AUCKLAND - WAITOMO - ROTORUA
AUCKLAND - WAITOMO (200km, 2hour 50 mins)
WAITOMO - ROTORUA (166km, 2hour 20 mins)
After collecting your motorhome, head south for Waitomo. This area is where you will find limestone caves, glowworms and underground adventure activities such as black water rafting.  Visitors can experience the caves either by walking, boat ride or a wet black water caving trip.
Browse the Museum of Caves and enjoy many exhibits on cave formations, flora and fauna, and learn about the history of caves in the area www.waitomo-museum.co.nz Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Waitomo area.
Activities in the Waitomo area could include:

• The Waitomo region is home to three caves that are open to the public: The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave. www.waitomocaves.co.nz. While these cost money to enjoy, you can also enjoy free caves in the area - Piripiri is one of them.
• Browsing rock formations at Mangapohue Natural Bridge
• Marokopa Falls
• Billy Black's Kiwi Culture Show: visitors gain an insight into New Zealand's pioneer farming heritage. www.woodlynpark.co.nz
• Cave tubing or blackwater rafting: www.blackwaterrafting.co.nz, www.waitomo.co.nz
• The Lost World Cave: Abseil 100 metres/ 328 feet down into the cave (accompanied by a guide). Time: 4 to 7 hours depending on tour option taken www.waitomo.co.nz
• Haggis Honking Holes: this four-hour cave trip includes professional abseiling instruction followed by a caving trip with four abseils, rock climbing, and traversing an underground river. www.waitomo.co.nz
• For more information on the Waitomo area visit www.waitomo.org.nz

After looking around Waitomo and surrounding areas, take the road to Rotorua.

ROTORUA - TAUPO
(80km, 1hour 10mins)
In Rotorua visitors have the opportunity to experience a number of Maori culture activities and attractions. There are about 35 marae (tribal meeting grounds) in the Rotorua district, most of which lie in rural areas. Visitors may be lucky enough to stay as a guest on a marae - an experience they will never forget.
Spend the afternoon discovering the Maori history and culture of the area. Visit the village of Ohinemutu - the original village around which Rotorua Township was built. A feature of this area, aside from its significance to local history, is the active geothermal ground upon which it is built - and St Faith's Church and the many meeting houses dotted through the village. If you are thinking about going to a hot spring while you are in the area, we recommend Waikite Valley which is just out of Rotorua.
Other activities in the Rotorua area include:

• Trout fishing: visitors are spoilt for choice, with 11 main lakes, a myriad of crystal-clear streams and four different species of trout to fish. Charter a boat, skippered or self-drive or take on a guide
• Boat cruise: craft range from self-drive pontoons to a luxurious 15 metre/50 foot catamaran that cruises Lake Tarawera with Clearwater Charters
• Jet boating: try an adrenaline-injecting excursion on a local river
• Areas of geothermal interest: at nearby geothermal hotspots there are geysers spouting, acrid-smelling mud pools bubbling and belching and warm geothermal springs and ponds that create a kaleidoscope of colour

For those who choose to stay in the Rotorua area for a few days, activities include:

• Whakarewarewa Forest: visit the giant Californian redwood trees. With Rotorua becoming well known as a mountain bike adventure mecca, one of the main activities in the Forest is mountain biking through a network of trails. Mountain bikes can be hired and guided trips are available. Other activities in the Forest include running, walking and horse riding
• Volcano tours: join a 4WD tour to the dormant volcano of Mt Tarawera. Take a guided walk in and around craters, and see spectacular views of surrounding lakes and mountains
• White water rafting: experience the most exciting river locations, including thrilling rapids on the Rangitaiki River and New Zealand's highest commercially rafted waterfall on the Kaituna River. Fulljames is a good spot for kayaking if you are into play-boating.

For more information on Rotorua visit www.rotoruanz.com
After checking out Rotorua, head for Taupo and spend the night there.
Lake Taupo is one of the North Island's most popular holiday destinations, both in summer and in winter. Taupo town centre is crammed with cafes and interesting shops and the Huka Falls area is great for picnics and nature walks.
To get a feel for the Lake Taupo region, options for visitors include:

• Huka Falls: watch as over 200,000 litres/44,000 gallons of water fall over the cliff face every second, or take a jet boat ride to the base of the Falls
• Craters of the Moon: walk around an active thermal area with mud pools, craters and steam in the Wairakei Tourist Park. Visit Wairakei Geothermal Visitor Centre to view displays and audio-visuals of the Wairakei and Ohaaki geothermal power schemes
• Prawn Park hatchery: tour the geothermal hatchery then head to the restaurant for a meal of prawns

