Danny de Hek

Surprises await those who venture into the vast limestone country at the extreme north end of the South Island’s West Coast Road. Karamea is a secluded haven, 100 km north of Westport, which holds the entry key to this magical wilderness.

Perfect sunshine, clear blue-green waters and genuine golden sand, make Kaiteriteri a dream destination for holidaymakers. This seaside resort is well placed, being just 13 km from the busy township of Motueka, and 5 km from Marahau - the main gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.

Driving towards the southern end of the South Island’s West Coast Road, there is a strong sense of entering a primeval land, and a feeling of total isolation. Arriving at Haast, you are surrounded by a landscape of rainforest, wetlands, sand dunes and surf-pounded shingle beaches.

In this country of variety and contrast, it is not surprising to find a mineral Spa Resort deep in the rugged mountains of North Canterbury. Hanmer Springs, 140 km north of Christchurch, is a convenient stopover point on a South Island tour.

The ‘Coasters’ as the people of the West Coast are commonly known, are renowned for their independence, hospitality and strong community spirit. Greymouth, the largest town on the Coast, reflects this character.

A picturesque village at the head of Lake Wakatipu is known as the ‘Gateway to Paradise’. Although the title may seem presumptuous, it is true. For those who have been searching for Paradise it’s just 20 km northwest of Glenorchy.

In the deep heartland of Central Otago lies a modern town which is recognised as the ‘Cherry Capital of New Zealand’. Cromwell stands on the shores of Lake Dunstan, the vast hydro lake formed by the Clyde Dam.

Blenheim can proudly uphold the claim to be both ‘The Sunshine Capital’ and ‘The Foremost Grape Growing Area’ of New Zealand. The town is situated on the broad Wairau Plain, 27 km south of the Picton inter-island ferry terminal.

Ashburton is an attractive town with stately trees, elegant gardens, outstanding museums and superb fishing rivers brim-full of salmon and sea-run trout. The town is an important service centre on the banks of the Ashburton River, a one hour drive south of Christchurch.

In a high mountain pass on the main divide of the Southern Alps lies a picturesque alpine village. Arthur’s Pass got its name by a very practical process. Arthur Dobson made the first survey of the pass in 1864.

Alexandra is the Spring Blossom Festival town in the golden heart of Central Otago. This attractive town nestles at the head of Lake Roxburgh and is affectionately called ‘Alex’, by the locals.

Akaroa has an otherworldly character - a French colonial village nestling in a picturesque harbour in a remote corner of the Pacific. This charming seaside settlement is found in French Bay on Banks Peninsula, some 80 km from Christchurch.