Wellington is the political capital of New Zealand. The city is compact, cultured and full of character. Nestled between the harbour and the hills, the downtown area is ideal for explorations on foot - shopping, cafes, transport, accommodation and the city’s major attractions are compressed into an area that’s conveniently walkable. Wellington’s visitors come to browse museums, historic places and galleries, including the highly acclaimed national museum Te Papa. From a food and wine point of view, the city is truly delectable. Night time entertainment includes professional theatre, live concerts, comedy shows and dance performances.

Dip into a world of golden beaches, native forest and wildlife encounters
Named for Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who first visited the region in 1642, this national park is New Zealand's smallest - but it's perfectly formed for relaxation and adventure.

Visitors love the way the Abel Tasman National Park mixes physical exertion with beach life. Bursts of hiking or kayaking are punctuated by sun bathing, swimming and sedate snorkelling around the characteristic granite outcrops.

Those who crave home comforts can stay in luxurious lodges, but sleeping under the stars is regarded as the ultimate way to experience the spirit of the Abel Tasman.

Once the site of the Maori pa Mawhera (which means ‘wide spread river mouth’, in reference to the town’s river mouth location), Greymouth is the largest town on the South Island’s west coast. The area has a history of gold mining, which can be appreciated at the local museum and nearby Shantytown. The local brewery is something of a New Zealand legend; it runs tours that include a tasting session. Other Greymouth entertainments include sea fishing, fly fishing, a quayside walk and hiking the Elizabeth Track, which passes through a scenic reserve and old goldmining sites. Around the town you’ll find galleries specialising in pounamu (New Zealand jade).

Named after Sir William Fox, New Zealand’s Prime Minister from 1869 to 1872, Fox Glacier describes both the glacier and the nearby village. Like its twin, Franz Josef, the glacier descends from the Southern Alps down into temperate rainforest just 300 metres above sea level. To see the glacier, you can walk to the terminal face, arrange an ice-hiking adventure or book a sightseeing flight. There are glow worm caves just a short walk from the town centre, which offers a good choice of cafes and restaurants. Close to Fox Glacier is beautiful Lake Matheson, one of the most photographed lakes in New Zealand (on a clear day it reflects Mount Cook).

The resort town of Queenstown is sophisticated and fantastically scenic. Its lake and mountain landscape is suited to almost any kind of adventure; but Queenstown is just as well known as a place for indulgence. The area’s history is intertwined with gold. In 1862, two sheep shearers struck it rich at the edge of the Shotover River. The ensuing gold rush town was named Queenstown because '...it was fit for Queen Victoria'. Adventure activities include snow sports, bungy jumping, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting. Indulgent experiences include exceptional food and wine, lake cruises, spa treatments, boutique shopping and leisurely games of golf.