For more information on the Taupo region visit www.laketauponz.com

TAUPO - NAPIER
(143km, 2hour 5mins)
From Taupo, continue the journey on the scenic route (Highway 5) to Napier. The Hawke's Bay region is known for its wine, food and fabulous scenery. Many of the vineyards offer visitors a wine tasting and indoor/outdoor dining experience. Napier and Hastings, the two main towns in the region, have a high concentration of Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture. Following a major earthquake in 1931, the towns were rebuilt in these unique styles.
Afternoon activities and attractions include:

• Art Deco tours: enjoy a tour of this unique city with a trained guide from the Art Deco Trust
• Art Deco shopping: visit the Art Deco Shop for gifts related to the Art Deco style, a treasure trove of books about early 20th century design, and everything that a visitor could want to know about Art Deco Napier
• Hawke's Bay Museum: see the 1931 Earthquake Exhibition and Nga Tukemata, an exhibition that celebrates the history and ancestral treasures of the Ngati Kahungunu people of the East Coast
• Self-guided or guided wine touring: check www.hawkesbaynz.com for guided tour operator details.
• Pernel Fruitworld: see over 12,000 fruit trees in the heart of an extensive orchard district surrounding Hastings
• Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony: take a tour to this accessible mainland gannet colony

Overnight in Napier. Dining options could include visiting one of the many vineyards offering evening meals.
Visitors able to stay additional days in Hawke's Bay can choose from the following attractions and activities:

• Wine Country Food Trail: For food lovers wanting to taste all things fresh follow the popular Wine Country Food Trail which takes in many gourmet delights. Each food trail destination is well marked at the gate or entranceway, with a corresponding number on the food trail map.

• Maori cultural tours: join Long Island Tours for a few hours, a whole day or longer, for a trip into the countryside and the culture of the area. Overnight marae stays are an option
• Cycle tour: take a leisurely ride through the vineyard area with a company catering specifically for wine enthusiasts
• Waimarama or Ocean Beach: enjoy a day out at the beach with a picnic or portable BBQ

For more information on the Hawke's Bay area visit www.hawkesbaynz.com

NAPIER - WELLINGTON
(323km, 4hour 35min)
Head south on State Highway 2 through the Wairarapa and into Wellington over the Rimutaka Hill. Options include stopping at the small country towns of Carterton, Greytown, Featherston or Martinborough in the Wairarapa on the way through. If you do stop by the Wairarapa region a vineyard tour is strongly recommended.
Carterton
Carterton is the ideal base for outdoor activities and excursions to Waiohine Gorge and the Tararua Forest Park. If you wanted to spend an extra day in the area, you could:

• Go rafting, river-bugging, kayaking, abseiling, rap-jumping and bridge swinging: venture to the Waiohine Gorge, a beautiful grade 2 river or, just enjoy the Waiohine river gorge and native forest area. With the largest swing bridge of its type in New Zealand, Waiohine is a great place for picnics and bush walks

Greytown

• Historic Greytown is New Zealand's first inland town, and has retained its delightful colonial village character with wooden Victorian buildings. A leisurely stroll reveals a superb range of specialty shopping, from antiques to crafts, gift shops and galleries. Take a break at one of Greytown's cafes and restaurants.

Featherston

• The town is close to Lake Wairarapa, the biggest wetland area in the lower North Island and a significant area in New Zealand for native and migratory birds.

Martinborough

• A detour off State Highway 2 to Martinborough is worth the effort for the range of vineyards in the area - there are approximately 30 vineyards in and around Martinborough village. www.martinborough.com

For more information on the Wairarapa region visit www.wairarapanz.com
Overnight in Wellington

WELLINGTON
Wellington is the nation's capital and the political headquarters for the country. It is also home to Te Papa - the interactive Museum of New Zealand. Te Papa showcases numerous art galleries and national treasures such as the original Treaty of Waitangi and Katherine Mansfield's birthplace. The NZ performing arts, ballet and symphony orchestra are also based here and a diverse range of cafes and restaurants supports the city's vibrant nightlife. This is a compact city nestled between an expansive harbour and bush-clad hills. The downtown area is ideal for walking around, with all shopping, cafes, transport, accommodation and the city's attractions within close proximity.
If you decide to spend longer here, the easiest way to get around is by walking or catching the 'City Circular', a yellow bus that takes you to the key attractions and downtown shopping quarters of Wellington. The bus departs every 15 minutes from marked stops around the city.
Morning options could include the following attractions:

