As well as bungy jumps and jet boats there are quieter pursuits, like lake cruises, golf, woodland walks and some great shopping and dining out. Winter sees the region transformed into one of New Zealand’s premier skiing destinations with apres ski to match.
Away from the buzz of the resorts, the serene landscapes of Fiordland National Park are another world. Here in the ice-sculpted fiords of Milford and Doubtful Sound visitors can experience more peace than most enjoy in a lifetime, amidst scenery that is simply breathtaking. With good reason, the region claims to have some of the most inspiring hiking trails in the world, including the renowned Milford Track.
Take a scenic steam train ride, pan for gold, visit orchards, vineyards or a sheep station or explore the underwater world of Milford Sound in the latest high-tech submarine - there is something for everyone in this diverse and fascinating part of New Zealand, which also takes in the sun-baked hills and plains of Central Otago.
Queenstown
One of the world’s great adventure sport capitals, Queenstown offers just about every kind of gravity-defying experience imaginable: shoot the rapids of the Shotover River on a rafting trip or race up its canyons in a jetboat; try hang gliding, ballooning, luging and parapenting. Alternatively, do nothing at all and just enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of one of New Zealand’s most pleasant and scenic towns. With an idyllic lakeside location, Queenstown faces the imposing range of the Remarkables.
Wanaka
Set on the southern shore of Lake Wanaka, this small town is a lively resort both in winter and summer, with all the charm but less of the hype of its larger rival, Queenstown. It commands sensational views of Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps, which are often mirrored in the lake’s placid waters and best enjoyed on one of the scenic cruises on offer. The town’s intriguing maze and cluster of museums, among them the Fighter Pilot Museum, are a worthwhile distraction from a choice of easy day walks and more adventurous activities such as canyoning, rock climbing and mountaineering, mountain biking, horse riding and jeep safaris.
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Northland