1 and 2: Marlborough

The South Island of New Zealand is one of the most picturesque places in the world. North Island is home to some of the most spectacular sandy areas and the two most cosmopolitan towns in the nation, but the unspoilt, rugged natural beauties and variety of terrain characterise South Island. Whilst there is enough in New Zealand to keep the visitor excited for month, it is certainly possible to see the South Island in just twoweek.

Cross the Cook Strait to Picton on the South Island on Bluebridge Ferry and enjoy a few relaxing hours in the Marlborough area. Located in the north of the South Island are a number of world-class vineyards such as Cloudy Bay, Fromm Winery and Nautilus Estate.

From Picton you can also start your tour of the area. Marlborough is the starting point for a north-west drive to Abel Tasman National Reserve, which lasts two full Swedishays. As one of the most scenic holiday resorts in New Zealand, the reserve provides great hiking, paddling and beach camps.

While visiting Fat Tui you should definitely try a burgers in Fat Tui, which is right in front of the gardens. Drive south west to Franz Joseph, where there is a huge ice retreat directly behind the small city. If the weather is fine, a panoramic excursion by heli to the ice is a must, and if you are looking for a truly unforgettable adventure, you can also take a hiking and rock climb to the ice.

On your way back to the city, visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre to see a wealth of kiwi trees, the country's iconic landmark. Further south is Wanaka, a calmer alternate to Queenstown. And if you are looking for something to do outdoors, walking to nearby Roys Peak or canoeing around Lake Wanaka are both great opportunities.

Vanaka also boasts a large selection of great bar and restaurant venues, as well as the renowned Cinema Paradiso, which swapped its stage for sofas and serves tasty dishes before, during and after the performances. Queenstown, the most visited travel spot on the South Island and one of the most beautiful cities in the whole word, is just south of Wanaka.

In Queenstown you will find many outdoor pursuits which include hill cycling, bungy jump and some of the best hiking in the state. Having sweated for an entire day, you' ll be able to sample a few locally brewed beer at the Atlas Beer Cafe, right on Lake Wakatipu. Make a full days excursion south to Milford Sound, one of the most breathtaking nature rides on the South Island.

Set high in Fiordland National Parks, Milford Sound features a series of falls and rugged rocks that make you feel like you're being moved to another world. Whilst the Milford Sound provides many walking paths, a boat trip through the Milford Sound itself is the best way to do it. Departure from Queenstown to Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak and the renowned practice area for Sir Edmund Hillary, the first westerner on the peak of Mount Everest.

Mt Cook also provides a large selection of walking routes, chopper excursions and air travel for those less interested in mountaineering. Cristchurch is the biggest South Island municipality, and after a number of disastrous quakes in 2011, the municipality is rebuilding and reinventing itself. On your way back to Wellington, stop in the coastal township of Kaikoura for luncheon at Cooper's Catch, the city's undisputed best place for seafood and crisps.