• Te Papa: New Zealand's bold and innovative national museum, set on Wellington's waterfront, provides visitors with a unique insight into New Zealand and the captivating stories of the land and hits people. www.tepapa.govt.nz
• Parliament Buildings: regular tours provide an insight into New Zealand's political heritage. www.parliament.govt.nz
• Museum of Wellington City and Sea: visitors are told stories of Wellington in an interactive and entertaining way www.museumofwellington.co.nz
• Katherine Mansfield's birthplace: the childhood home of the famous writer has been intricately restored according to the descriptions of the house in her stories. www.katherinemansfield.com
• Old St Paul's Cathedral: this gothic-style church was built from New Zealand native timbers. www.historic.org.nz

If you wanted a more comprehensive guide to Wellington, you could join a guided walking tour with Walk Wellington or, pick up a brochure available from a visitor information centre for self-guided walks, including a Maori heritage trail. You can also;

• Walk, pedal or rollerblade from the city around the waterfront to Oriental Bay. The energetic can continue up through the green belt to the summit of Mt Victoria for a 360-degree panorama of Wellington. Alternatively catch a bus from downtown Wellington up to the summit
• Take in the views of the city and surrounding region on a scenic helicopter flight
• Ride from downtown Wellington in the Cable Car up to the Botanic Gardens for sweeping views of the city and harbour
• The Botanic Gardens: wander through 26 hectares/64 acres of specialist gardens, native bush and lawn areas, down to historic Thorndon, New Zealand's oldest suburb
• Catch a ferry from the city across to Days Bay, home to seaside cafes and quality craft shops or to Somes/Matiu Island Reserve, a former quarantine and prisoner-of-war island and now a nature reserve with walking tracks and historic sites. www.doc.govt.nz

If you are just in Wellington for the evening you could;

• Dine out and enjoy a fine meal at one of Wellington's award-winning restaurants
• Go on an evening walking tour around the Wellington waterfront that highlights the people, places and events that have shaped the city
• Enjoy a night out at one of Wellington's many theatres - Bats theatre is a good one
• Watch people wander down Cuba Street
• Relax to some local music - Wellington has a very vibrant music scene

For more information on Wellington visit www.wellingtonnz.com 

WELLINGTON - PICTON - NELSON
WELLINGTON - PICTON (3hrs on the ferry)
PICTON - NELSON (110km, 1hour 35mins)
Catch the morning ferry service across Cook Strait into the beautiful Marlborough Sounds - visit www.interislander.co.nz for Interislander ferry timetables and information.
From Picton, drive west along the Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock, skirting the edges of Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds. Highlights include lookout points over the beautiful Sounds, easy walking tracks and safe swimming beaches. In Havelock stop and taste the locally grown mussels or browse the local art galleries.
At Havelock stop at Pelorus Bridge to take a short, unguided bush walk through native forest in the Mt Richmond Forest Park.
Arrive in Nelson late afternoon. Nelson is known for its year-round sunshine, golden beaches, proximity to three National Parks, 300-plus working artists and craftspeople, boutique wineries, fresh local produce and seafood, historical streetscapes, waterfront cafes and restaurants and a relaxed lifestyle.
Suggested afternoon activities could include:

• Harbour cruises: appreciate the city's seaside setting
• Walks: walk to the centre of New Zealand and view the city in its entirety, or try one of the many other short walks in and around Nelson city
• Yacht charter: hire a yacht for an afternoon or for several days
• Art and historic trails: pick up a map or brochure from the visitor information centre
• Adventure activities: choose an activity to suit, such as tandem skydiving, 4WD motorbike rides, horse treks, white water river sports, water skiing, sea kayaking and mountain biking
• Visiting local beaches: Tahunanui Beach, Rabbit Island and Cable Bay are all safe beaches within a short distance of Nelson city

• World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars Museum: houses costumes from the World of Wearable Art show a phenomenon initiated in Nelson. The show now held in Wellington is a changing spectacle fully choreographed with models, dancers and performers, dramatic stage sets, scripted lighting and music. Winning entries from the shows live exclusively in Nelson at the World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars Museum. www.wowcars.co.nz

Other activities that require a few days in the Nelson region include:

• Guided tours to Farewell Spit: enjoy this nature reserve on a sand spit jutting into the Tasman Sea. There are excellent 4WD safaris along the spit to the lighthouse and bird habitats - these are based in Collingwood, and it is recommended you book in advance for the safari trip
• Wharariki Beach: experience a wild and beautiful coastal landscape, where the wind and waves have created massive rock and sand dune formations. Easy half-day or, full-day walks

For those able to stay in the Nelson region longer, there are three National Parks close by with a range of activities:
The smallest of New Zealand's national parks, Abel Tasman is a compact treasure house of nature with glittering beaches, turquoise water and spectacular ocean views. A range of wildlife inhabits the area, including penguins and a seal colony in the Tonga Island Marine Reserve.
Visitors can experience the Park in the following ways:
Sea kayaking (one-day to multi-day trips): explore the coast from the water, rest on beaches with no foot access and observe the marine wildlife. Kayak tour operators are mostly based at Marahau, Kaiteriteri and Moteuka. They offer guided trips or freedom rentals (providing equipment, instruction and full safety briefings)
Day trips or overnight stays: water taxis can drop visitors into the Park to walk sections of the Track. Visitors also have the option of staying a night in a variety of accommodation styles. There are also day cruises and nature tours that include walking through the park
For those with a bit of time up their sleeves - The Abel Tasman Coastal Track (three to five days): a 51km track that takes an average of three to five days to complete.  There are tidal crossings, which can only be crossed within a few hours either side of low tide. Along the track there is a mixture of accommodation facilities ranging from basic Department of Conservation (DOC) huts and campsites to independently owned lodges with excellent facilities. The Department of Conservation require visitors to book campsites and huts in advance.
Kahurangi National Park
This Park of 451,000 hectares/1.1 million acres of glaciated mountain ranges and rich forest is home to an exceptional variety of native plants and wildlife. The best known hiking trail is the Heaphy Track, a walk that takes four or five days from the Aorere Valley across to the northern West Coast and Karamea. Have a look at the Walking and Hiking page on our website for more information.
Activities around Kahurangi include:

• Walking and tramping: there are more than 570 km/354 miles of track in the Park. The more popular longer walks include the Heaphy Track (one of New Zealand's Great Walks) and the Wangapeka Track. Short walks are available at most road ends.
• Kayaking: remote, wild rivers are a feature of Kahurangi. Most are suitable for experienced kayakers only. Commercial rafting tours are available.
• Fishing: the Karamea River is prized internationally for its trout fishing.

Nelson Lakes National Park.
This park protects 102,000 hectares/251,851 acres of the northernmost Southern Alps, with tranquil beech forest, craggy mountains, clear streams and lakes, both big and small.
The gateway to the Park is St Arnaud, a picturesque village just 1.5 hours' drive from Nelson or Blenheim. St Arnaud and Lake Rotoiti are accessed by State Highway 63 from Blenheim. A side road, about halfway between St Arnaud and Murchison, leads to Lake Rotoroa. Water taxis operate on both Lakes.
Attractions and activities include:

• Lake Rotoiti: walk beside this lake.
• Lake Angelus: follow an alpine trail to this lake. The heavily protected native bush allows visitors to see New Zealand as it would have been 500 years ago.
• Fishing: Lakes Rotoroa and Rotoiti are renowned as fly-fishing lakes. Fish for brown and rainbow trout.
• Mountaineering: there are a number of good winter climbing routes suitable for experienced trampers and climbers.

Read more about the National Parks on the Department of Conservation website www.doc.govt.nz.  It provides important information on booking requirements for huts and campsites.

NELSON - GREYMOUTH
(290km, 4hour 10mins)
The road to Greymouth on State Highway 6 follows a series of narrow valleys and saddles, with the highlight being the scenic Buller Gorge. From Westport to Greymouth there is magnificent coastal scenery, including the well known Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki - unusual limestone rock formations with seawater forced skyward through blowholes. The Blowholes operate at high tide and are best on a blustery day when there are big seas - tide times can be checked at visitor information centers. The pancake rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki are a must see in New Zealand - they are magic.
Stay overnight in the Greymouth area. Greymouth is the largest township and the commercial heart of the West Coast. Along with its surrounding rural townships, the town provides a selection of guided tours and walks, adventure, galleries, craft outlets and cafes. This is the home of Shantytown and the daily destination for the TranzAlpine train.
There are a few things to do in and around Greymouth:
Jade Boulder Gallery at Greymouth: the gallery allows visitors to see different types of jade in its natural state, jade carvers at work and the opportunity to purchase individually designed sculptures and jewellery

• The Left Bank Art Gallery: enjoy a showcase of talent from around the region in exhibition and retail areas
• Shantytown, 15 minutes south of Greymouth: visit this replica pioneering town with steam train rides, a working gold claim where visitors can successfully pan for gold, as well as 30 historic buildings including the local saloon, jail, church, hospital and school
• Blackball (30 minutes inland from Greymouth): Blackball is where the New Zealand Labour Party was founded. Visit the well known hotel 'Formerly the Blackball Hilton'
• Lake Brunner and the small township of Moana (20 minutes inland from Greymouth): take in sweeping views from lakeside tracks and enjoy renowned trout-fishing opportunities

Visit www.west-coast.co.nz for more information on the area.

GREYMOUTH - FRANZ JOSEF OR FOX GLACIER
GREYMOUTH - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER (177km, 2hour 30min)
FRANZ JOSEF - FOX GLACIER (23km, 20mins)
Depart Greymouth for Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. En-route, you could stop by Hokitika, the third largest town on the West Coast.
Here visitors can:

• Visit Westland's WaterWorld to see the indigenous kokopu (a prehistoric fish), other local fish species and freshwater eels
• Wander around Hokitika Historical Museum, where displays include an audio-visual about the history of the area
• View kiwis in nocturnal display at the National Kiwi Centre
• Watch glass blowers in action at the Hokitika Glass Studio
• Shop at one of the many craft galleries for jade, hand-blown glass, gold nugget jewellery, woodcrafts, and wool products

You can also stop in Ross, a goldmining town that still has working goldmines, including one of the deepest operations in the Southern Hemisphere. Visitors can take a goldfields heritage tour from the Ross Goldfields information centre.
Another option is to stop at Whataroa to visit the only nesting colony of the white heron (kotuku) in New Zealand. The bird's breeding season is between October and March. Visitors may visit the area year round on a rainforest nature tour, but are not likely to see birds nesting within the colony outside the breeding season.

GLACIERS
Glacier Country
Westland National Park can be accessed from this area - the small villages of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef are right on the Park boundary and are located just 5 km/ 3 miles from their respective glaciers. Each of the glaciers descends 2,500 metres/ 8202 feet in a journey of over 13 km/ 8 miles. They are remarkably accessible and extend to the valley floors.
There are more than 60 glaciers in the Westland/Tai Poutini National Park. Two of them - the Fox and the Franz Josef - are unique in that they flow down to temperate rainforest.
The glaciers stem from snowfields high in the Southern Alps, but Maori legend explains their existence more poetically. It is said that a beautiful girl named Hinehukatere loved the mountains in this park and encouraged her lover, Tawe, to climb them with her. He slipped and fell to his death and Hinehukatere's tears formed the glaciers. The area is known as "Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere" - the tears of the avalanche girl.
Attractions and activities

• Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers: a range of companies offer guided walking and heli-hiking excursions to explore the spectacular ice formations. All companies provide professional guides that give full explanations regarding the geological features, flora and fauna of the area. Or, you could just go off on your own and explore the area - don't cross the barriers though!

TIP: Scenic flights are not always guaranteed departures due to the weather conditions.  If you clients are extremely keen on taking a flight then it is recommended you schedule several days in the West Coast region to increase the chances of a flight.

• A number of self-guided walks are available surrounding the glaciers providing excellent vantage points for viewing the glaciers as well as exploring the rainforest environments.

Other attractions and activities in the Glacier area:

• Scenic flights over Westland National Park and the glaciers: these flights can include snow landings.
• Lake Matheson (10 mins from Fox Glacier): on a clear day visitors will see perfect reflections of New Zealand's highest peaks at Aoraki

GLACIERS - WANAKA
FOX GLACIER - WANAKA (264km, 3hour 45mins)
Depart the Glaciers and continue the journey through Haast to Wanaka. Visit the Haast Information Centre for excellent displays on the local environment and information on walks available within the area.  Another option in Haast is to go on a jetboat ride on the Haast River - a journey into the heart of South West World Heritage area.  www.haastriver.co.nz
The drive from Haast Junction to Wanaka takes approximately two hours. The journey through Haast Pass is very rugged and scenic, so it is recommended you stop along the way. The journey winds around Lake Hawea and Wanaka before arriving in the Wanaka township mid-afternoon. The Department of Conservation set up various short walkways along this route that offer visitors an opportunity to get away from the road and visit the beautiful scenery of New Zealand's Southern Alps and river valleys.
A wide range of attractions and adventure sports are within reach of Wanaka. Take a scenic cruise on Lake Wanaka, sample some exquisite local wines or, fresh fish at one of the easily accessible spots. Alternatively, venture into the hills and mountains surrounding Wanaka. Skiing, heli-skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, tramping and climbing are also available in this area. If action packed Wanaka isn't your thing, you could always stop off at Kai Whaka Pai café for a nice coffee or, a local brew on tap. 
Afternoon activities and attractions include:

• The New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum: see a collection of flyable World War II fighter aircraft
• Puzzling World: get lost in a world of jigsaw puzzles and an epic hour-long outdoor maze
• Wanaka Beerworks: take a tour of this boutique brewery, located next to Wanaka airport
• Cardrona Hotel: sit outside in the garden by day or the fire by night. Have a good ole kiwi pub meal or, one of the local brews on tap. Don't forget to have a Brewski!
• Wanaka Transport Museum: view a unique private collection of cars, fire engines, bicycles, army tanks, model cars or, aircraft
• Flightseeing: scenic flights operate throughout the South Island's alpine region: Milford Sound, Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring. Remote area landings are available in Mt Aspiring National Park for trampers, climbers and hunters

Visitors who stay in Lake Wanaka for few days may be interested in:

• Trout fishing: guided fishing on the lakes, rivers and streams in the area. The region offers superb brown and rainbow trout fishing
• Guided photographic and nature tours
• Canyoning: join a guided descent of canyons in the Wanaka region
• Activities on Lake Wanaka: yachties, water skiers, kayakers and wind surfers can take to the waters of the Lake
• Horse trekking: venture into the wilderness of the region
• Walking: numerous walks are available in the area, from one hour to four days
• Mountaineering: go guided mountaineering and trekking in the National Park
• White water kayaking or eco-rafting: enjoy the rivers in the Wanaka region
• Alpine and heli mountain biking: take to the highest mountain bike tracks in New Zealand
• Rock climbing: join a rock climbing trip with instruction, courses and ascents
• White water sledging: sledge the rapids on a purpose-designed board

Winter activities

• Harris Mountain Heli-skiing: experience heli-skiing and heli-boarding
• The skifields of Cardrona and Treble Cone, and the Waiorau Nordic ski area
• Cardrona Alpine Resort

Accessible from Queenstown or Lake Wanaka, this international resort offers a glorious alpine atmosphere with extensive facilities. Renowned for its natural snow, long season and wide open basins, there's a wonderful mix of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.  www.cardrona.com 

• Treble Cone Ski Area

Treble Cone is the New Zealand ski field that's bigger on terrain, higher in altitude, bigger in size, wider in scope and offers more vertical than any other ski area in the area. The terrain is slightly better than Cardrona and the slopes link to one another - no need to push! www.treblecone.co.nz 

• Snow Farm

Located 200 meters/ 656 feet south of Cardrona Alpine resort entrance.
This is New Zealand's only commercial cross-country ski resort, with trails for all ages and all abilities. The resort can be enjoyed in both summer and winter - accommodation is available in huts on the mountain, and a restaurant offers a unique alpine atmosphere. www.snowfarmnz.com 

• Snow Park www.snowparknz.com

An all-mountain terrain park featuring half pipes, terrain and rail parks and a skier or, boarder cross course.
Visit www.lakewanaka.co.nz for more information on activities and itineraries in the area.

WANAKA - QUEENSTOWN
(117km, 1hour 30mins)
Drive the short distance on State Highway 6 detouring to the old gold mining village of Arrowtown. Stop for morning tea and have a look through the cobblestone shopping area. There is also a good fudge shop here if that's your thing! In autumn, Arrowtown throws its annual Autumn Festival which is worth a look if it fits in with your travel date.
Spend the rest of the day and evening in Queenstown. There is always something to do in Queenstown, no matter what the season. In the summer as the temperatures rise, Queenstown's numerous waterways will make you smile and in the winter, snow-capped mountains and vibrant colours will do the same. In the winter, Queenstown and the surrounding region turn into an alpine playground with skiing and snowboarding opportunities everywhere as well as the annual Winter Festival.
In spring, skiers can enjoy spring snow conditions, the sailing is exciting and the Queenstown gardens are in full bloom. To fully appreciate the spring scenery, it may be a good idea to book a fixed wing or helicopter flight.
Attractions and activities in Queenstown include:

• Skippers Canyon: enjoy a mix of history and high adventure including bungy jumping, rafting, a flying fox and jet boating. It is recommended that visitors take a guided excursion in Skippers Canyon as the road is extremely dangerous
• Jet boating: experience the Shotover, Kawarau or Dart River Jets
• White water rafting: carve though the rapids on the Shotover or Kawarau River
• Gondola ride: rise 450 metres/1475 feet above Queenstown to Bob's Peak to enjoy views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, from every vantage point. Enjoy a luge ride (a luge is a short, raised toboggan for one person seated) down a slope from the top of the gondola ride
• TSS Earnslaw: cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard this vintage steamboat
• Arts and wine: follow a wine trail or the Wakatipu Arts Trail
• Trout and salmon fishing: test the waters all year round
• Country life experiences: try horse trekking or see sheep shearing and working sheepdogs
• Bungy jumping: New Zealand is the home of the first commercial Bungy, and in Queenstown there are lots of opportunities to try it.

Winter activities include:

• Skiing: venture onto one of the four fields in close proximity to Queenstown - the Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona and Treble Cone
• Night skiing: twilight skiing takes place at Coronet Peak ski area
• Heli-skiing and heli-boarding
• Snowmobile: take an icy adventure aboard a snowmobile

Visit www.queenstownnz.co.nz for more information on Queenstown.

QUEENSTOWN - FIORDLAND
QUEENSTOWN - TE ANAU (170km, 2hours 45 mins)
TE ANAU - MILFORD SOUND (121km, 2hours 20 mins)
Leave Queenstown as early as possible - 7am is recommended as the day's journey, although scenic, is long. Travel to Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Area and the largest national park in New Zealand. The Park covers 1.2 million hectares (2.9 million acres) and has natural wilderness on a grand scale, where waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into pristine, forested valleys, and glacier-carved fiords indent its coastal boundaries.
Milford and Doubtful Sounds provide visitors with unequalled experiences of the natural beauty and wilderness of New Zealand.
Milford Sound
The road to Milford is a wonderful alpine drive. From Te Anau the road winds down the Eglington and Hollyford Valleys, then through the Homer Tunnel before being greeted by Mitre Peak towering from the glassy waters of Milford Sound (approximate driving time from Queenstown - five hours five minutes). Arrive around midday or early afternoon.
One of the main activities at Milford Sound is a boat cruise which extends the full length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea, stopping at various points of interest along the way to view waterfalls and marine life. Cruises leave from the main wharf at Milford Sound.
Other activities include:

• A visit to the Underwater Observatory, a facility designed to educate visitors about the recently discovered life under Milford Sound.
• Scenic flights over Fiordland National Park.

Overnight in Te Anau - the drive from Milford Sound to Te Anau is approximately two to 2.5 hours long or, if you don't want to drive far, you can overnight at Milford Sound.
For those visitors able to stay additional days in the Milford Sound area, activities could include:

• Guided nature hiking: venture into the wilderness
• Kayaking: paddle among towering cliffs and waterfalls and encounter seals and dolphins
• Guided diving trips: see black and red corals living at depths of less than 20 metres/65.6 feet

Doubtful Sound
Trips to Doubtful Sound start at the Manapouri Visitor Centre, where you transfer onto a launch or yacht to cruise across Lake Manapouri. You visit the underground hydroelectric generating station before taking a coach ride over Wilmot Pass, with its luxuriant vegetation and great views. On arrival at the Sound, enjoy a spectacular cruise to the Tasman Sea, encountering wildlife such as dusky dolphins, fur seals and crested penguins.
After a scenic journey alongside proud mountains and lakes, you arrive back in Te Anau for an overnight stay. Te Anau is an attractive town nestled on the shores of the South Island's largest lake, Lake Te Anau.
Activities in the Doubtful Sound area are:

• Diving/fishing charters
• Activity combinations: combine aerial sightseeing or a cruise trip into the Doubtful Sound region with activities such as bush walks, historic site visits and sea fishing
• Ecology tours: these multi-day tours include working alongside scientists
• Full- and half-day excursions: combine a coach journey, launch cruise and kayaking in the Manapouri/ Doubtful Sound area
• Kayaking: visitors can rent fully equipped kayaks by the day or overnight, or take a guided kayaking excursion on Lake Manapouri and/or Doubtful Sound.
• Te Ana-au Caves: join a 2.5-hour tour departing daily from Te Anau to visit the Caves, including a glowworm grotto

For more information on Fiordland visit www.fiordland.org.nz

FIORDLAND - QUEENSTOWN
MILFORD SOUND - QUEENSTOWN (291km, 4hour 10mins)
Take a journey through mountains and alongside lakes on State Highways 94 and 6, arriving in Queenstown late morning. Spend a bit more time in Queenstown enjoying the many activities and attractions in the area.
For more information visit www.queenstownnz.co.nz

QUEENSTOWN - MT COOK
(263km, 3hour 45mins)
Leave Queenstown in the morning and head along State Highway 6, all the way to Cromwell in Central Otago. Based on the edge of Lake Dunstan, this area of Central Otago is known for its fruit orchards and a growing wine centre. The settlement of Clyde provides an insight into the gold mining heritage of this region.
From Cromwell, join State Highway 8 for the journey through Lindis Pass to the Mt Cook area. Take time to enjoy the sheer beauty of the scenery and landscapes. Small rock sculptures line both sides of the roads and the opportunity to add to the long line of rock piles is all yours.
At 3754 metres/12,308 feet, Aoraki (Mt Cook) is New Zealand's highest mountain. It towers above a splendid cast of massive snow-clad peaks that make up the Aoraki National Park. Nudging one side of Mt Cook is the mighty Tasman Glacier, a 30 km/18 mile giant and one of the longest (and dirtiest) outside the Himalayas.
Activities in the National Park include:

• Walking: there are short or day walks around Mt Cook village and into the main valleys. The most popular are to Kea Point and Hooker Valley. For more experienced trampers there are three alpine routes over the Mueller, Copland and Ball Passes
• Skiing: guided ski trips, suitable for intermediate skiers, can be taken down the Tasman Glacier. Helicopters can take experienced skiers to a number of locations in the Park for some wilderness experiences. Ski touring is possible around the Tasman and Kelman huts but alpine experience is required
• Glacier Explorer boat trip: a unique experience, this boat tour explores the melting ice face of Tasman Glacier and icebergs carved off into the lake
• Scenic flights and glacier landings, fixed wing airplane or helicopter flights: regular scenic flights leave from Mt Cook, and Lake Tekapo airports

For more information on the Mt Cook area visit www.mtcook.org.nz

MT COOK - CHRISTCHURCH
(331km, 4hour 45mins)
Make your way from Mt Cook to Christchurch while stopping for lunch in Geraldine, a farming township. You may wish to take a walk around town following the Historic Town Trail or, head to Verde for lunch.
Continue to Christchurch via State Highway 1 through Ashburton, the commercial centre of one of New Zealand's richest agricultural and pastoral regions.
If you are looking for an alternative route and you are in New Zealand during the winter months, you could drive back to Christchurch via Methven, a base for Mt Hutt's ski field and other ski areas (a short detour off the Inland Scenic Route 72). The Methven Visitor Centre makes bookings for accommodation, skiing packages, and transport to and from ski areas. There are also other outdoor adventure activities in this area including tandem skydiving, balloon flights and jet boating.

CHRISTCHURCH
If time permits before you leave Christchurch you could check out the following activities:

• Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens
• Mona Vale Homestead: wander through 5 hectares/12 acres of gardens and take in views of the Avon River
• Christchurch Tramway: take an historic tram ride around the city centre. Trundle through the tree-lined streets and wander past buzzing cafes. A great way to experience the inner city of Christchurch
• Christchurch Gondola: unique views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour unfold as passengers rise to the summit complex, located on the crater rim of an extinct volcano
• Punting on the Avon River: sit back and relax in a guided punt past the sights of the central city
• 'Up, Up and Away': take a dawn balloon flight over Christchurch city
• Guided walks: see Christchurch city and its heritage buildings
• Canterbury Museum, including the Hall of Antarctic Discovery: housed in one of Christchurch's finest historic buildings are stunning displays such as Nga Taonga Tukuiho O Nga Tupuna 'Treasures handed down by our ancestors', which features the classic Maori period
• The International Antarctic Centre: the Centre features a real 'Snow and Ice Experience' and a 45-minute 'Behind the Scenes' tour of the Antarctic Campus
• Arts Centre of Christchurch: situated in the historic buildings of the original University of Canterbury, the Arts Centre is one of New Zealand's most significant cultural attractions and is today a dynamic venue for arts, shopping and entertainment. www.artscentre.co.nz
• Christchurch Art Gallery: an eclectic mix of local and overseas artists exhibiting both traditional and contemporary work www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz
• Southern Encounter Aquarium: enjoy an interactive aquarium in the city centre
• Willowbank Wildlife Reserve: learn about a kiwi breeding programme and see native New Zealand bird life

For more information visit www.christchurchnz.net